London 2012: Olympic and Paralympic Games

London 2012: Olympic and Paralympic Games

A few weeks from now, the world will witness as athletes from around the globe compete for Olympic and Paralympic gold, silver, and bronze medals.  If you are one of the millions of people who will travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to watch the Games firsthand, make sure you remember your good travel sense.  In many ways, travel to and throughout the UK is similar to travel in the United States when it comes to health and safety.  However, the expected crowds in the host city increase your risk of illness and injury.

Practice the smart safety and health habits you normally would at home, so your Olympic and Paralympic memories are about the competitions and sites–not your illnesses or injuries.

Before you board that plane….

• Make sure you are up to date on your routine vaccines. Most people get these before they start school. The vaccine that protects against measles is especially important.
• Check the extent of your medical insurance coverage outside the United States. If necessary, purchase medical travel insurance to cover unexpected health services while in the UK.
• Familiarize yourself with the operation of the United Kingdom’s health services.   In particular, if you have a life-threatening emergency or need an ambulance, dial 999 or 112 (not 911).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you don’t have soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, a hat or head covering, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Drink and eat regularly to stay hydrated. 
• Practice healthy behaviors.  If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation.  Do not drive if you have been drinking.  Use latex condoms if you have sex, and make sure equipment used for tattoos and piercings is clean.
• Stay alert, especially in crowds. Choose a place to meet if you get separated from your group. Travel with a friend or group rather than going out alone.
• Exercise caution when traveling in the UK. Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or motorcycle and be careful crossing the street; make sure you look for oncoming traffic from both directions of the street. If traveling by car, use a seatbelt and remember that people in England drive on the left side of the road.
• Follow local laws and customs as well as Olympic and Paralympic Games security regulations.
• Make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you at all times.

Posted by George Daniels on Monday July 16 2012, 11:22 AM EST. Ref: UK health services. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0