Health

When in the States, remember the emergency services telephone number - 911. If you have, or witness, an accident or other medical emergency, a call to this number will normally result in prompt and efficient service, though you will be expected to pay later for any treatment.

If you need a doctor, look up 'Physicians and Surgeons' or 'Clinics' in the Yellow Pages. You will have to pay, in advance, a consultation fee (usually between $50-$100). And subsequent medication can be fairly pricey. Remember to keep receipts for insurance purposes.

US laws are tighter on proprietary medicines than in the UK and many basic painkillers, for instance, freely available in the UK can only be acquired with a doctor's prescription. If in doubt, ask for advice from the pharmacy department in any drugstore.

European travellers do not need any inoculations before travelling to the US, because there are not as many diseases as in some poorer parts of the world, but there are other dangerous things to look out for:

HEATSTOKE or SUNSTROKE can easily be brought on, especially if you are not used to the high temperatures. Try avoiding the midday sun and drink plenty of water. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, nausea, headache or light-headedness, then move into the shade, or better still, get to an area with air conditioning to cool you down.

SHARKS are a fairly common fear when travelling to the US. However, there are rarely fatalities. If you check with lifeguards, locals and read signs, you should be able to distinguish which are the safe areas to swim.

JET-LAG occurs when a long flight crosses more than one time zone. The main symptoms are fatigue and loss of appetite. It is important to take this into consideration when planning your trip as it can take a few days to get back into a pattern and you do not want to be wasting your time feeling groggy if your trip is only short. Once you reach your destination, adjust your habits immediately with the local time. Taking walks is important as both light and activity help your body clock to adjust. Naps are not recommended as this only tricks your body into thinking it is bed-time.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT), is believed to be linked with long haul flights. Sitting still for a long period of time reduces circulation, which can in turn lead to clots. It is not something to feel hugely concerned about as it is still quite rare, but if you take all the necessary precautions then you will be at a lower risk. Those at higher risk are diabetics, stroke sufferers, pregnant mothers and the obese.

PREVENTION OF DVT can be carried out by taking regular walks up and down the aisle, as well as performing neck and breathing exercises. Tensing and relaxing the arm and leg muscles should also keep the circulation flowing. Try to avoid sleeping tablets and take some asprin a couple of hours before your flight. If you are really worried then compression stockings can be bought, but they are usually advised for those at higher risk. SYMPTOMS usually include pain, swelling and warmth.

If you are worried about your health whilst being abroad, visit www.masta.org, which should fully prepare you for any eventuality.