Travel Health & Safety

SEPTEMBER 2017 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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Travel Health & Safety “Survivorman” star Les Stroud shares his most extreme adventures and offers advice on how to stay safe when exploring the outdoors.

LEARN about the growing threat of cholera and how to prioritize health when traveling internationally BROWSE more stories online, including the U.S. Department of State’s best practices for families traveling overseas

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2 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | IN THIS ISSUE

Big Shots The American Red Cross details their global initiative to eradicate measles and how you can join the fight.

Page 6

Pest Control Find out how one company plans to stop the spread of all mosquito-borne illnesses — without a vaccine.

Page 7

American Hero Captain “Sully” Sullenberger talks “Miracle on the Hudson” and the importance of human judgement.

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Understanding the Health Risks of International Travel for Americans Americans take about 72 million international trips per year, but many are still unprepared for the risks associated with overseas travel.

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nternational travel has made the world a very small place. So small, in fact, that diseases previously undetected in the United States, such as Zika, have found their way.

This is why it’s imperative travelers know and understand the risks associated with overseas travel.

So what can Americans do to ensure not only their own health and safety when traveling internationally, but the health and safety of fellow Americans? We spoke with Dr. Gary Brunette, the branch chief of the Travelers’ Health Department at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, who shed a little bit of insight into the matter.

The best defense The first thing you should do is make an appointment to see your primary care physician or travel health expert about 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure.

Understanding where (and when) you’ll be traveling will allow your

doctor to assess all the potential health and safety risks. For example, areas with bad sanitation and poor water quality bring the risk of contracting diseases, such as cholera and typhoid.

Your doctor will help create a medical plan of attack to prepare you for travel and check to see what vaccinations you may need.

Making an appointment as early as possible is important because some vaccines and medications must be administered by following a specific regimen, as these take time to take effect.

Dr. Brunette also suggests speaking with your doctor about, “how to make good food and water choices, how to protect yourself from mosquito and other insect bites, environmental hazards and so forth.”

Don’t leave home without it Though you might have medical coverage in the United States, this does not necessarily mean your plan covers you while traveling outside

If you are not adequately protected against a known disease, you not only risk contracting the disease, but potentially bringing it home with you.

of the country — this is why medical travel insurance is necessary.

“We think it’s very important people have supplemental health coverage to cover all their medical needs while they’re overseas should the need arise,” Dr. Brunette says.

“And in addition to that, it’s very important that people going to certain destinations consider evacuation insurance.”

Evacuation insurance can cover the costs of getting you to the nearest medical center, airlifting you as well as repatriation (getting you back on U.S. soil). The cost of evacuations can quickly rise above $100,000 so you should know the risks involved with visiting these remote locales.

Protect one, protect all If you are not adequately protected against a known disease, you not only risk contracting the disease, but potentially bringing it home with you. “ They’re not only protecting themselves by being vaccinated

when they travel, but are also protecting their communities so that they don’t come back and introduce the disease in the [United States],” states Dr. Brunette.

Packing list Ask your doctor about the types of items you should pack. Things like over-the-counter pain medication, anti-diarrheal or laxatives, antihistamines and/or cold medication might come in handy. Don’t forget to take any prescription medication and ensure you have enough to last you through the entire length of your trip.

Buying medication overseas is a no-no, according to Dr. Brunette.

“There is a big international problem with counterfeit medications and in some parts of the world, almost 50 percent of medications a v a i l a b l e a re c o u n te r f e i t . I t ’ s extremely difficult to tell the difference between legitimate and counterfeit medications.” n

By Karine Bengualid

Publisher Daniel Pinkston and Jeremy Amigo Business Developer Jourdan Snyder Managing Director Luciana Olson Content and Production Manager Chad Hensley Senior Designer Celia Hazard Designer Carla Cadó Vielmo Dietrich Copy Editor Emily Gawlak Production Coordinator Josh Rosman Contributors Karine Bengualid, James Diabri, Robert Gallagher, Dash Lunde, David Meltzer, Nicole Ortiz, William Schaffner, Jeffrey Somers, Liane Starr Cover Photo Laura Bombier All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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INSIGHT | MEDIAPLANET | 3

What is cholera?

PHOTO: JAMIE FENN

Cholera is an intestinal infection, transmitted via contaminated food and water.

Cholera may cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, painful cramping and dehydration.

In severe cases, patients pass large amounts of diarrhea (up to one liter per hour), which causes rapid dehydration and can lead to death if left untreated.

