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Visit the Region's travel health clinic This time of year many individuals are planning winter vacations to various travel destinations. However, many areas of the world, including the Caribbean, can pose significant health risks that place travellers at an increased risk for illness and disease. Obtaining health advice, including recommended vaccinations and medications in advance from your family doctor or a travel health clinic, as well as practicing protective behaviours while travelling, are important. Halton Region operates a travel health clinic which provides: · Personalized health and safety advice based on travel plans. · Routine and travel immunizations including yellow fever. · Recommendations for preventative medications (i.e. malaria). Travellers within Canada, to the United States, most of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand are considered low risk. Travellers to these areas should have a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years, and check that they have had immunization for measles, mumps and rubella. Influenza (flu) immunization is also recommended. Travellers to destinations outside Canada, the United States, Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand may be at a higher risk of Gary Carr exposure to certain diseases and often require additional vaccinations. The risk increases depending on many factors such as country of destination, length of stay, planned activities and is highest for those who stay in or visit rural areas or trek in back country. Eating or drinking in local restaurants and bars can also be a health risk. There are fees for the travel health clinic and appointments should be booked 6-8 weeks prior to departure to allow adequate time for immunizations to become effective. Planning ahead and taking the appropriate precautions will help to ensure a safe and memorable vacation! For more information on travel health, or to book an appointment contact Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1866-442-5866) or visit www.halton.ca. --Gary Carr is the chairman of Halton Region Man, 44, beaten as thieves steal iPod A 44-year-old Georgetown man was injured when he was robbed while walking along Princess Anne Drive Friday evening. Halton Police report at about 11 p,m. the man was walking from a friend's house while listening to his iPod Nano when he was approached from behind and punched in the head. His iPod and headphones, valued at $300, were taken. Police say the man was punched several times and suffered a cut to his cheek, a swollen eye and a sore back. The man doesn't know how many people were involved in the robbery but told police he saw three males in the area before he was assaulted. One of the suspects is described as male, white, 18, wearing a jean jacket with a patch on the back, and a spiked belt.