Q: Our family plans a trip to a foreign country this summer. What special preparations and precautions should we take?

A. Travel outside the United States presents concerns regarding foreign health care and possible exposures to health problems we may not encounter in our community.

Before leaving on your trip you should become familiar with health issues that may exist in the area you are traveling to. You should learn about special immunizations, prophylactics, or medications you should take. A very helpful resource for this information is the Center for Disease Control Web site.www.cdc.gov/travel.

You should make sure that you’re children’s immunizations are current and that you have plenty of any medications that they may be taking. Don’t assume, for example, that you will be able to get comparable asthma medication or the same insulin as in the United States.

A good idea is to pack a practical travel bag. The bag should contain:

- any prescription medications and anti-diarrheals
- waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30)
- Insect repellent containing less than 30% DEET
- Tylenol and ibuprofen
- antihistamine and nasal decongestant
- band aids
- Swiss Army knife with scissors and tweezers.

As you travel, be careful about regional foods that you may be tempted to eat. A good rule is if you can’t boil it, cook it, or peel it then don’t eat it. Avoid ice, brush teeth with purified water, and avoid food from street vendors. You may drink bottled carbonated beverages.

These are only some of the more common tips for travel. Consult your private physician for information specific for you family needs.