Passport Health Austin/San Antonio

The world is as cruel as it is beautiful.

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:32:51 -0500

The American Red Cross has run out of medical supplies in Haiti. Please donate if you can.

Costa Rica

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:17:00 -0500

If one examines the different ecosystems that exist in Costa Rica, it becomes apparent that it is one of the biologically wealthiest nations in the world. From the forested slopes of its volcanoes to the coral reefs off both coasts, Costa Rica possesses an almost unfathomable diversity of flora and fauna. During the last few decades, more and more Costa Ricans have come to realize what an important part of their national heritage that biodiversity is. They have consequently created an exemplary National Conservation System to ensure the survival of endangered species, and a National Biodiversity Institute to catalogue and study the country’s flora and fauna.

The greatest manifestation of Costa Rica’s natural heritage is the diversity of its flora and fauna. About 9,000 different kinds of flowering plants grow in the country, including more than 1,300 species of orchids. Nearly 850 species of birds have been identified there, which is more than are found in all of the United States, Canada and the northern half of Mexico combined. The country is also home for 209 species of mammals, 383 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, about 2,000 species of butterflies and at least 4,500 different types of moths. Though Costa Rica covers only 3.4% of the surface of the Earth, about five percent of the planet’s plant and animal species are found there.

More about Altitude Sickness

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:16:22 -0500

More about Altitude Sickness

Costa Rica

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:15:31 -0500

Costa Rica

British Virgin Islands

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:14:27 -0500

British Virgin Islands

Travel Destination of the Day:

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:12:56 -0500

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a British overseas territory, part of the British West Indies, lying about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. There are about 50 islands in the BVI, many of which are uninhabited. Tortola is the main island, other islands include Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. Tourist facilities are widely available. Don’t forget to come into our offices and get your Typhoid, and other vaccines up to date!

Altitude Sickness

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:09:22 -0500

Altitude Sickness

Get in the Know: Altitude Sickness

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:08:49 -0500

The stresses of the high-altitude environment include cold, low humidity, increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and decreased air pressure, all of which can cause problems for travelers. The greatest concern, however, is hypoxia. At 10,000 ft (3,000 m), for example, the inspired PO₂ is only 69% of sea-level value. The degree of hypoxic stress depends upon altitude, rate of ascent, and duration of exposure. Sleeping at high altitude produces the greatest hypoxia; day trips to high altitude with return to low altitude are much less stressful on the body.

Acclimatization

The human body adjusts very well to moderate hypoxia, but requires time to do so. The process of acute acclimatization to high altitude takes 3–5 days; therefore, acclimatizing for a few days at 8,000–9,000 ft before proceeding to higher altitude is ideal. Acclimatization prevents altitude illness, improves sleep, and increases comfort and well-being, although exercise performance will always be reduced compared with low altitude. Increase in ventilation is the most important factor in acute acclimatization; therefore, respiratory depressants must be avoided. Increased red-cell production does not play a role in acute acclimatization.

Risk for Travelers

Inadequate acclimatization may lead to altitude illness in any traveler going to 8,000 ft (2,500 m) or higher. Susceptibility and resistance to altitude illness are genetic traits, and no screening tests are available to predict risk. Risk is not affected by training or physical fitness. Children are equally susceptible as adults; persons >50 years of age have slightly lower risk. How a traveler has responded to high altitude previously is the most reliable guide for future trips but is not infallible. However, given certain baseline susceptibility, risk is greatly influenced by rate of ascent and exertion.

Determining an itinerary that will avoid any occurrence of altitude illness is difficult because of variations in individual susceptibility, as well as in starting points and terrain. Itineraries with a high risk for altitude illness include flying directly to >9,000 ft or rapid hiking ascents, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is best to average no more than 1,000 ft (300 m) ft per day in altitude gain above 12,000 ft (3,660 m).

Examples of high-altitude cities with airports are Cuzco, Peru (11,000 ft; 3,326 m); La Paz, Bolivia (12,000 ft; 3,660 m); and Lhasa, Tibet (12,500 ft; 3,810 m). Travelers flying into these locations may require a period of acclimatization before proceeding higher, and drug prophylaxis may be indicated.

Tips for acclimatization

The following are helpful tips for people traveling to high altitude destinations.

