Grizz loves getting mail when he's out of the backcountry. This month we begin with a look at a new travelers publication on vaccinations, carbon composite wheels, and two sleeping bags. Dr. Bryson practices one of the newest disciplines in medicine. He is a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine, and his clinic in San Francisco is one of the leaders in the prevention and diagnosis of travel-related medical problems. You don't, however, have to travel to the West Coast for this type of help.
Most major hospitals have travel clinics.
The doctor emphasizes the importance of the new immunization that is available to prevent hepatitis A, a common disease of the liver transmitted in food and water, especially in areas where sanitation standards are questionable. Make a visit to a clinic about a month ahead of your trip for the initial immunization and you should be safe for a year. If you are a frequent traveler to these destinations, a second shot six months after the first should give you protection for 10 years. I nations enjoy health standards comparable to the United States. Going to Canada, the nations of Northern Europe, including France, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the urban parts of Japan should pose no more risk to your health than traveling at home.