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To Learn More Visit www.cdc.gov and search “Vessel Sanita- tion Program” or “cruise lines” for more informa- tion about health and cruise ships as well as the inspection scores for specific ships.

52 MILITARY OFFICER JUNE 2015

Before you take a cruise or other vacation, take some time to plan for health care contingencies to help ensure you have a successful journey. By Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O.

Few people have health issues while traveling, but preparedness and preven- tion are key to a safe trip, whether by air, land, or sea. Before departure, fi nd out whether your health insurance provides medical coverage where you will travel; some companies provide coverage only in the U.S. Medicare usually doesn’t pay for medical care received in foreign countries, while TRICARE pays for some overseas medical care in certain situations. Con- sider purchasing travel medical insurance. (This is diff erent from regular travel insur- ance, which only covers travel expenses.) Some travel medical insurance plans pro- vide assistance fi nding local providers but do not pay for medical care; other plans pay for medical care; and some also cover medevac. Medevac insurance is usually the most expensive, but in the rare situation in which it’s needed, it’s very important. Check with your doctor before travel-

ing, especially if you have any serious or chronic diseases, and bring contact infor- mation for your health care providers in case of an emergency. If you get sick while traveling, look for “American trained” health providers, if available. One advan- tage of a cruise is most ships have medical bays that can provide basic care, though for serious problems, patients are stabi- lized and then transported to shore. Bring extra prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, and remember good sun- glasses. Also bring an adequate supply of all your regular prescription and OTC

medications as well as sunscreen. Make certain your vaccinations are up-to-date, and take malaria prophylaxis if appro- priate. Consider medication for motion sickness, though large cruise ships have stabilizers, so this is rarely necessary. Use common sense abroad. Don’t ex-

plore unsafe areas, especially not alone. Use caution with food; in many places, it’s best to drink bottled water. To stay healthy while traveling, do the same things you would at home: Wash your hands frequent- ly (20 seconds with soap and warm water), stay hydrated (drink lots of water), and practice moderation with food and alcohol. Cruise lines strive to maintain clean and

healthy ships. All passengers boarding a cruise ship receive a short health question- naire. Cruise ships are regulated to help assure passenger health and safety. Ships with a foreign itinerary that stop at U.S. ports are part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vessel Sanitation Program, which includes on-board inspec- tions surveying eight areas: the galleys and dining rooms, medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools, child ac- tivity centers, ventilation systems, berths, and common areas. Cruise lines want to keep passengers healthy and safe so you will come back and cruise again.

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— Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS (Ret), D.O., M.A., is a health care consultant in Chevy Chase, Md. Find more health and wellness resources at www.moaa.org/wellness. For sub- mission information, see page 6.

PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT