Travel Disease

What should you do if a snake bites? Snakes are one the most poisonous animal in the world. Therefore, it is very important for you to always protect yourself once you see them, because you might not know how venomous it is. If you got bitten and you are alone, but can safely move, go to ask for help. Some bites are not dangerous but when you got bitten by a venomous snake, the best way is for you to seek for medical attention as soon as possible. Poisonous snake bite will not be assessed by just relying at the bite site appearance. Therefore it is important to know the type of snake to be able to provide the best appropriate medical treatment. The best way to do also is to ask for medical help right away whatever the bite looks like. Try to be as calm and quiet as possible as you can to maintain your heart beat in normal rate, because the faster the heart beats, the faster the blood flow is and venom spread throughout your body is more faster.

Brief History of Phi Phi Island The Phi Phi Islands are island group in Southwestern Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west coast of Krabi. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. The name “Phi Phi” (pronounced as “pee-pee”). the word originates from Malay. The original name for the islands was Pokok Api-Api, or “fiery tree” or means grey mangrove which is found throughout the island. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the most populated part of the island group, although the beaches of the second largest island, Koh Phi Phi Leh are visited by many people as well for its beautiful characteristics such as cliffd, lagoons, clear blue water great view especially when you are taking a stunning photo at the top of the hill or known as Phi Phi View Poit, and it is also known for its clean white sand. Such characteristics are one of the reasons why tourist people got attracted to spend their hiolidays in that particular place. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai), are not much more than large limestone rocks extent out of the sea. The Islands are reachable by speedboats or Long-tail boats most often from Krabi Town or from various piers in Phuket Province. Phi Phi Don was primarily populated by Muslim fishermen during the late-1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim. The actual population however, if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, is much more Buddhist these days. The population is between 2,000 and 3,000 people (2013). From archaeological findings, people believed that the area was one of the oldest communities in Thailand, dating back to the prehistoric period. It is known that this province may have taken its name from Krabi, which means “sword”. This may come from a legend that an ancient sword was unearthed prior to the city’s founding. Reference: www.yatra.com/international-tourism/phi-phi-isand/history https://phi-phi.com/articles-phi-phi-info/culture/history.htm

As one of the Australian Consulate’s priority is the health and safety of their citizens. They conducted visits to clinics in PHI PHI island. We are very honored to be part of your preferred medical facility in PHI PHI.