Ascend gradually, if possible. Try not to go directly from low altitude to >9,000 ft (2,750 m) sleeping altitude in one day.
Consider using acetazolamide (Diamox) to speed acclimatization if abrupt ascent is unavoidable.
Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
Participate in only mild exercise for the first 48 hours.
Having a high-altitude exposure at >9,000 ft (2,750 m), for 2 nights or more within 30 days prior to the trip is useful.
Treat an altitude headache with simple analgesics.

Source

Uganda's Solution For Those That Fly

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:59:41 -0500

irinformed:

Like many countries in Africa, Uganda had struggled with deadly civil wars, economic catastrophies, and other atrocities that have crippled most of the continent’s development.

Like some countries in Africa, Uganda has overcome these obstacles.

Like few other countries in Africa, Uganda is fighting back.

Fighting what exactly?

The number one killer disease.

Surprisingly, it’s not AIDS.

Besides yummy coffee beans, Uganda is home to one of the highest rates of Malaria in the entire planet. However, instead of letting the status quo define it, Uganda has decided to combat the disease in effort to prevent the deaths of x millions of people. The following statistics were provided by the Ministry of Health:

-Malaria is the number one killer in the world, with 3-5 million people dying of the disease annually.
-Children and pregnant women are at the highest risk of Malaria infection and mortality.
-Malaria accounted for one million deaths among children in developing countries.
-It is estimated that an African child dies every 30 seconds due to Malaria.

And Malaria isn’t only killing countless people in Uganda—it is also killing Uganda’s economy. Some 3% of Uganda’s GDP is lost to damaged crops caused by Malaria. Furthermore, according to the BBC, the modernization of Uganda’s Agriculture sector is not possible without stopping the rampant Malaria activity.

It’s clear why this problem would need to be combated. Hard, quickly, and without hesitation.

Yet Uganda’s selected method has many, including Ugandans, saying:

“U-Gon-Don Whaaat?”

DDT is a pesticide that was used widely throughout developed nations up until it was learned that it was responsible for wiping out a lot of wildlife and is believed to be a reproductive hazard to both men and women. Since then, its use has been banned in most of the world.

Except in Africa, of course.

Apparently DDT is a very effective tool to have in your arsenal when fighting against Malaria. It does a good job of killing the mosquitos that transport the Malaria. A real good job. So much that the US actually said DDT is “safe” if used properly. So, Uganda takes this wise advice and decides to adopt this banned-by-the-world-product as its main anti-Malaria weapon and gets financed by, you guessed it, the US, to launch this campaign. What does this campaign actually do?

The very complex version is: DDT is sprayed on the walls inside every home so that when the mosquito lands, it is killed before or after they bite people. As long as the DDT git ‘er done, I suppose Uganda doesn’t mind losing a few more homies. But then some ask, “How can such a product, shown to have these adverse effects, be used in homes where children play and people breathe?”

It’s really simple - it’s cheap.

The head honcho in charge of the Malaria control project says it costs $1.02 to protect one person for an entire year. I suppose a few cents does add up after a while… But who’s worried about costs when millions of people, about 30-40% of them being children, are dyin’ every year from the very thing you’re fighting. Can Ugandans really complain? Would they rather have Malaria or reproductive disorders? I guess I’d rather not have kids than have kids with Malaria.

Not.

There are solutions that do not involve jeopardizing your mojo.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been working almost exclusively to represent the poor nations that are left vulnerable to Malaria. According to his experts, the keys to winning the battle against Malaria include:

1) Money spent to improve health care in Africa, especially to remote populations (this is treatable..).
2) Housing improvements will provide huge benefits (keeping those SOBs out of the house!).
3) Improving incomes help fight Malaria (they can afford health and home improvements).
4) Good public works, from local governments, help fight Malaria.
5) Education on how to avoid Malaria pays huge dividends.
6) Bednets work well, and bednets do not prevent the use of other methods.

Clearly all methods that are possible to execute. The problem is, it involves rich nations dumping cash on poor nations. There is a whole ‘nother thing involving things like Dependency Theory I could get into, but I’ll just keep it short and simple. Disease — it’s the elitists’ way to control population.