Travelers often have a false sense of security when visiting exotic destinations, but anyone is at risk of contracting cholera if exposed.

It’s not as uncommon as you think. There are an estimated 3 million cases of cholera worldwide every year in endemic areas.

Travel in the Time of Cholera As global travel continues to increase every year, and infectious diseases may be encountered throughout the world, what do you need to know about staying healthy abroad?

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he concept of a shrinking globe is a 21st century reality. It is now easier than ever to reach destinations far and wide in a matter of hours.

Nearly 72 million U.S. citizens jetted off to international destinations in 2016 — an eight percent increase over 2015. While easy access to world travel offers incredible experiences, travelers have to be aware of infectious diseases. Some examples include malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, Zika and cholera — the latter of

which is in the midst of a 50-year global pandemic and will leave its mark on current history.

The devastating effects of the current cholera pandemic can be seen in recent outbreaks. In 2010, the cholera outbreak in Haiti affected over 665,000 people and claimed over 8,000 lives. In 2016, after Hurricane Matthew, cholera struck Haiti again, causing the second outbreak in six years. Currently, there is a large pandemic in Yemen where an alarming 500,000 people have been affected to date, and over 1,900 people died between April and July this year. The International Committee of the Red Cross predicts that 600,000 Yemenis could contract cholera before

the end of the year, which would be one in every 45 people.

Many travelers believe the risk of encountering infectious diseases is low. However, travelers should recognize that diseases, such as cholera, are not limited to countries reported in the news headlines.

Cholera is estimated to be endemic in over 60 countries worldwide, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. In fact, five of the top 20 U.S. international travel destinations — India, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and parts of China — are considered to be cholera endemic. There are more than 8 million U.S. travelers per year going to countries, which may include areas affected by cholera.

“In the last 7 to 10 years, we’ve seen more cholera outbreaks around the world,” said Scott Morcott, M.D., FAAFP, medical director of Passport Health in Chicago & Wisconsin and family practice physician at Advocate Condell Medical Center and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

“At Passport Health, we often see travelers who are traveling to areas where there are concerns about cholera, for example, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Africa or parts of Asia. It is important that travelers who are going to a country where cholera is actively transmitted speak to an expert in travel health before their trip.” n

By Jeffrey Somers

How can I protect myself?

Here are a few ways to help prevent contracting cholera while traveling: • Drink bottled water and make sure the cap is sealed.

• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood.

• Peel and wash raw fruits and vegetables.

• Avoid ice in your drinks, as ice cubes are often made with tap water.

However, it isn’t always easy to follow precautions, such as these. In fact, in a study of 662 travelers, 98 percent did not comply with recommended safe food and water precautions.

Recently the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that adults planning to travel to an area of active cholera transmission get a vaccination to help protect from cholera.

To ensure you remember your next trip for all of the right reasons, contact your health care professional for advice at least two weeks prior to departure.

5 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | INFOGRAPHIC

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What to Know About

Cholera

Cholera is an infection

• 80% of patients present with mild-to-moderate symptoms, including acute watery diarrhea.

• Mild forms of cholera may be mistaken for traveler’s diarrhea, and can leave travelers in an uncomfortable state due to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and mild-to-severe dehydration, thereby ruining travel plans.

• Between 5 and 10% of patients suffer severe symptoms characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps.

• In severe cases, rapid loss of body fluids can result in dehydration, shock, or death.

It can also be contracted from eating raw or undercooked seafood.

Cholera is transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.

that affects the intestinal tract which, in severe cases, can kill within hours if left untreated.

Cholera may be a bigger threat to travelers than you think. Here is what you need to know:

Before Traveling Abroad It can take anywhere from a few hours to 5 days to show symptoms.

There are more than 8 million U.S. travelers per year going to countries that may include areas affected by cholera.

Of the top 20 international travel destinations for U.S. travelers, 1/4 are choleraendemic countries: Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, China, India and the Philippines.

There are an estimated 3 million cholera cases per year worldwide.

Cholera is estimated to be endemic in more than 60 countries, primarily in the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.

In recent years, there has been a reemergence of cholera in: Ecuador, Haiti, Cuba, Mexico and Thailand.

How Can I Prevent Cholera?

Before you Go...

Get Educated wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Drink only from sources of clean water.

Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice.

Make sure all food is eaten fresh.

Avoid raw meats and seafood.

Be aware that 98% of travelers do not fully comply with these prevention methods.

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Wash your hands frequently.

Seek health care advice at least two weeks before taking a trip abroad.

