“That time has come when discrimination with reference to communities, social status, gender and nations, will come to an end. Entire world humanity will live like brothers and sisters.”

-ARTHUR CHARLES CLARK

“If in a particular country, if one or two court cases are fought, people will be amazed as to whether there is any individual who is full of hatred, cunningness and enmity. At that time there will be no racial difference or gender discrimination. A human religion will be established in the entire world. Today all nations have joined hands to establish the United Nations Organization in America. A time will come in the future when a United Planetary Nation will come into existence. Its capital could be any of the planets like Earth, Jupiter, Mercury etc. or another region outside our solar system. After having said this, definitely human values will gain a firm foothold in future. That day is very near when all planets, galaxies etc. of the cosmos will unite as one nation. It is akin to what we see today wherein our earth has more than 100 nations. All these planets, galaxies etc. will live like cooperative, friendly neighbours.”

The above quotation is not some imaginary story of Panchtantra or an imaginary incident of the journey of Ashwamedha horses. In fact this prophecy was made by a great prophesizer of America called Arthur Charles Clark, when he received the international award called Kaling Prize. Previously too he had given many prophecies and majority of the time, they were proved cent percent true.

The prophecies of Arthur Clark are slightly different from prophecies made by other seers. Clark was a scientist and a writer. Thus his prophecies had a scientific tinge which touched the hearts of his readers. His prophecies were proved so true that later on scientists based their research studies on the prophecies made by Clark.

Once in 1959 while attending a dinner party, Clark told his friend “30th June 1969 A.D. will be the greatest day in world history. I can clearly see an inhabitant of earth landing on Moon.”

Uptil the day when Clark made this prophecy, not even one space craft had been sent into interstellar space. It was only 2 years later in 1961 A.D. that Russia sent one of its astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, in a spacecraft so as to circumbulate our planet Earth. Hence in 1959 A.D. when Clark made the above prophecy, none of his friends believed it. Despite this, world humanity witnessed Clark’s prophecy come true, even if it had a difference of 20 days as far as the timing of the prophecy was concerned. In fact if in 1966 A.D. an Apollo spacecraft had not been burnt to ashes in Kennedy Space Centre, there would not have been this 20 day delay in the prophecy being proved correct.

Even as a small boy, Arthur Clark possessed this strange Extra Sensory Power (ESP) and power to predict future events. He always said “Man is not merely this physical body. He is that Power which has divine light full of brilliance. All Divine Powers of God are present in each individual albeit in a latent state. At present these Divine Powers are “sleeping” in the human psyche.

“I am seeing that in a short time span an intense thought revolution will rise in a country of Asia (India). Uptil 1971 in this country and within 10 years in the entire world, this revolution will be so intense, that the harsh psyche of human beings will have to awaken. That energy will be searched for and experienced by all of world humanity, which today they are virtually ignorant about. Science will take a new turn wherein spiritual principles will predominate. These spiritual attainments and potentials will be the basis on which the world will be united as one family.

People argue that life exists on Earth only. Even scientists say that other planets are lifeless. At that time Clark said “I had said in 1945 A.D. that there is no need to lay down electrical cables /wires in either the ocean or the entire world. If an artificial satellite of the speed of 17000 miles is sent into interstellar space, which revolves around our Earth, it will fulfill all requirements of sending telegraphic messages. At that time people mocked at me. I was proved right when in 1962 A.D., Bell Telephone Company sent a satellite called “Telstar” in interstellar space. Today other satellites like “Early Bird” and “Tolras” too have been invented which can send messages from one place on Earth to another place. In 1 minute these messages of the measure of 17 pages can be sent.

Once I had said that man is capable of producing so much energy from a very tiny atom that can destroy the world in a matter of a few minutes. Again no one believed what I said. It was only when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed that people realized I was absolutely right. I have made all these prophecies with steadfastness and confidence. With this same confidence I say that this world has not come into existence without a Creator. There eternally exists a mysterious force which is beyond the ken of human intelligence and prowess. This gigantic world was created as per the wish of this mysterious force. If this force created life on Earth, why would it not create life on other planets? If one day life is discovered on other planets, it is doubtless that populations of various planets will come closer and will design cosmic laws which will solve their problems.”

Just as Arthur Clark’s previous prophecies have come true, so too that day is very near when his above prophecy will also come true cent per cent. Via the mediums of Pulsar and Quasar rays, certain radio messages have been noted which force scientists to believe that life exists on other planets too. Scientists say that civilizations on other planets could be more advanced than those on Earth and that they wish to contact Earth inhabitants. The truth of Clark’s prophecies can be witnessed in the existence of clouds that exist billion of light years away and red coloured planets. Thus even the most conservative scientists have started accepting that life could exist on other planets.

A long time back Arthur Clark had said “For a few days I will land on Moon to spend my holidays.” Obviously people mocked at him. But today it is clear that, that day is not far away when people will book tickets to travel from one planet to another. Dr. Fernand Gabiz, director of France’s “Institute of Higher Defence Studies” says that henceforth when a hydrogen bomb will be invented it will function with the help of lasers. It will be called a Mini-H-Laser Bomb. Its power will be infinitely more than an electric bomb and its price will be not more than a few dollars. This technology will be of great help in minimizing the cost of travel from one planet to another i.e. in interstellar space. Thus readers of this book will definitely travel in space in the near future.

