One important issue for Tourists and Balikbayans traveling to the Philippines is Health concerns. What should be considered and how to avoid getting sick while in the Philippines ? To enjoy your stay in the Philippines, necessary precautions on what to eat and what to drink should be given a factor. It is always wise to visit the Philippine Health Department website for any announcements regarding risks or if there are present dangers with contaminations of sickness. This does not apply to traveling in the Philippines alone but worldwide as well, as there are much health risk factors to be considered even in the United States, Europe, Australia and other countries. But to be on the safe side, when arriving in the Philippines always consider to drink bottled water. Though tap water are treated, pipe lines that distributes the water from the main water source might be old and rusty and some even might contain lead. There are many water purification shops or stores that sells mineral or purified water not mentioning sari-sari stores, convenience stores, groceries and supermarkets. Next is food. Make sure that the foods that you buy and eat are fully cooked or fresh. Eat and dine on trusted places. If staying for a few days or weeks it is better to eat on trusted places. It is not that foods sold on other places are not fresh, its just most travelers are not accustomed eating there. This applies to Balikbayans as well. It always take some time for anyone to get used to the local foods or drinks sold in many places. One thing that is not wise though, is buying cooked foods that have been in the streets the whole day directly under the sun and contaminated by automobile smoke. Taking a precaution is always the best idea while on vacation. You wouldn’t want to ruin that long awaited travel vacation and spent the vacation days bed ridden or in the hospital. Enjoy your stay and have fun.

There are a lot of Hospitals and Clinics in Metro Manila in case you need one. Services and Fees varies from one place to another. We would publish a good list of health care facilities in Metro Manila and other locations in our next article about health. Meanwhile enjoy your stay, eat well and enjoy your stay at the beautiful country of the Philippines.