Consider vaccinations - the CDC recommends that adults going to areas of active cholera transmission get vaccinated for cholera.

6 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | TIPS & TRICKS

CHECKLIST

Stay Healthy on Your Holiday With These 5 Travel Tips With a few simple steps, you can take the worry out of international travel and fortify yourself for any and all bumps in the road when it comes to your health.

Planning to travel overseas this summer? Depending on your destination, you may need specific vaccines before you travel. Certain types of international travel, particularly to developing countries and rural areas, may pose higher health risks depending on the destination, activities planned during travel, your current health and your vaccination history. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that vaccine-preventable diseases do not interfere with summer fun.

1. Talk to a health care professional before you travel.

Your health care provider is the best source of information on which vaccines you may need. You should visit your provider before your vacation, especially if you are visiting a developing country or sites that are not on usual tourist routes. Note that individuals with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of being affected during travel.

2. Don’t wait too long.

Seek advice as early as possible, but make sure you seek advice! Up to one-third of travelers seek travel health advice in the seven days prior to departure. What’s wrong with waiting until the last minute to seek health advice? You may need multiple doses of a vaccine to ensure you are fully protected. The best time to visit your health care provider is at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel, especially for older travelers, to allow ample time for immunity to build up.

3. Make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines.

Now is a good time to check your immunization status. Routine vaccines include MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis), chickenpox (varicella), polio and an annual influenza (flu) vaccine, among others.

4. Visit a specialized travel clinic.

You may want to consider a visit to a specialized travel clinic, as many primary care physicians don’t stock the travel vaccines you may need.

5. Use precautions during travel.

Protect yourself. Be careful about what you eat and drink and be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Since bugs (including mosquitoes, ticks and some flies) can spread a number of diseases, use insect repellent and don’t touch animals, especially monkeys, dogs and birds.

By William Schaffner, M.D., Medical Director, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Protect Yourself and the Global Community With Travel Vaccinations When we invest in vaccinations against common illnesses at home and abroad, the results are remarkable. Find out what you can do to boost the American Red Cross’s international initiative.

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aving traveled to over 70 countries, I know there’s one common item on nearly every explorer’s to-do list: vaccinations. Depending on the destination, vaccinations can minimize travelers’ risks of illness or death and can prevent travelers from being infected while abroad or bringing disease back home.

A critical cure At the American Red Cross, we view vaccines as a humanitarian imperative, a boost to local economies and a way to keep Americans healthy at home and abroad. As a result, we’ve invested tens of millions of dollars into one of the most cost-effective health interventions: the measles and rubella vaccines.

The American Red Cross is a founding member of the Measles and Rubella Initiative — alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Foundation and UNICEF — which has vaccinated more than 2 billion children against the viruses since 2001.

Prior to launching the global vaccination initiative, more than

700,000 children died each year from measles, a preventable disease. From 2000 to 2015, measles vaccination efforts saved an estimated 20.3 million lives.

Healthy children, happy parents The numbers are startling, but the human element is just as rewarding. In my time at the Red Cross, I’ve watched children receive the measles vaccine in Indonesia, Madagascar and Kenya. Often, kids cry as the needle approaches, but it’s the parents’ thanks that I’ll never forget because they know that vaccines protect their children against disabling diseases and even death.

From 2000 to 2015, measles vaccination efforts saved an estimated 20.3 million lives.

In low-income countries, it costs $1 to vaccinate a child against measles. Every $1 invested in the measles vaccine yields $58 in

savings by averting illness and disabilities. This return on investment provides more resources to strengthen local health care systems and respond to other health crises. We often hear from parents that when their children are immunized, mom and dad spend less time caring for sick kids and more time earning money to take care of their family and enhance the local economy.

A global community And we don’t often consider how international travelers being vaccinated protects us at home, but it does. In this interconnected world, infectious diseases are just one plane ride away from the United States.

Being vaccinated not only protects the traveler — it also protects his or her community.

So when you make your next international travel reservation and check for needed shots, know that children around the globe are getting similar shots which can literally save their lives and make a world of difference to their parents, their country and even here in the United States. n

By David Meltzer, Chief International Officer, American Red Cross

NEWS | MEDIAPLANET | 7

Taking the Bite Out of Mosquito-Borne Diseases Genetic engineering could hold the key to stopping the spread of mosquitoes carrying diseases like Zika and dengue.

