Children's Mercy

to Ticket ly's r Fami You Safe Travel Before you and your family depart on an overseas trip or relocation, ensure you know how to keep your children safe and healthy during your time abroad. S The Travel Medicine Clinic is available at Children's Mercy Hospital near downtown every Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and at Children's Mercy South in Overland Park every Friday from noon to 4 p.m. S Don't Forget Vacation Vaccinations ummer is a great time to travel. The weather is nice, the kids are out of school and the family can spend time together. It can even be a chance to see another country. Before traveling abroad, take precautions against infectious diseases to make the trip as fun as it can be. "People should be fully immunized for common infections that are prevalent at home and in the countr y they're traveling to," says Mary Anne Jackson, MD, Division Director, Infectious Diseases at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine. "Food avoidance in cer tain foreign countries is key. Don't drink local water or consume dair y products, which may be unpasteurized, and make sure ever ything you eat is thoroughly heated or washed, even fruits and 2 taff at the Travel Medicine Clinic at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics specializes in creating individualized travel plans for families based on their destinations, the ages and medical histories of their children, and other factors. Whether your family is traveling across the border or across the globe, it's wise to schedule an appointment at least six weeks prior to your date of departure and let the clinic's staff determine which vaccines your children need, discuss safety items to pack and share best practices to stay healthy while abroad. "We focus on children, but we consider all family members' well-being," says Angela Myers, MD, MPH, Clinic Director, Travel Medicine Clinic, Director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at Children's Mercy and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine. "Parents, for example, must know how to avoid illness overseas because they won't be able to care for their children as effectively if they're sick. We want the whole family to have a safe, enjoyable trip." The Travel Medicine Clinic at Children's Mercy is the only travel medicine clinic in the Kansas City region devoted to the unique needs of children and teenagers, as well as those of the adults traveling with them. For more information about the clinic, call (816) 802-1100. Safe & Sound Summer 2013 veggies," Dr. Jackson says. "In Latin-American countries where there are problems with mosquitos, which transmit diseases, we recommend reserving accommodations that are indoors and air-conditioned, or where there are window screens or netting." Some vaccines require multiple shots or simply take a few weeks to kick in, so it is impor tant to schedule a vaccination appointment at least six weeks before going on vacation. Vaccinations are necessary even when traveling to developed countries, such as places in Western Europe. No matter the destination, taking the proper precautions can help lead to a healthy, enjoyable trip. For more information, search "infectious diseases" at www.childrensmercy.org.

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