Ever year, millions of US residents travel to international destinations including developing countries throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and Africa. 20 % to 70% of people report some health problems while traveling. For every 100,000 people who travel to the tropics:

• - 45,000 will experience some type of health problem
• - Close to 35,000 will contract traveler's diarrhea
• - Approximately 1 in 12 will become sick enough to seek medical attention during or after the trip

Dr. Gokhale is one of the few physicians in the area to offer Travel Medicine as one of his specialties, having helped travelers safely visit destinations from Vietnam and India to the Amazon and Kenya. Reduce your risk of contracting serious diseases abroad by getting a comprehensive pre-travel consultation 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date, and getting vaccinated against serious diseases such as Yellow Fever.

Dr. Gokhale is a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine.

Top Travel Tips

When you know what to watch out for and how to take care of yourself, you're on the road to a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable trip.

• 1. Let your body adjust once you arrive
• 2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects
• 3. Never go barefoot - even on the beach
• 4. Make sure your water is purified
• 5. Consume only well-cooked food
• 6. Wash and peel all fruit and vegetables
• 7. Pre-fill your prescriptions, as they may not be available at your destination
• 8. Don't swim in rivers, lakes and streams
• 9. Choose means of transportation carefully
• 10. Get immunized against serious diseases common to your destination, such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever and Meningitis in tropical countries.