Health & Safety Tips

For any destination that you travel to, it is always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why, even here at St. John, one of the most scenic and relaxing vacation destinations imaginable, it is a good idea to watch out for the common problems that unprepared vacationers experience. With sunlight streaming down and tropical bugs ready to pounce, there’s a lot you can do to make sure that these factors don’t create an unwanted nuisance while you are enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Considering the very slight possibility that something unfortunate might happen to you or one of your loved ones while in the water at the beach, or hiking on the island, it is comforting to know that there are plenty of resources available to those who need emergency medical attention.

Watch Your Sun

As you may well know already, St. John Island is a tropical destination located in the heart of the Caribbean. Because it is tropical travelers should take the standard precautions as must vacationers to any tropical destination. The first and foremost concern is sunburn. Bring sunscreen and apply it regularly. Better yet, stay out of the sun entirely as much as possible. That’s because sunburn can cause serious skin damage in future years, and as such is not something that you want to remember your Caribbean vacation by. In addition to applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day and waiting a while before entering direct sunlight, wearing a cap with a brim is a great way to keep your face protected. Also, if the weather permits, cool and loose fitting long sleeve shirts and pants can be useful for those with skin that is extra sensitive.

Noseeums

While the sun can be one of your foremost concerns, it in turn gives way to bugs at the end of the day; that’s when tropical mosquitoes head in. They will make your life miserable if you are not prepared for them. Buying a good brand-name insect repellent usually helps do the trick for avoiding the worst of the bug problems. Also, there are various tricks that vacationers employ in order to make themselves less attractive to the insects. Loose, long sleeved clothing usually protects the area of skin that it covers, and certain vitamins and even alcohol have been said to be useful internal remedies to mosquito attacks. If you are camping, try to get your hands on a bug zapper so that you can sleep well at night.

The medical facilities at St. John are limited due to the small size of the island. For vacationers who are in need of medical attention there is a decent medical clinic as well a team of paramedics there to assist you in case of an emergency. Should you need to go to a hospital, the nearest one is a stone’s throw away on the island of St. Thomas, although this facility is somewhat limited itself. The nearest full hospital is located at San Juan in Puerto Rico, 60 or 70 miles away by helicopter.

See you on the Island,
John & Heidi Walsh

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