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Reviewed by: Capt.
Grizz & a host of like minded curmudgeons...
In our never ending search for
outdoor nirvana, we are constantly tested by those who would claim to help us get there a
little easier, lighter, faster, safer, or just plain cheaper. So who do you vote for with
your coin? Who can one believe in today's world of hype? Here at TRAILMONKEY,
we prefer to think of ourselves as budget-minded style mavens. We're not really
techno-weenies, or retro-grouches around here, but a group who demands top performance out
of anything we purchase. If it doesn't make life easier,(with out costing an arm or leg),
or you don't learn anything from it, we'll let you know before you put in the time or
coin! Feedback is always welcome about any products reviewed. Send comments to: editor@TRAILMONKEY.com. Capt.
Grizz loves getting mail when he's out of the backcountry.
The Rating Scale is
as follows:
| Superior,
Must-have product= |
 |
| Great
thing to have, Useful = |
|
| Works
as claimed, Good, OK= |
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| Might
get some use, Maybe = |
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| Complete
waste, "Utter crap" = |
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This month we
begin with a look at a new travelers publication on vaccinations, carbon composite wheels,
and two sleeping bags. Keep checking for new Books & Looks each month.
Book Review: The Travel Health Clinic Pocket Guide to Healthy Travel
Dr. Lawrence Bryson is the
author of The Travel Health Clinic Pocket Guide to Healthy Travel (Silver Cat
Publishers, San Diego, Calif., $13.95 call (888) 299-9119). 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.
HEPATITIS SHOTS URGED
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.
In his book, Dr. Bryson divides the nations
of the world into three different degrees of health risk: Risk Level 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. "Risk Level II,"
says Dr. Bryson, "are those with health standards which are satisfactory but not
equal to those of the United States. Those nations include the European countries
bordering the Mediterranean (except for France), the nations of Eastern Europe and the
former Soviet Union, the Caribbean islands (except for Haiti and the Dominican Republic),
Israel, South Africa and rural Japan." Health risks are high and standards of
sanitation and hygiene are poor or unpredictable in Risk Level III countries. This group
includes all of Central America and tropical South America, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican
Republic and all the nations of Asia and Africa except for Japan, Israel and South Africa.
TRAVELER'S HOTLINE
Dr. Bryson includes many sources for
information in his book. The Centers for Disease Control of the U.S. Public Health Service
has a hotline that provides information and advisories about vaccinations, food and water
precautions, AIDS and foreign travel disease outbreaks throughout the world. The agency
operates a 24-hour hotline from its Atlanta, Georgia headquarters: (404) 332-4559. Health
Information for International Travelers is issued by the U.S. Public Health Service,
Division of Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333. The information is
updated biweekly in another CDC publication, Summary of Health Information for
International Travel. There are also private organizations such as the International
Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. which can be reached at (716) 754-4883.
With expert medical advice easily attainable, all a traveler has to do is visit a
knowledgeable physician four to six weeks before the scheduled departure and discuss
itinerary. The necessary precautions can be taken to make traveling anywhere in the world
a fairly safe and enjoyable experience.
Overall Rating: C.G.
Next Month:
Wheel Review: Carbon-fiber
moto; SPIN vs. SPINERGY
Drop us a line, your
comments & trails welcome!
Designed & Tweaked by
Flying Squirrel Adventures inc
     
     
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