Koh Phi Phi. Where to go? What to do? The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. 10 Reasons to visit Koh Phi Phi, Thailand After featuring in Leonardo DiCaprio’s hit movie The Beach, Koh Phi Phi was propelled to the kind of stardom that most celebrities can only dream of. Gracing the pages of travel websites and guidebooks the world over, Koh Phi Phi has been on the mind of travellers for many years now – and with its gorgeous beaches, scenic bays and incredible parties, it’s not hard to understand why. Fancy a break? Here’s why you should drop everything and head to Koh Phi Phi now.https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/11-reasons-to-just-drop-everything-and-visit-ko-phi-phi-thailand/ The beaches When you think of the archetypal Thai beach, you probably picture the kind that Koh Phi Phi has in spades. Soft sands, clear seas and always a bar on hand nearby to serve a fruity cocktail or ice cold beer. One of the bonuses of Phi Phi that it has a beach for everyone. If you’re looking for a party, you’ll find fire shows,bright lights and blooming bass lines all along Ao Loh Dalum. Want something a little quieter? Head to Loh Moo Dee or Toh Ko. From drinking and partying to snorkelling and dolphin spotting,there are plenty of things to do on the beaches of Koh Phi Phi- and plenty of beaches to explore. The Scenery If you somehow get bored of waking up to views of the beach and the never-ending sea, then don’t despair – there’s plenty of other kinds of scenery to enjoy in the island.. imposing limestone karsts jut upwards out of the sea, and the mountains covered in lush green forest that take up much of the island offer a transquility and sense of being close to nature that many places simply don’t. The Koh Phi Phi viewpoint can be reached in about haf hour, and the reward for oiling in the sun is a glorious panoramic view of the bays of the island – well worth the gallon of sweat you’ll pay for it with. The Party Whilst they might not be for everyone, one of the reasons why people come to the island of Koh Phi Phi is for its legendary parties. However you like to party, you’ll find it here. Along Ao Lo Dalam beach you’ll find plenty of bars that offer loud, electronic music by the sea, Stockholm Syndrome provides a base to play drinking games such as beer pong and there are also bars that feature live performances, sporting events and even live Muay Thai fights contended by regular punters. There are also free pool parties, where you can party in the pool whilst the sun goes down behind you, making for a partying experience that’ll be hard to beat. The Adventures Koh Phi Phi is a gateway to a world of fun things to do. One very popular activity is diving. The are plenty of dive shops on the island, featuring staff from all over the world, so there’s a good chance you’ll find someone who speaks your language. The water around Phi Phi is clear, and makes for a great place to spot the colourful fish, coral and even sharks. As well as diving, there are island tours, kayaking trips and – of course – excursions to the insanely beautiful Maya Bay. The Food The sheer number of tourists from all around the world who visit Phi Phi has led to the island developing a diverse selection of places to eat from. Whilst you can of course find all your Thai favourites, there are also great places to eat Indian food, Italian food and Middle Eastern food. As it’s an island, there’s incredibly fresh seafood to eat, and a tonne of fresh fruit – with The Mango Garden proving to be a great choice if you’re a fan of the sweet yellow fruit. There are several bakeries offering freshly baked treat to enjoy, and specialist coffee shops such as Aroy Kaffeine to start your day in. Top 10 best Restaurant in Koh Phi Phi Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant ACQUA Restaurant Aroy Kaffeine Oasis bar & restaurant Phi Phi Island Grand PP Arcade Garlic 1992 Dow Restaurant Tom Yam Only Noodles Unni’s Restaurant Reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g303908-Ko_Phi_Phi_Don_Krabi_Province.html The Weather Few places around the world can match the beauty of Koh Phi Phi on a warm, sunny day – and fortunately enough, that’s most of the time. Laying just off the Andaman coast, Koh Phi Phi enjoys the sun and its hot rays most of the year, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll be basking in the sun during your trip here. Of course, it’s also susceptible to the dreaded Thai rainy season, yet even then it’s unlikely to rain for several days at a time; more often than not, it will be a short downpour, followed by several days of hot sun. Booked those tickets yet? The Local people Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles thanks to its warm, friendly people – and that’s certainly the case on Koh Phi Phi. Whether it’s the porter who’ll carry your bags to the pier, or the lady making your bucket, the locals are bound to have a smile on their face and are sure to give you a warm welcome. Of course, being a tourist driven economy, it’s not surprising that the staff are friendly – but here there’s a sense that it’s genuine and that they mean it, and that can make all the difference. The Peacefulness Here on Koh Phi Phi, there are no crazily-driven motorbikes that’ll keep you on edge or awake with incessant honking, and there are also no cars speeding down the street. Throw in the serene palm-tree lined beaches and the gentle lapping of the waves, and you’ve got a peaceful environment in which to enjoy a

