(*Editor's Note: This new feature salutes Central Ohio’s continuing awareness, concern and involvement in all aspects of health. Editorial topics will range from specifics like heart, vision or dental health to exploring trends in preventative care and programs focusing on de-toxing and smoking cessation.
This issue is all about getting started! Dr. Phil helped in the founding of the Columbus Marathon in the ‘70s, introduced us to walking-only races with the New Albany Walking Classic in 2005, and now will enlighten CityScene readers on how to get and stay healthy.
Dr. Phil is a professor emeritus at The Ohio State University and one of the most recognized and widely published health education authors in the United States. He has written for more than 25 years, co-authoring more than 300 health books that are used by millions of students preschool through college.)

On March 14, I was at a health conference in Baltimore, Md. As I crossed the street to attend a meeting, my shoe lodged in a small crevice in the crosswalk, causing me to fall with traumatic force. Unfortunately, my leg decided it was going to move in a direction contrary to the rest of my body. In an instant, I had completely ruptured my quadriceps tendon. I was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, given x-rays, wrapped in a leg brace and sent back to my hotel with painkillers in hand.

The next morning, I was on an airplane back to Columbus, where I underwent surgery a few days later. But what would have happened had I been in Burundi instead of Baltimore? What kind of quality medical care would I have received? How easy would it have been to arrange for transportation back to Columbus? What if all the health care professionals spoke only in Kirundi (the official language of Burundi)?

It’s bad enough that people in Columbus consider my Brooklyn accent to be somewhat of an impediment to effective communication. Imagine being in a country in which you become injured or ill and the medical professionals responsible for your well being don’t have the ability to communicate effectively with you. What can you do to ensure that your health and safety aren’t compromised when you travel abroad?

Preplanning
Before you think of boarding an airplane, there are a number of health and safety-related matters that you should consider. Depending on the country you are to visit, you may need to have one or more immunizations. Give yourself as many as three months before traveling to get immunized, because that’s how long it may take for a specific immunization to take effect. Visit the Department of State Web site for information about recommended immunizations.

It would be wise to register your itinerary at the American Embassy in the country you are going to visit. A family member will have an easier time contacting you should an emergency arise. Also, leave your neighbor, friend or relative an itinerary with specific information, such as the dates you will be gone, the countries you will visit, the hotels in which you will stay and your e-mail address.

Be sure to pack the appropriate prescription medications with you. Plan to carry your medications with you on the plane and do not place them inside your checked luggage. Also, carry the actual prescription with you in case you need a refill. Pack a small first aid kit with items such as adhesive bandages, aspirin, antibiotic topical ointment such as Neosporin and hand sanitizers to minimize the risk of contracting pathogens that can cause illness.

Be aware of safety issues before you travel. Review travel warnings issued by the State Department. Political issues, crime trends and terror activities should always be a consideration in determining where and how you will travel.

Learn about the different kinds of insurance policies that are available. You can purchase insurance that will cover medical emergencies in other countries. Suppose you need to be evacuated to another country for medical treatment. Do you want to be transported to a neighboring country? Do you want to be transported back to the United States for treatment? It can cost upward of $100,000 to obtain special transportation to fly back to the States. You can review different insurance options on the Internet.

While in Route
Sitting on a long international flight has its risks. When seated for extended periods of time, blood can pool in the legs, thereby increasing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein. If the clot moves throughout the body, it can lodge in the brain, resulting in a stroke, or in the heart and cause a heart attack. Some physicians will recommend taking an aspirin one day before a long flight, on the day of the fight and a few days afterward because aspirin reduces the risk of blood clotting.

Since DVT can occur in parts of the body other than the legs, there are exercises you can do to minimize the risk of forming a clot. Every half hour, stand and walk down the aisle of the airplane. Keep your arms straight and down and circle them as you walk. While seated, pull your toes up as far as possible holding that position for a few seconds as your heels remain on the floor. Bend one leg at the knee, lift as high as possible and then change to the other leg so that the muscles contract to push blood through the veins. Moving your shoulders also is important. Raise your shoulders as if to shrug and rotate them forward and backwards. Keep yourself moving, it will help ensure that your flight will be less hazardous to your health.

At Your Destination
Your physical safety may be at risk if you become too complacent. Foreigners can be easy targets for thieves, especially when they appear unsure in their surroundings. When in other countries, perform tasks with confidence. For example, know the currency so you don’t fumble when trying to pay for something. Travel with others. Know where it is safe to walk. Be aware of local laws and know how to ask for help in the in the language of that country. Do not travel with large amounts of cash and keep valuables close to your body and in front of you. Wallets and valuable papers should be stored in your front rather than back pockets, making it more difficult for pickpockets to be successful.

Food-borne illnesses are commonplace in many countries. Drink bottled water. Do not eat unpeeled fruits or vegetables and do not purchase food from street vendors in certain countries. Be sure to have your physician prescribe medication you can take should you become victim to a food-borne illness.

Remember to use common sense and follow actions that enhance your chances for a safe and healthful trip. Happy travels.

Dr. Philip Heit is professor emeritus of Physical Activity and Educational Services at The Ohio State University.

To register at the American Embassy of the country you are visiting, visit https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.

To learn more about immunization requirements, visit the Department of State Web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html.