What’s in Girlo’s Medical Kit?

But here are a few must-have items for your medical kit.

• Mosquito repellant: Approaching sunset in mosquito-prone climates and areas (especially where malaria is a known problem), this stuff, whether as a roll-on or spray is a must!
• Plenty of tampons: Sometimes these are not available in remote locations (thick sanitary pads are no fun when you’re trekking).
• Pads (Panty-liners): These are great for a long day of travelling and in conditions when you will be without a shower for a time. Think: overnight train trips, car rides through desert regions.
• Wet wipes: For face, hands and general hygiene while you’re on the road.
• Antibacterial handy wipes: My absolute essential for hands, especially before eating anything.
• Tea tree oil: The natural antiseptic for cuts and small grazes.
• Arnica: The remedy for bruises, sprains and muscle aches. Use the cream plus the homeopathic tablets that go under the tongue as a fast-track method to reduce swelling and pain from bruising injuries. Apply as soon as possible after injury for best results.
• Echinacea: Immune system drops; just 15 to 20 drops in juice or bottled water three times a day at the onset of cold or flu will do the trick. Do this for 3 to 4 days or until symptoms fade. 
• Gastrolyte powder: For tummy upsets. Great for replacing electrolytes if you get Delhi Belly … or Beirut Belly! Add to bottled water and drink 2 to 3 times daily.
• Cotton buds: Useful for general personal and medical care. Sunscreen: This is really something you must never be without. Go for SPF 30+ and a water-resistant gel-style sunscreen (the creamy ones can be a bit pore-clogging).

“In a health crisis clothes aren’t so important.  You can always make do.”

Don’t speculate, vaccinate!

You should always check a few months in advance what vaccinations and medical precautions are necessary for the countries you are entering before you travel. In addition, you should keep your immunisation certificate in your passport hold-all, sometimes customs ask to see these, and also you will then be more conscious of when you need to update your immunity. Some vaccines are for life (Hepatitis B) but some (like Tetanus) should be renewed every ten years to be effective: possibly more frequently if you’re in contact with animals or building things in remote areas (rusty nails and old building supplies can cause infection which can be life threatening). Check with a doctor before you leave and be a pincushion for a short time … it may save your life.

Photographer: Anthea Paul