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Biting back Oxitec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intrexon, created a safe, effective and eco-friendly technology — genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

PHOTO: AGÊNCIA BRASIL / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Small bite, big impact What do you think is the deadliest animal in the world? Think smaller than a dime. It’s the mosquito. One species, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a primary transmitter of diseases such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control confirmed Zika was linked to microcephaly, a devastating birth defect, as well as neurological problems like Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Zika has spread to over 64 countries, where mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue and yellow fever, are still a significant problem. Dengue alone infects nearly 400 million people globally per year, causing an estimated 25,000 deaths.

To make matters worse, these mosquitoes have become resistant to common insecticides. Current control methods such as pesticides and breeding site reductions are ineffective in thwarting the mosquito… but Oxitec is changing the game.

PHOTO: DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

n the fight against the spread of devastating mosquito-borne diseases, UK-based Oxitec may have found the silver bullet: genetically engineering mosquitoes to limit their own populations.

pany has opened a new facility capable of producing 60 million Friendly™ Aedes male mosquitoes per week, able to scale the solution from the smallest villages to the largest cities.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine announced the release of these self-limiting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes posed no significant negative impact on human health or the environment.

The National Institute of Public Health and Environment in the Netherlands also recently concluded in their technical evaluation that a vector control program using Friendly™ Aedes mosquitoes would “pose negligible risks to human health and the environment.”

Additionally the World Health Organization has recommended the technology for pilot deployment, and the Pan American Health Organization has offered to provide technical support for countries that want to implement these projects.

“Over 725,000 people per year die from consequences of a mosquito bite,” said Lt. Gen. (ret.)

Thomas Bostick, SVP of the Environment Sector at Intrexon.

“When you put that into perspective, this little creature has killed more people than the total number of U.S. soldiers who died in both WWI and WWII combined.”

Current vector control methods are inadequate in the fight against the mosquito. Oxitec’s Friendly™ Aedes technology repproven to be successful. Over 90 resents a significant advance in percent suppression has been achieved in five trials worldwide, the fight against the mosquito and addresses key environmenconducted in partnership with third-party organizations in Brazil, tal concerns associated with current technologies. ■ Panama and the Cayman Islands.

To facilitate expanded control programs in Brazil, the com- By Dash Lunde

They’ve been dubbed Friendly™ Aedes because the released males are non-biting and unable to carry and spread disease. They have one job — to mate with wild Aedes aegypti females and pass on a self-limiting gene that prevents offspring from living to adulthood.

An additional marker engineered into their DNA allows the Oxitec mosquito and their offspring to be monitored and tracked so deployment can be dynamically adjusted.

Unparalleled effectiveness The company’s technology has

8 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | CHALLENGES

JETSETTER

Travel Insurance Helps You Hit the Road With Confidence Do you know all that travel insurance can offer? Today, broad offerings help ensure your peace of mind while traveling in the country or overseas.

While many people don’t think twice about purchasing insurance for their cars, homes and even mobile phones, they often decline to protect their trip investment with a travel insurance plan.

Why Travel Insurance Is a Must-Have in These 4 Worst-Case Scenarios Don’t let a travel nightmare catch you unprepared — and leave you in a financial lurch. Learn the ins and outs of travel insurance so you can travel safe and sound, no matter what comes your way. receive help to evacuate from an area that is in the path of a hurricane or other natural disaster, as well as make alternative plans, such as finding and booking a hotel and rescheduling flights.

Understand the options This is partially due to misunderstandings about travel insurance plans, which can include a variety of features, such as:

3. Lost passport Each year, more than 300,000 passports are reported lost or stolen by U.S. citizens, according to State Department statistics. Travel assistance programs can help locate the nearest embassy or consulate as well as help provide necessary paperwork to get a passport replaced.

Travel assistance — flight and hotel rebookings, lost baggage search and assistance with stolen luggage replacement Emergency medical assistance — physician/hospital/ dental/vision referrals, medical evacuation support, prescription replacement assistance Security assistance — security evacuation assistance, crisis management support, safety advisories, incident alerts Expect the unexpected Regardless of the destination, unforeseen events can happen.

Not only does travel insurance help people travel with confidence while enjoying financial protection and logistical support, many plans also include 24/7 assistance and concierge services.

Travel insurance is an investment that helps cover travelers in the event of risks ranging from minor inconveniences, such as losing a passport, to major medical issues.

By Robert Gallagher, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, AIG Travel.

ven the most well-thoughtout travel plans can be upended by injury, illness, theft, weather or any number of unforeseen events. No one can predict exactly what might happen.