Saving time and money What do you think are the two things that most of us need to save up for before travelling to new places? We say it is time and money. We all have twenty-four hours a day, yes. But do we all have at least five days to spend on a remote island away from our responsibilities? No. Do we all have the liberty to spend cash on a plane ticket just for fun? No. Travelling is a privilege that is why the ultimate goal is to maximise every minute of it. No matter how much you prepare for a trip, something out of your control might happen. But it is up to you if you are going to prepare yourself and iron out your to do’s to make it as smooth as possible. One main tip that we can give you is to take time management seriously when you travel, and here’s why. Maximize the places you intended to visit You need to understand that sometimes, you can’t drop by all the famous tourist spots that you saw on the internet because of many possible reasons. But with careful planning, you learn how to prioritize what you want, and then you can work around it. Are you visiting the beach this time or are you staying in the city? When travelling, you have your goals translated into an itinerary, and it helps you keep track of your day as a whole. Organize a well-timed itinerary allows you to visit as many places as you can. Just make sure that you calculated time properly so that you won’t fail yourself in the end. Think about the location, consider travel time, be aware of how much time you are going to spend in each destination. When you plan your tour for the day, do you consider the time of each spot? It’s important to enjoy every moment of being in a foreign place, but you also have to know what to do and where to go next. More time Being ahead with your schedule is always better instead of underestimating the time to the places you needed to visit. You can accomplish more things in shorter period of time. And as a result it will give you more free time. Who doesn’t want any side trip, anyway? Isn’t it fun when you initially think that you can’t visit a particular place but turn out doing so because you managed your time well? Having more time to spend is what you need so you can go and explore the hidden places that the locals tell you about on random conversations. Enough Rest Compressing your time schedule will make you exhausted. How tired do you think you are? Just because you’re travelling doesn’t mean that you need to break your routine and sacrifice your health. Downtime When you have rested well, you don’t need to convert travel time to naptime. Instead, you talk to your travel buddies or start conversations with strangers on the way. Although it also feels nice to have a social media detox when you are travelling, you can spend your downtime on the internet to finally upload those photos or connect with your friends and family back home. Saving money Travelling is expensive! Some of us will save every week, a month or even a year to treat ourselves . Where are you staying? Is it expensive because it is one of the famous place? Or is it cheap because you have to switch train stations three times back and forth which will make you spend the same amount of money; probably even more? Making your precious time a priority will not just save you minutes or hours but also money and the effort that you need to exert. Managing your time is one of your focus during your travels will make you feel more fulfilled, calm, and in control. You improve your other skills and qualities as well. Implementing your schedule needs the self-discipline to avoid delayed. In result, you will be more efficient, and that will reduce your stress while travelling.

Sunscreen is IN One of the most common problems of many travellers is SUNBURN. Enjoying your holiday is incomplete without having fun under the sun. So, to enjoy your holidays here in Phiphi Islands. Don’t forget to bring SUNSCREEN every time. Most Dangerous times to be under the sun Whether it’s sand, snow, or cement reflecting the sun’s rays, from your skin’s perspective, some points of the day are more dangerous to be outdoors than others. When the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest, the most potential damage can be done to your skin. It was formerly recommended that people stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; however, the latest research indicates that the sun’s rays can be dangerous anywhere from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. That being said, no matter what time of day you go outside, you need to think about sun protection. A sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes of sun exposure. And don’t be fooled by overcast days. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate through a haze, which means you can get sunburned even if it’s cloudy. Your best bet: Use sunscreen whenever you go outdoors (making sure to use the amount suggested on the label) and make sure you reapply according to the directions, even if you don’t see the sun. Other Risks That Can Influence Your Sun Protection Skin color: While anyone can get burned, people with light-toned skin are at greatest risk for being burned in the shortest amount of time. Length of time in the sun: When you’re out having fun, it’s easy to lose track of time and your last sunscreen application. A good rule of thumb: “Whenever you travel, be sure to wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun,” says Dr. Sutker. “This is especially true during the first few days in a new place. The time you spend in the sun should be short the first day and can be gradually increased on subsequent days to help you avoid sunburn and allow the pigment cells in your skin to darken gradually, a process that helps protect your skin.” Location: Sunny climates closer to the equator will of course increase your exposure to the sun’s rays, but many people don’t know that higher altitudes can do so as well. If your vacation plans include traveling to mountain locations or high elevations, be especially conscientious about applying sun protection regularly because you’ll be exposed to more intense ultraviolet rays. Activities: Certain activities, such as lying on the beach or boating in swimsuits, can increase sun exposure as the rays bounce off the sand and water. This is when sun protection is particularly important. Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. Whenever possible, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, and a hat — preferably ones with built-in sun protection. Or, bring along an umbrella so you have access to some shade. Using Sunscreen Effectively When choosing a sunscreen, take into account the types of activities you’ll be participating in on your trip and how long you plan to be outside. The sun protection factor (SPF) represents the extra time sunscreen provides before your skin will burn. For example, if you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 — and apply it thoroughly, as directed — your skin should be protected from burning for 30 times the number of minutes it would normally take your skin to burn. This doesn’t mean you should stay in the sun that much longer — damage is still being done even if you don’t get a visible sunburn. Sunscreen needs to be applied about 30 minutes before your skin is exposed to the sun and reapplied at least every two hours (more often if you’re swimming or doing something that makes you sweat a lot). If you’re wearing a water-resistant sunscreen, follow the directions on the bottle. With these smart tips, you’ll be able to have lots of fun in the sun the next time you travel — without getting burned. Reference: https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-travel/sun-protection-on-vacation.aspx

