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20/06/2005: "Brits warned about American sun cream"
British holidaymakers to America revelling in the strength of the pound against the dollar could suffer from the weakness of US suntan products.
As many as 84% of Britons do not realise that US sun protection factor ratings are only half the strength of UK ones, a survey found.
So a factor 20 suncream in America is only the same as a factor 10 in the UK.
It also re-enforced the findings of Malaria Awareness Week earlier this summer which showed that Britons were generally ignorant of the risk of malaria.
The survey by online pharmacy Allcures.com found that 80% of Britons were not aware that many prime holiday destinations were actually malaria hotspots and consequently took no precautions.
A quarter of the 527 people surveyed said they had experienced health problems while on holiday which required them to seek help from a doctor or pharmacist, with 34% saying it was a stressful and unpleasant experience and 19% declaring it ruined their holiday.
A total of 22% said they had difficulty locating or communicating with local doctors and pharmacists and 9% said they left the problem untreated until their return rather than try to get it treated locally.
Allcures superintendent pharmacist Mike Ritson said: 'It's important that people do their research and seek proper advice from their pharmacist before they travel.
'It's easy to get caught out when you're in an unfamiliar place, but there are simple and inexpensive precautions that people can take to minimise the risks before they travel, without spoiling their holiday. It's definitely not a good idea to leave problems untreated as they may well become more serious.'
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Alpine Sports Checklist
- Insure a good time: Don’t run the risk of financial
ruin just because you think ‘It'll Never Happen To Me’. Alpine
holidays are expensive investments with gear, lessons, ski passes, etc –
so don’t allow it to be any more costly than is necessary. Think ahead,
take out the most appropriate Travel Insurance,
something that will cover all your expensive equipment, yet ensure that you
are not left to pay a monstrous bill in the event of an accident on the slopes.
- Hasta la pista: The more confident skier / boarder may
be tempted by the powder and adrenaline offered off-piste … if so take
precautions. Where possible go with a registered guide or instructor, someone
who knows the area and the dangers it presents. At the very least don’t
go alone. Tell others, outside of your party, where you’re going and
when to expect you back, so that in the event of an accident or ordnance failure,
you’re not forgotten.
- Stay warm in the storm: Prior to embarking on your winter
snow break, make sure you have all the right gear. Snow is wet and cold so
it’s important to have enough layers and waterproof equipment for the
duration of your stay. Experts have advised that it is best to wear a number
of thin layers (especially children) as opposed to one or two heavy ones.
- Your name’s not down: Don’t be the one left
miles from home trying to persuade a lift attendant (who may not speak English)
to let you on the lift because you have lost your ski pass. These are very
expensive yet very easy to lose. Ensure that yours is kept in a safe place
… a lanyard round your neck represents a good investment.
- Respect to your elders: The mountains can be a very dangerous
place especially in the winter, so its important to show respect and heed
any good advice offered. Authorities in all resorts will publish information
and warnings where necessary on avalanche probability, visibility, ice levels
and any other dangers specific to certain areas or times.
- Be Prepared: The cold mountain air can often disguise the
potency of the sun’s rays and can lead to a badly burnt face. Sun block
and lipsil are a must for a day on the slopes (especially for children) and
a good supply of water is advisable as dehydration is a very real threat at
high altitudes. An energy snack is also a good addition to ensure your blood
sugar levels remain high.
- On the piste: For many it’s the apres-ski that makes
the holiday but it’s important to know your limits whilst on the slopes,
especially given the altitude factor. Excessive alcohol consumption prior
to alpine activities not only puts you at risk but also those around you.
It can also, in some resorts, lead to the confiscation of lift passes, and
moreover in the event of any accident have a considerable affect on your insurance
cover.
- Unfit for the chair lift: While many consider alpine pursuits
to be leisurely and relaxing, it is important to remember that they do in
fact involve hours of physical activity. Good health care precautions and
a reasonable level of fitness are therefore necessary to avoid any problems
on the slopes. Visit your GP prior to travelling.
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