There is a fine balance between over and under packing when it comes to carry on luggage. On one hand it is important to cater for worst case scenarios. Vomit, overflowing poo, delays, unexpected fevers and tantrums are just some of events I have encountered when travelling with my boys. On the other hand, carry…
So, I feel a little silly writing about frostbite from tropical Cairns, even if it has been a relatively chilly winter day here in Queensland. A snow vacation is hopefully on the cards for us in the next 12 months, and I know many of my friends and family will be enjoying snow holidays…
Hypothermia Hypothermia means a reduction in core body temperature below that which allows the body to function properly (35ºC). Hypothermia does not require freezing temperatures to occur. Just like frostbite however, it is riskier the colder, wetter, and windier it is. Children are more likely to get hypothermia the longer they are exposed to…
Whether it is a Sunday drive or cross-country road trip there is nothing like a sick child in the back of a car to ruin a driving adventure. The symptoms your child is experiencing are likely to be an unpleasant combination of nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness. Throw in the subjective sense of impending doom…
Montezuma’s Revenge, Bali Belly and the Rangoon Runs. All creative names for traveller’s diarrhea. The risk of acquiring traveller’s diarrhea is particularly high for those travelling to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America. The most common illness experienced by travellers, traveller’s diarrhea is defined as three unformed stools in a twenty-four…
As a first time mum to a 3 month old baby I was, perhaps unwisely persuaded to go on a round the world trip. The reason for this trip was twofold. One – the extended family had been planning a holiday in Italy for thee years. Second, it provided an opportunity for my far-flung family…
You will need to tailor your medical kit to suit your itinerary as well as particular health needs. For example, we never leave home without my son’s asthma spacer. The following is meant to be a guide. If travelling to particularly remote areas further prescribed medications, such as those used to treat eye and ear…
Whether it is for work or play it is now common for families with babies and young children to travel overseas together. A consultation with a doctor prior to your trip is arguably the most essential component of your preparation. You should ensure that this occurs at lease six weeks prior to your travel to…
As a doctor working in Indigenous health it was suggested that a mutual understanding of a sense of place would enhance my relationship with my patients. Subsequently, I often ask my patients where they are from, and volunteer that I am a “Melbourne girl”. I am not sure of the meaning placed on this…
In our modern world many of us, myself included live away from our loved ones. One of the first things we want to do when we welcome a new baby into our lives is to introduce them to family. Unfortunately flying may potentially place a newborn at risk of illness. Before you book your flights…