The answers to those questions, as well as a host of other practical information, can be found in a free community service publication by Phuket International Hospital. The 36-page booklet Your Health in Phuket will be available in English, Scandinavian (Swedish/Danish) and Russian languages, and is aimed at providing Phuket residents and tourists with up-to-date and relevant information on staying healthy while visiting or living on our lovely island.

The opening paragraph reads like this: As soon as you step off the airplane, you can’t help but notice Phuket’s climate. The air feels hot and sticky. The sun’s rays blast like a furnace, and you begin to sweat. Welcome to the tropics! Adjusting to this warm and humid weather – not to mention Phuket’s exotic flora and fauna – will be crucial in ensuring that your stay here is both comfortable and safe.

No matter where in the world you come from, Phuket is not exactly like your home environment, so taking a few extra precautions, being aware of the possible effects of the tropical climate and knowing about the local health care system will go a long way in maintaining your health. The Phuket International Hospital publications contain practical information about beating the heat and the sun, the beach flag warning system, creepy crawlies, eating healthily, getting around the island and about marine sports. Furthermore there are comprehensive sections on health and wellness, including information on spas, alternative treatments, healthcare providers, health checkups, and medical tourism. You will also find a list of emergency numbers, including contact information for the consulates that are represented in Phuket.

Of course, the vast majority of activities you engage in will pass without incident, but there are times when health troubles or accidents can bring an unexpected end to the fun. Although some of the potential dangers mentioned in the publications may sound alarming, the information is simply meant to serve as a guide to what could – yet very rarely does – happen while in Phuket, and to suggest what you could do if facing certain situations.

So, what are the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, headache, nausea, a slight temperature and cold, clammy skin, whereas heatstroke can give headache, weakness, confusion, a fast pulse and flushed skin, as well as this telltale symptom: the absence of sweating. Heatstroke is the most dangerous heat illness and can be fatal if left untreated, so learn to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention, keeping as cool as possible until help arrives.

If you have an unexpected encounter with a snake and get bitten, do NOT cut or suck the venom from the wound. Instead, apply a constrictive bandage to immobilize the limb, keep calm and seek immediate hospital treatment.

Possibly you already know what to look for before ordering your meal at a local restaurant, but considering that diarrhea and vomiting are the No.1 symptoms for travellers seeking medical attention in Phuket, perhaps a reminder is in order. In short the advice is: Follow the herd. Restaurants that are busy not only have the best reputation for food quality, but there will be a quicker turnover, so the chance that food has been left out for a long time or reheated is greatly reduced. Restaurants that have passed the Public Health Ministry’s inspection are given a “Clean Food, Good Taste” sign that may be displayed in the shop.

The reminders and advice in the 3 different language versions of the health and wellness booklets differ to some extent according to the needs and frequently asked questions from the intended audiences – English speakers, Scandinavians or Russians. However, the basic message is the same for all nationalities: Should something unexpected happen during your stay in Phuket, keep in mind that the quality of healthcare here is relatively high and the international hospitals on the island are equipped to handle the vast majority of illness or accidents.

You can pick up your free copy of Your Health in Phuket at Phuket International Hospital and about 50 other outlets, including restaurants like Two Chef’, Wine Connection, Da Vinci and Les Anges, as well as in major hotels throughout the island.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services
at Phuket International Hospital.
Tel: +66 (0)76 249400. Email: info@phuketinternationalhospital.com.