Page 18 - International SOS PR Report August 2024

8/14/24, 1:53 PM Essential Pre-Travel Planning for a Safe and Healthy Summer | UAE News 24/7
TRAVEL & TOURISM
ESSENTIAL PRE-TRAVEL
PLANNING FOR A SAFE AND
HEALTHY SUMMER

AUGUST 13, 2024 UAENEWS247

August 13, 2024—As the peak summer travel season is
underway, International SOS, the world’s leading health and
security services company, is urging organizations to prioritize the
health and safety of their travelling employees. With summer travel
reaching record highs, especially from the GCC and wider Middle
Eastern regions, comprehensive pre-travel planning, and efficient
risk mitigation strategies are becoming more essential to ensure a
healthier and safer travel in the season.

Closeup front view of group of young adults and a senior couple waiting for a train ride at
an underground railroad station. They are sitting on a bench and talking.

Summer’s warmer temperatures and the corresponding rise in
outdoor activities around the globe are creating aheightened risk
environment for health and safety. These risks are amplified for
travellerswith unfamiliar destinations, where individuals may
encounter food and waterborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases
and excessive sun exposure.

According to reports, climate change is causing extreme weather
around the world, generating record-breaking heat waves on land
and at sea. This increased frequency of heatwaves globally poses
significant health threats, including heat stress, which is the
leading cause of weather-related fatalities and can exacerbate
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underlying medical conditions. To ensure employee health and
wellbeing, organisations should provide clear guidance on
heatwave preparedness, such as staying hydrated, avoiding
outdoor activities during peak heat hours and recognising the
signs of heat-related illness.

Dr Ehab Chalabie,Medical Director, Middle East, International SOS
said:“The excitement of summer travel can sometimes
overshadow potential health risks. It is important to understand
that conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes can be
worsened by warmer weather, leading to more severe symptoms
and sometimes complications. To mitigate these risks,
organisations should encourage their workforceto consult with
healthcare professionals before travelling. These consultations
help travellers identify destination-specific health threats during
summer and take essential preventive measures, including
vaccinations, hygiene practices and sun safety protocols.”

Gulnaz UKASSOVA, Security Director, Information & Analysis
Mashreq & Iran, East & Southern Africa, International SOS, said:
“The surge in summer travel underscores the importance of
prioritising employee safety and fostering a strong security
awareness culture within organisations. By conducting
comprehensive destination research, travellers can equip
themselves with knowledge of local security risks. This knowledge
empowers travellers to make informed decisions and minimise

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