Besides, as my friend Mr. Gates will point out, Malaria isn’t the only menace facing our planet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppDWD3VwxVg&feature=player_embedded

Clearly we have balder things to worry about… I meant bigger.

Really.

Dear President Barack Obama,

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:59:06 -0500

Dear President Barack Obama,:

caraobrien:

This holiday season, please give a global gift and strongly support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria with your Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request to Congress.

The Global Fund is a proven success story, transforming millions of lives in more than 140 countries. And, for every $1 the US invests in battling these deadly but treatable diseases, our international partners provide at least $2, making it a model for combining US leadership and global cooperation to meet 21st century challenges. Please request $1.75 billion in funding for the Global Fund.

Send an e-postcard to President Obama asking him to support the Global Fund.

ryanbriggs: A map of instances of malaria in the United States...

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:57:36 -0500

ryanbriggs:

A map of instances of malaria in the United States in 1870. In some places, it apparently accounted for 1 in 7 deaths. America was also hit by some brutal yellow fever outbreaks, but somehow managed to do pretty well over the ensuing hundred years. Let’s say it together everyone, geography is not destiny.

via Boing Boing, originally on iayork.com

Costa Rica!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:43:05 -0500

Costa Rica!

Get in the Know: Malaria

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:41:10 -0500

Get in the Know: Malaria

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:40:12 -0500

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. Each year 350-500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, and over one million people die, most of them young children in Africa south of the Sahara.

This sometimes fatal disease can be prevented and cured. Bednets, insecticides, and antimalarial drugs are effective tools to fight malaria in areas where it is transmitted. Travelers to a malaria-risk area should avoid mosquito bites and take a preventive antimalarial drug.

Costa Rican Culture

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:36:59 -0500

Costa Rican Culture

Costa Rica, Did You Know:

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:35:51 -0500

That Costa Rica has some of the best Sport Fishing in the world. The Pacific side has incredible fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish, Snapper, and more. The Caribbean side and Northern regions of Costa Rica are famous for big Tarpon and big Snook.

Source

New Zealand

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:33:00 -0500

Destination of the Day: New Zealand! New Zealand is a highly developed, stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. Come into our office to update your vaccines!

This is Heartbreaking. Please get your children vaccinated for Pertussis (TDAP)

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:13:35 -0500

This is Heartbreaking. Please get your children vaccinated for Pertussis (TDAP)

Get in the Know: Typhoid Fever

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:17:22 -0500

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the United States about 400 cases occur each year, and 75% of these are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 21.5 million persons each year.

Typhoid fever can be prevented and can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you should know about typhoid fever and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

How is typhoid fever spread?

Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers , recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces (stool).

You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding S. Typhi or if sewage contaminated with S. Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Therefore, typhoid fever is more common in areas of the world where handwashing is less frequent and water is likely to be contaminated with sewage.

Once S. Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and other signs and symptoms.

Where in the world do you get typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan. Therefore, if you are traveling to the developing world, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travelers from the United States to Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been especially at risk.

How can you avoid typhoid fever?

Two basic actions can protect you from typhoid fever:

Avoid risky foods and drinks.
Get vaccinated against typhoid fever.

It may surprise you, but watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. This is because the vaccines are not completely effective. Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travelers’ diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and
hepatitis A.

“Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it”

If you drink water, buy it bottled or bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute before you drink it. Bottled carbonated water is safer than uncarbonated water.
Ask for drinks without ice unless the ice is made from bottled or boiled water. Avoid popsicles and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming.
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard to wash well.
When you eat raw fruit or vegetables that can be peeled, peel them yourself. (Wash your hands with soap first.) Do not eat the peelings.
Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors. It is difficult for food to be kept clean on the street, and many travelers get sick from food bought from street vendors.

GET VACCINATED!!!!

Source: CDC.gov

"Costa Rica is a great place to visit. Whether you want to surf, enjoy nature, lay in the sun, scuba..."

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:14:56 -0500

“Costa Rica is a great place to visit. Whether you want to surf, enjoy nature, lay in the sun, scuba dive, climb a mountain, take a bike tour… makes no diff! Costa Rica is for you. Is it safe? Sure, but of course use the same precautions you would visiting any tourist spot… like Chicago!”

- Tim Luisa