Health Advises And Other Useful Suggestions

Allergies
Take note of your allergies. Even if the food seams to be particularly tempting, don't take any chances. You don't want your trip to be ruined by a bad case of rashes.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics should only be taken under medical supervision. Self-diagnosis and treatment is not safe at all. You may get a '100% sure diagnosis' from a so called native quac-doctor (somebody who uses magic and other weird stuff to heal)....don't take it, see a doctor instead.

Bed Bugs
Be prepared to encounter some bed bugs especially in remote lodgings. Calamine lotion may sooth the stings. But don't worry, the accommodations we are requesting are free of aliens.

Cuts
Wash them well then apply some antiseptic. It's not advisable to cover them up with Band-Aids as they only keep the wounds wet. Cuts from coral take a lot longer to heal but there is a very good solution to it....stay away from them.

Dengue Fever
Dengue is a potentially fatal viral disease whose signs and symptoms are fever, muscle and joined pains, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. Sometimes, small red spots appears after three or four days. Dengue is transmitted by the Aedeses aegypti mosquito, which is most active during the day specially in urban areas. To avoid mosquito bites, use an insect repellant and a mosquito net. Wear light-colored clothes. Steer clear of perfumes and aftershave lotion. Good news: There is no dengue present in Panglao.

Diarrhea
While woefully inconvenient, having diarrhea is common among travelers as the change in food and climate can send them rushing to the toilet. Dehydration is the major worry so it's important to drink lots of fluids. Loperamide or Diphenoxylate can relieve the symptoms. Otherwise the ailment would run it's course. Drink lots of water and avoid fatty food. If persist more then 4 to 5 days, see a doctor.

Drinks
Always play safe. If you're unsure about the quality of water, go for bottled water, which is widely available. Coffee and tea are safe bets as the water has been boiled. If you want to make water drinkable, boil it for 20 to 60 min. Be extra careful with 'Shakes'. These are juices made of pure fruits mixed with ice. Many hotels and resorts uses ice from made from mineral water for shakes. Just tell them your concerns. If not sure, opt for those in tetra- or doy packs.

Eye Glasses
If you wear prescription glasses, take an extra pair. But in case you forgot them, you can buy any kind of glass/prescription in Bohol.

Food
Filipinos are a clean lot and prepare their foods with care. Foods in households and restaurants are hygienically prepared. Beware of foods served on the streets, however, like hotdog's, barbeque and fish balls as they have been exposed to the elements. You might also want to take it easy on clams, mussels and oysters specially if you are not used to eating such things.

Fungal Infections
Fungal infections may be found on the scalp, between the toes (athlete's foot) or fingers, in the groin and the body (ringworm). To avoid fungal infection's wear comfortable clothes. Take frequent showers. Dry thoroughly. In case of infection, wash the infected area with a disinfectant daily. Rinse and dry then apply an anti fungal cream or powder. Expose the infected area for faster healing.

Health Insurance
Make sure that you have adequate health insurance whenever you travel. Additional I recommend the insurances PADI and DAN are offering.

Heat Exhaustion
Travelers not used to hot and high humid climates may suffer from heat exhaustion. Drink lots of fluids and avoid dehydrating fluids like coffee, tea, alcohol, etc and stay away from excessive physical exertion, especially under the sun.

Heatstroke
A heatstroke occurs when your body's heat-regulating mechanism breaks down and your body temperature rises to critical levels. Signs and symptoms include feeling sick, severe headache, lack of motor coordination and minimal perspiration. Seek medical attention immediately.

Insect Bites
Calamine lotion will sooth most insect stings and bites. However, people who are allergic to bee stings require immediate medical attention.

Jelly Fish
Getting in close contact with jellyfish can be a painfully, itchy experience. To relieve the pain, apply calamine lotion and take antihistamines and analgesics. If calamine isn't handy right away, vinegar will help a lot.

Leech
If a leech has latched itself on you, do not panic. Apply pressure on the leech. Do not pull it off. I did once apply extreme heat on it, for example from a lighter. That works too.

Lice
Lice may be found on a person's hair (head lice), clothes (body lice) or pubic hairs (crabs). Lice are transmitted through direct contact with infected people or through the use of personal items. Lie is terrible itchy. Powder or shampoo treatments are available in drugstores. Use them accordingly.

Malaria
Malaria is a potentially fatal disease whose signs and symptoms include fever, chills and sweating, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pains. It is spread by mosquito bites. To avoid mosquito bites, use an insect repellant and a mosquito net. Wear light colored clothes. Steer of perfumes and after shave lotion. There is no Malaria existing in Bohol but in certain areas on Palawan, Zamar and other provinces a Malaria prophylaxes is advisable.

Medical Problems
If you feel anything out of the ordinary, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid self-diagnosis and treatment.

Prescription Medicines
If you are taking medication of any kind, make sure that your supply lasts for the duration of your trip to avoid any inconvenience.

Prickly Heat
Excessive perspiration may cause prickly heat, an itchy rash most commonly found in a person's back. Keep cool. Take showers. Use baby powder.

Rabies
Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. It is transmitted from the saliva of infected animals like cats and dogs. Clean any bits or scratches from animals thoroughly. Seek medical attention.

Vaccination
About two month before you set off on your trip, consult your doctor for the type of vaccinations that you'll need. Make sure you get all of them before you leave. Carry proof of your vaccinations.

Water Purification
Boil water at least 20 minutes, better longer.

If we can be of any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact us: diving@phildivers.com