Newswise — "Montezuma's revenge" doesn't happen just in Mexico. If you are planning a trip to China for the Olympics, first talk to your physician, recommends R. Michael Buckley, MD, travel medicine expert at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Buckley advises travelers to choose foods wisely, opting for bottled water or carbonated beverages, and fruits that can be peeled such as oranges and bananas, thus discarding germs immediately. He also advises choosing fully cooked foods, especially meat and poultry over more raw options.
"Though the food and water are safe in China's urban areas, your digestive system may take a while to adjust to a new diet," he says. Hepatitis A is a common food-borne disease often found in contaminated food and water.
"Accidents are the most common injuries for travelers," he says. "Check with your physician to make sure that your tetanus shots are up to date before you leave."
Dr. Buckley was a physician for U.S. Swimming leading up to the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and in 1992 in Barcelona. As a team physician, he traveled to both countries prior to the Olympics to scout health issues that might arise and make contacts in the local medical community. A champion swimmer himself, Buckley was member of the U.S. swim team at the 1967 World University Games in Tokyo.
He encourages Olympic travelers to enjoy the experience, but to also stay hydrated, alert, and to protect themselves from disease or harm.
"Visitors with asthma or lung problems need to be especially careful in China," he says. You'll want to check with your doctor before you travel.
About Pennsylvania HospitalPennsylvania Hospital " the nation's first " was founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. Today, the acute care facility offers a full-range of diagnostic and therapeutic medical services and is a major teaching and clinical research institution. The campus includes specialty treatment centers, such as the Joan Karnell Cancer Center and the Penn Neurological Institute. Specialties include: Surgical Services (including orthopaedics & vascular); Otorhinolaryngology (ENT); Urology, Obstetrics Program (including high-risk maternal and fetal services & neonatology); Neurosciences; Behavioral Health; and expanding programs in Cancer, Cardiac Care and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery. The radiosurgical Gamma Knife Center treats abnormalities in the brain. period
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