Belgium’s town of Spa, with less than 11,000 people, has Europe’s oldest health resort and the world’s first casino.

Due to its fascinating history, the thermal springs in Spa have come to be known as The Caf Of Europe. It has had many visits, dating back to the 16th centuries, by people of all kinds, even Kings. The natural source of water which runs throughout Spa is unrivaled and is even thought to have beneficial health qualities.

In this day and age, Spa is not the go-to holiday spot like it was in its prime, but still has remained on our maps, with its natural mineral water that is a favorite amongst many societies.

If you like museums, be sure to check the Laundry Museum. It has 25 rooms showing the evolution of the washing machine from the beginning to the present day. This is a fascinating history.

Do you need healing or just need to relax? Then why not visit the Bath House. With the water containing therapeutic carbonic acid, what more can one ask for? This all comes with a healthy massage to ensure maximum relaxation.

Belgium is second to none when it comes to beer, so you can be assured of plenty of places to get excellent beer with a good meal.

So why not put Belgium’s town of Spa on the map for your next vacation? Spa offers plenty of adventure and things to do.

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How do you avoid serious health problems from contaminated food and water when vacationing away from home, especially when visiting tropical & third-world countries? Dysentery (which can precede diarrhea), hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera are four to be aware of and take precautions against.

What steps can you take to lessen the chance of getting these serious diseases when traveling?

Be sure you drink only bottled water when you’re vacationing. Check that the seal of the cap hasn’t been broken. If it appears to have been tampering with, don’t drink the water. In a lot of third world countries, it is not unheard of for some street vendors, children, or restaurants to fill water bottles with regular tap water and then sell them to tourists as authentic bottled water.

Ice cubes can be a major source of contaminated water. Unlike bottled water, there is no way that you, as a vacationer, can be sure the ice cubes were made from a safe and non-contaminated source of water unless the restaurant has an impeccable reputation. Therefore, you shouldn’t use ice cubes in your drinks unless you are positive that the source of the water is safe.

When you are on a tropical vacation it is advisable to avoid eating any uncooked foods, such as salads, as they are another major source of these diseases.

How do people commonly contract traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated water or food, but it can also be caused by stress or a change of location when you are traveling. Some of the symptoms are gas, feeling nausea, upset stomach, cramps and a liquid stool.

What should you do if you contract traveler’s diarrhea?

You should drink a lot of purified water and soda or pop to prevent dehydration. These symptoms usually subside within two or three days. If these symptoms persist or get more severe, you should get medical help immediately as you may have the more serious bacteria or amoeba dysentery.

What are some common symptoms of dysentery?

A high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, stomach cramps, blood and/or mucous in the stool are the usual symptoms of both bacteria and amoeba caused dysentery. Both kinds of dysentery can be very serious conditions if not treated. You must seek medical help as soon as you can.

What is the difference between hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A is a very infectious disease that spreads through contaminated food and water (including ice cubes). Hepatitis B is spread in the same way that the HIV virus is spread, by infected blood or body fluids through sexual contact, a cut or break in the skin, or a transfusion. Both diseases have similar symptoms which may include headaches, fever, chills, feeling fatigued, stomach cramps, aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, a lack of appetite, dark colored urine and a light colored stool. Jaundiced skin and yellow whites of the eyes are also usual symptoms. If you get some, or every one of these symptoms you must seek out medical help as soon as you can. But as a precaution it would make better sense to see your local medical health professional before you travel on vacation and get vaccinated against both of these diseases. Always keep in mind that your first line of defense is to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before you traveling.

It is advisable to check with your local health authority to find out if you need to be vaccinated prior to leaving on your trip. Some countries you plan to visit may require an up to date vaccination certificate. Even if they don’t, it still makes good sense to be vaccinated as hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease. Hepatitis B can lead to AIDS. Both diseases attack the liver. There is a vaccination called Twinrix which protects you from both hepatitis A and B. You can find out more about this vaccination at Twinrix.

What can you do if you contract cholera?

Cholera causes diarrhea, which can lead to very severe dehydration and possibly death. This disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water. As immunization is not considered effective, you have to practice good hygiene.

How can you protect yourself from contracting typhoid?

Typhoid is a disease that’s also transmitted through contaminated food and water. You should get immunized for typhoid when you are traveling to countries where sanitation is poor.

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