What travelers can do, however, is protect themselves — their health, safety and investment — in case things go wrong.

Travel protection plans include insurance coverage coupled with assistance services. This can mean that you’re not only protected against out of pocket expenses if you have to change your travel plans or seek emergency medical care, you also have access to services to help coordinate emergency care, travel arrangements and even legal support.

Find out why travel insurance is key in the following situations.

coordinate medical transportation to get you to a hospital with necessary care.

Your travel assistance company will do what is medically indicated as the best option for the patient — whether an air ambulance or even a first-class commercial flight with a medical escort — the number one priority being your health, comfort and safety. Travel insurance can also fill the gap between what your health insurance covers and the actual costs of your care — including an air ambulance, which can easily cost $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Marcelline K. fell and broke her foot in Kenya. With the help of a travel protection plan and her insurance company representative, she was cared for in a private hospital, transported to Nairobi and flown back to San Francisco.

4. Unforeseeable circumstances When you have unexpected health concerns or certain other unforeseeable circumstances, such a terrorist attack or hurricane, that keep you from being able to take your vacation, travel insurance can eliminate another source of worry.

You can be reimbursed for the costs of your cancelled trip, which in many cases can be thousands of dollars. This was the case for Marjorie D., whose husband ended up in the hospital the day before their planned cruise. “Yes,” she reports, “we definitely purchased insurance for the re-booking.”

While travelling, always keep the contact information for your plan’s 24-hour assistance handy so that you can seek help in a variety of situations.

Make sure you understand what your policy does — and doesn’t — cover as well as the limits of coverage, including any limitations on your destination or activities. If you are unsure of anything, contact your provider directly to ask. n

1. Illness or injury Assistance services can help arrange hospital or other medical treatment and

2. Natural disaster With a call to the 24-hour hotline for travel assistance services, you can

SOURCE: UNITED STATES TRAVEL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

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INSPIRATION | MEDIAPLANET | 9

“Sully” Sullenberger Pilots the Airline Industry Into the Future of Health and Safety An instant may have transformed Captain Sullenberger into an American hero, but the pilot has devoted a lifetime to keeping airline passengers safe and secure.

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Health and wellness Air travel can take a toll on your health, particularly if you aren’t mindful of what you’re eating and don’t regularly exercise.

As with most facets of life, having a more pleasant flying experience boils down to those basic health rules. Remaining active and keeping a healthy lifestyle can make the effects of altitude and jet lag that may be experienced from time zone changes more bearable.

Sully advises, “I think whatever you do, whether you travel or not, to have the fullest life you can, it helps to be active. To remain active and be fit; to move around; to stretch your limits in

PHOTO: NTSB

ince Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger performed the astonishing feat now known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he’s been speaking out about safety within the aviation industry as well as how to best improve health practices. Now that he has more of a platform, he uses it to increase awareness about certain procedures and act as a mouthpiece for the industry.

Sully says, “I learned to fly 50 years ago, and the Wright Brothers first flew 114 years ago this December. So I’ve been involved in aviation for 44 percent of its entire history, and I know what works and what doesn’t. Now I just have a greater voice about things I’ve cared about my entire life.”

terms of strength and flexibility; to try to eat right; to try to do something physically active every day, even if it’s to take the stairs instead of the elevator.”

Additionally, by heading outdoors often and exercising your body, you have the added bonus

of mental exertion, which Sully refers to as our “creative reserves.”

“We literally walk outside and remember there’s a whole big, beautiful world out there, and don’t just react to what’s in front of us and react to the problems in the forefront of our consciousness,” he

says. “We change the way we look at the world; We change our perspective about viewing issues.”

Responsible passengers In terms of safety, Sully advises that the most important thing is to remember that “we have a civic

duty to be responsible, be knowledgeable and not to do things that are going to harm others.”

Drawing from his own experiences and observations, he notes that one mistake he always sees passengers make is trying to take luggage with them after an incident occurs. Doing so is irresponsible and can lead to others getting hurt. And besides, on his Hudson flight, Sully notes that “it was only the people who tried to take to take some of their luggage outside the airplane with them during the evacuation that didn’t get all their luggage back.”

Sully is confident in the progress the aviation industry and its safety protocol has made over the years, noting that this current period is the safest that air travel has ever been. In fact, there hasn’t been a passenger fatality on a flight since the Colgan flight 3407 in Buffalo in February 2009.