Bed Bugs and Beyond Bed Bugs is one of the most frequent enemies of travelers while on their holiday. These bugs bites and the bite can be really itchy and might cause skin infection if not controlled. Here are some tips how to spot them and what to do if you come into contact with them. What Are Bed Bugs? They are tiny, oval, flat-topped, wingless bugs that can be easily overlooked. Ranging in color from white to light tan to a darker brown, an adult bed bug is about a quarter of an inch in size. Just-hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed. They are generally nocturnal, and with peak activity in the hour before dawn. How Do Bed Bugs Move About? They are hitchhikers. They burrow into things — like luggage — that move from place to place. That’s one way that unknowing travelers can bring them to other hotels or even all the way home. How Can You Tell if There Are Bed Bugs? Once you know what to look for, it’s not hard to find them if they’re there. You can look for signs in their hiding places, which include: Folds and creases in bed linens Seams and tufts of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture The area between the mattress and headboard Curtain pleats Corners of desks and dressers Wicker furniture Under loose wallpaper Along the edges of wall-to-wall carpeting If you don’t see the bed bugs themselves, you may find their fecal matter, which looks like little reddish-brown spots If the infestation is large, there may also be a foul odor.      

I have Traveller’s diarrhea. When should I see a Doctor Traveler’s Diarrhea is the most common illness that affects travelers. It is spread easily from person to person or by consuming contaminated food or water. It is caused by many diferent bacteria (including E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter), parasites (including Giardia, Crytosporidium, Cyclospora and others) and viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus). Unfortunately, it is very common among travelers in Asia. Symptoms Traveler’s Diarrhea usually begins abruptly during your trip or shortly after you return home, some cases improves within one to two days without treatment and clear up completely within a week. However, if you have 2- 3 in any of these symptoms, you might need to seek a professional attention. WARNING SIGNS!! Diarrhea is bloody, with mucous or does not resolve within 1-2 days Diarrhea is accompanied by fever and chills Six or more loose stools in 24 hours Severe, unbearable pain in the abdomen or rectum Diarrhea accompanied by frequent vomiting Signs of dehydration Thirst Urinating less frequently than normal Dark-colored urine Dry mouth Feeling tired Sunken eyes or cheeks Light-headedness or fainting In children, additional signs of dehydration can include a lack of energy and the absence of tears while crying. Complication When you lose body fluids, salts and minerals during your illness, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration is especially dangerous for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Dehydration caused by diarrhea can cause serious complications, including organ damage, shock or coma. Immediate Diagnostics Blood Test A complete blood count can show signs of infection, anemia, inflammation, or imbalances of electrolytes, to help determine the cause of your diarrhea. Stool Test This might be recommended to determine whether bacteria or a parasite is causing your diarrhea. A healthcare professional will give you containers for catching and storing your stool samples, as well as instructions on where to send or take the containers for analysis. Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352182

