Watch a video which looks at how the failure to prevent infectious diseases can endanger both the traveler and their community when they return home (free Apple Quicktime required to view).

International Travelers Unaware Of Serious Infectious Diseases

Survey Finds Travelers Not Prepared For Health Risks Abroad

May 2003 (Newstream) -- With the deadly SARS virus making headlines and disrupting travel around the world, international travelers must now be aware of the threat of infectious diseases when they travel abroad. The failure to prevent infectious diseases can endanger both the traveler and their community when they return home.

A new survey conducted by The European Travel Health Advisory Board finds that most international travelers are unknowingly putting themselves at risk for serious diseases. The survey results will be presented at the 8th Conference of the International Society of Travel Medicine on May 8. According to the survey:

• Four out of 5 travelers from the U.S. are not aware of the most common vaccine-preventable disease among travelers - hepatitis A.
• More than half of those surveyed were unaware of the risk of malaria at their destination-a disease that the World Health Organization deemed the most serious threat to travelers going to risk areas.
• Although the majority of those surveyed felt that vaccines provide essential protection, only 1 of 3 travelers was vaccinated against hepatitis A.
• Nearly half (4 out of 10) of travelers going to areas with a high risk of malaria did not carry anti-malarial medication

Experts say the key to a healthy vacation is to find out what specific health risks you face in your travel destination and to see your doctor to get reliable health advice. More than half of travelers from the U.S. surveyed did not seek travel health information.

To learn more about the destination-specific health risks, please visit the World Health Organization's website at www.who.int.

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Produced for The European Travel Health Advisory Board. Contact: Soraya Morgan, 212-812-7107

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A Six-Second Test
Could Save Your Life

Detecting Asthma and Other Forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

May 2003 -- As the world readies to recognize World Asthma Day (May 6th), the American Lung Association of the City of New York is urging a renewed focus on an often-overlooked lung disease -- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. More than 35 million people in the United States have COPD, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the country. But, disturbing research finds that half of those who have it don't even know.

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that include asthma bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Health statistics show that COPD is one of the few diseases still on the rise. Hardest hit are the 95million current and former smokers making up 90 percent of those diagnosed with the disease. Also susceptible are the 15 million Americans suffering from asthma. Women are on the radar screen too, having doubled their incidence in the last 10 years.

Health care professionals agree that early detection is essential. Dr. Neil Schachter, Mt. Sinai in New York, suggests that anyone over the age of 45 should be administered a painless six second lung function test to detect any abnormalities.

COPD is highly treatable if detected early enough. Treatment involves a combination of medications to open airways and reduce inflammation, improve breathing and prevent irreversible lung damage. An anti-oxidant rich diet, indoor exercise, and using air filters, like HEPA, to reduce indoor pollutants also helps.

For more information about COPD and lung disease, log onto www.alany.org

Produced for the American Lung Association of the City of New York

May 2003
Also In This Issue:

A Six-Second Test Could Save Your Life: Detecting Asthma and Other Forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

HealthWeb Archive:

April 2003 - Talking of war with your kids; irritable bowel syndrome

January 2003 - Nikki's Bear™ to Raise Funds for Children with Cancer; Keeping the Elderly Safe from Falls; Men's Fitness Announces the Current Crop of 'America's Fattest Cities 2003'

December 2002 -
How Long Can Dad Drive? The Hartford's Survey on Alzheimer's Disease and Driving Finds Families Need Help

November 2002 - Mammogram Sisters: After sister's death, six siblings team up for mammogram tests; Diabetes Awareness:

October 2002 - Flu Shots, Breast Cancer Awareness

July 2002 -The Buzz on Mosquito Protection; Alzheimer's Research Breakthrough; Tennis Elbow

June 2002 - International survey reveals people with diabetes are not worried about long-term complications; more than half of people with diabetes may be at risk of going blind or losing limbs

April 2002 - For nearly one million working women who become pregnant each year, juggling stress in the workplace along with stress that comes with being pregnant can be a tall order. First among them is how to work and manage a healthy pregnancy at the same time.

March 2002 - Drinking two glasses of orange juice daily for six weeks significantly reduced blood pressure in a pilot study conducted at The Cleveland Clinic.

February 2002 - Kathleen Turner Raises Her Voice About Rheumatoid Arthritis; Years of Silent Suffering Inspires Powerful Message in Support of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

September 2001 - National Cholesterol Education Month, Simple Dietary Changes Significantly Lower Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adults, Culture Gap Affects Access to Mental Health Service

August 2001 - Stress Echocardiogram; Hydrate to Beat the Heat

July 2001 - Checkup guidelines

June 2001 - Headaches - Relaxation techniques, exercise and medication can offer relief.

May 2001: Ah-Chooo! and Zzzzzz! - Help for allergies and sleep disorders.

April 2001 - Alcohol Awareness, Counseling Awareness, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

March 2001 - National Kidney Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

February 2001 - American Heart Month; Preventive Medicine: Good Lifestyle Choices, Less Stress

January 2001 - Healthy Diet Month, Express Flu Shots Available Now, Glaucoma Awareness Month

December 2000 - Colorectal Cancer, Arthritis Update

November 2000 - Information and links on Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease and Lung Cancer

October 2000 - Mammography Day, Flu Vaccines, Save Your Back

September 2000 - Healthy Aging, Sickle Cell Disease, Eeek! Head Off Head Lice