He also proudly speaks of his involvement in making air travel into a more team-oriented profession, a deviation from the days of “arrogant [pilots that] didn’t listen to anyone else.” He says, “I helped to develop, implement and teach the very such leadership team-building force of my airline. I taught the very first one at my company.”

With his passion for aviation, one that has been embedded in him since early childhood, it’s reassuring to know that there are pilots like Captain Sully flying the skies. n

By Nicole Ortiz

10 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | SPOTLIGHT

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How Survivorman Les Stroud Stays Safe While Exploring the Great Outdoors

es Stroud, the award-winning host and producer of the Canadian TV show “Survivorman,” knows how to pack for any outdoor adventure. “I’m very specific about what I bring so that it caters exactly to the particular trip,” he says.

Be prepared, not pessimistic.

He recommends that all campers and hikers be just as prepared as he is. “You just never know when things are going to go wrong,” he says. “I’m not suggesting we all be fatalistic about how we adventure or even go downtown. However, most of us are completely unprepared for even the slightest bit of difficulty. Make sure you have plan B and C worked out.”

He also warns outdoor adventurers to be aware of the biggest risks they face. “Exhaustion and sleep deprivation creep up on you, and you start making very bad decisions without even realizing it.

Another is what I call the ‘I’ve got this’ syndrome. If you’re not careful, your arrogance will cause you to make choices that put you in an incredibly precarious position — one that could end up being fatal.”

If anyone knows how to avoid outdoor dangers, it’s “Survivorman” host Les Stroud. But the adventurer’s top tips for safe exploring may surprise you.

PHOTO: LAURA BOMBIER

“Nature is the elixir of life. A connection to it is, or should be, our baseline.”

Check your ego.

Even Stroud hasn’t been immune to hubris. “The most dangerous situations were when I nearly succumbed to heat stroke in the Kalahari and the time I nearly gave myself hypothermia in Norway. Both happened because I got cocky and thought ‘I got this!’”

So what skill should everyone have before heading out? “Know how to get a fire going anytime, anywhere, in any kind of weather or circumstance.”

Stroud believes, even if it takes some work to be outdoor-ready, it’s worth it. “Nature is the elixir of life. A connection to it is, or should be, our baseline.” n

By Liane Bonin Starr

TRENDING | MEDIAPLANET | 11

Andrew Zimmern Is Discovering the World One “Bizarre” Meal at a Time He may be known for his broad and brave palate, but the TV personality says that eating local cuisine is about more than adventurous eating — it’s a key part of learning about new cultures.

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PHOTO: TRAVEL CHANNEL

ward-winning TV star, chef and author Andrew Zimmern is regarded as one of the most versatile and well-informed personalities in the food world. As the creator, executive producer and host of the “Bizarre Foods” franchise on Travel Channel, he has explored cultures in more than 170 countries and shows no sign of slowing down.

“I’m sort of a ‘when in Rome’ person,” he tells Mediaplanet.

“When trying foods in new countries, I don’t have any best practices. I dive right in.”

Fork and knife From sautéed beetles in Madagascar to deep fried tarantulas in Cambodia, Zimmern believes that people can learn more about the world around them by trying local foods.

“I don’t take precautions when it comes to food. If other human beings are eating it, I want to understand why and how it relates to their history, their anthropology, their sociology and their cultural totems,” he explains. “[Food] is how we relate to other cultures as Americans — we inhale other cultures through our mouths first. We appreciate a country’s food long before we appreciate their music or dance.”

What does Zimmern look for when selecting a new destination to visit for one of his projects? “I keep a rotating list of hundreds of locations on a white board all the time, and every year we reconsider the places we haven’t gone yet,” he explains. In his latest series “Andrew Zimmern’s Driven

By Food,” locals act as tour guides and introduce Andrew to culinary hidden gems. “Once we know that we have three or four good stories there, we get really serious about it. It’s always about the characters and making sure we have that spirit of adventure and cultural exploration that drives the series. And if those boxes are checked, we go.”

“I hope that people can learn that if you can appreciate the food of another culture, you can appreciate [their people] even more.”

Maps and miles According to a recent survey by the State Department, only 36 percent of Americans hold a valid passport, compared to 60 percent of passport-holding Canadians and 75 percent of the men and women of Britain and Australia.

“I hope that people can learn that if you can appreciate the food of another culture, you can appreciate [their people] even more,” he explains. “When I immerse myself in another culture, it’s transformative. You learn things that you never would have had the opportunity to learn any other way. It constantly proves itself again and again every time I’m on the road.” n

By James Diabri

You can catch “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” on Travel Channel, Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. EST

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