Too Much EXERCISE could harm you Rhabdomyolysis is the destruction of skeletal muscles, caused by any mechanism that results in injury to myocytes (a type of cell found inside the muscle tissue) and their membranes (or lining). When the muscles break down, it releases myoglobin, an overwhelming amount of which may poison the kidney, causing kidney damage. It had been initially associated almost exclusively with traumatic conditions or injury, but non-traumatic causes are now five times more frequent. Some non-traumatic causes include abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs, and other medical conditions. Rhabdomyolysis due to exercise Recently, rhabdomyolysis is seen in people engaged in strenuous activities or exercises, like spinning, weightlifting, running, and other high-intensity training. Symptoms are non-specific. It may include muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, fever, fatigue, nausea, and confusion. A brown-red urine may be the symptom that prompts a patient to seek consult. Worst-case scenarios for rhabdomyolysis is kidney injury or kidney failure (requiring the patient to go on dialysis or necessitate the need for a kidney transplant), and the dreaded hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) leading to electrical abnormalities in the heart and even death. Although rhabdomyolysis may occur in people who regularly work out if they push themselves too hard during an exercise, it is more prevalent in beginners. How to prevent rhabdomyolysis It is important to be slow and gradual when beginning a new type of workout routine. Tell the instructor that you are a “newbie”, to assist you in your workout. Hydrate before, during and after exercising. Avoid taking Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) as pain relievers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages when engaged in these exercises because aside from it being a direct cause of rhabdomyolysis, it may also cause dehydration and may lead to further kidney damage. Most of us would want to push ourselves to the limit to be a healthier individual. However, bear in mind that your body also has limitations. Always do things in moderation. Transforming to a healthier and fitter you is possible without causing yourself injury or harm. References: Why intense workouts are leading to a life-threatening condition by Daniella Emanuel, CNN

DANGERS OF SELF MEDICATING !!! With the wealth of information available to us in just a few clicks, it’s tempting to self-medicate. When going to a doctor means having to sit in a waiting room and shell out money for a brief check-up, turning to the internet or TV indeed seems to be a smart decision. However, self-medication is not completely risk-free. Surfing online may work for restaurant recommendations but where one’s health is concerned, you may want to think twice before resorting to Dr. Google. “Self-medication simply refers to treating one’s symptoms with drugs and/or supplements without proper medical advice and supervision. These non-prescription or over-the-counter medications can be readily obtained at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription,”. The advantage of self-medication is that it is speedy, accessible, and certainly more convenient than spending time and money to consult at a clinic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this is especially true in economically deprived communities that have limited access to healthcare services. Responsible self-medication requires a good amount of research and doing so reflects the proactive attitude towards health that prevails today. We can all benefit from being well-informed about proper health care but one should be wary and critical of the information that can be obtained from social media. “We encounter a lot of patients who suffer from the adverse effects of non-prescription medications and supplements that could result in adverse reactions or even severe health complications,”. “There is always a risk of assuming an incorrect diagnosis for one’s symptoms since there was no consultation with a professional; a delay in seeking medical advice could potentially worsen one’s condition. By self-medicating, you could be subjecting yourself to unnecessary medication that could be harmful to your health, causing you to suffer longer and missing your vacation days. “Taking medication without proper guidance could mean inappropriate use, taking the wrong dosage and even an incorrect manner of administration,. “The wrong medicine can transform a minor health issue into a major health problem. Or a potentially severe condition can become amplified and have a disastrous outcome.” Though being knowledgeable about appropriate medication can be beneficial, knowing when to consult a physician may be even more favorable in the long run. Be properly informed about how a medicine should be taken, the duration one should take it, at what dosage, it’s contraindications to other physical conditions, and what possible side effects and reactions it may have with other medications. When in doubt, seek the advice of a medical expert.