Arthur Clark while residing in Colombo (Sri Lanka) with his wife Dod made some prophecies regarding India’s progress. It matches with prophecies given by Jean Dixon, Cheiro, Anderson et al. They all said “In ancient times India was famous not only spiritually but also as a great scientific nation. I have heard that in the past, India had invented fire and water based weapons and also aircrafts. In future too, India will advance further in these areas and will be topmost in the world. Despite this, India will be predominantly recognized as a great spiritual nation. Indian spirituality and culture will become a World Religion.”

Clark had great faith in human progress. He had also made films. His movie “Zool Space Odyssey” gained international recognition. In it Clark tries to say that today’s man is much more advanced than that man of the past, who lived like an ignorant animal in the forest. Today man has intellectually progressed a great deal and with its help, he will not only travel in the entire cosmos but will also dive deep into the recesses of his infinite soul. Man will in future campaign for a life of world brotherhood, oneness of soul and love for one another. This goal will be definitely achieved in the near future.

Clark’s prophecies of India’s freedom, China and Pakistan’s friendship, war between China and Russia have come true, although the timing of events may have been a few days in advance or a few days later. Hence none should doubt his prophecy of a thought revolution and Era Transformation taking place in future in the world. This is because today all signs of this prophecy being proved true in future are witnessed in all corners of the world.

There are many ways we can use our human energy to lighten the
load on natural resources and tread lightly on our home planet.
Check how many of these you do already:

1. Recycle and re-use Wherever possible, separate waste into
compost material, bottles, tins, paper, clothing etc and make
sure that these get recycled. See if your local council has a
policy for recycling, food reclamation to fuel or even methane
extraction from waste. If they don’t – start one. Ask your
neighbours to contribute to a local composting station.

“The UK has one of the worst recycling records in Europe (12.4%)
compared with 64% in Austria, 52% in Belgium, 50% in Germany and
47% in the Netherlands. In the UK we bury 80% of our rubbish in
landfills, compared to the Swiss who only landfill 7% of their
rubbish.” (The Observer 2004)

2. Shop locally or order a veg box Give your local farmers a
boost by buying direct – either by visiting farms, farmer’s
markets or through vegetable box schemes – which are usually
organic. This saves transport costs in ‘food miles’ and
guarantees, fresh, local, un-polluted and healthy, in-season
food. Try and avoid supermarkets and shop locally when possible
to enhance your own local micro-economy.

“The average household [in UK] spends £470 a year (or one sixth
of its total food budget) on packaging. In a typical Asda or
Tesco shopping basket only 26% of the cost is accounted for by
food; the rest is packaging, processing, transport, store
overheads, advertising and the mark-up of supermarkets which is
sometimes as high as 45%.” (National Farmers’ Union)

3. Make more of your own food from fresh Stop buying ready-meals
and throw away your microwave. Take the time to make healthy,
balanced and delicious meals and condiments from wholesome raw
ingredients. Be like the French and live to eat – rather than
eat to live ! Eating food is the only activity apart from sex
that involves all of our senses.

4. Promote community exchange If you can exchange skills, items
or energy direct with other people without the use of money -
this makes your activities more efficient. If you can share
resources with people around you – then you don’t have to earn
so much to buy things and you don’t have to work as much.

5. Improve local diversity of nature See what you can do to
provide the right ecosystems to promote local biodiversity.
Bring butterflies, moths, birds, wild flowers and so on into
your local environment by providing the resources they need.

6. Review domestic energy use Check whether you can save energy
by cutting down consumption or being more efficient. There are
government schemes in the UK to help with heating efficiency and
insulation. Even switching off at the plug at night saves power
-those little red ‘power on’ lights add up to over £4 million of
electricity used in the UK each year ! Look at how your home
uses energy and where it can be saved, even if it means putting
a jumper on occasionally.

7. Start a local investment scheme If you want to save for a
future – doesn’t it make sense to invest in something you can
see and touch – like a local investment system that brings a
return on your money and improves your own locality ? Invest
money where you can see what it is doing – and where you can
lend a hand if needs be. Community companies, local
co-operatives and credit unions are a growing resource for
sustainable local investment. What better way is there than to
invest your energy directly into your local micro-economy where
you can cherish it ?

8. Use an ethical banking system Just what does your money do
when you invest it a bank? Do you invest in the land mines that
blow off children’s legs ? Do you support armaments
manufacturing, the over-exploitation of rainforests, globalised
cartels intent on raping the planet ? Does your default
investment in a bank endorse child slavery and prostitution,
international drug running and money laundering ? Check the
investment policies of your bank to see just where they are
putting your energy as an investment. If you don’t like what you
see, at least consider using an ethical bank that might invest
in things you want in the world. Even better – reach for a
lifestyle that doesn’t include a bank account at all.

Did you invest in this ? “Japanese physicist Professor Yagasaki
calculated that the 500+ metric tonnes of depleted uranium (DU)
that the US unleashed on Afghanistan was the radioactive
equivalent of 51,875 atomic bombs of the size dropped on the
Japanese city of Nagasaki. During the 2003 Gulf War the amount
of DU used was the equivalent of 103,750 atomic bombs the size
of that dropped on Nagasaki. DU fallout will travel from the
Middle East to the UK, US and parts of Asia.” (International
Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)

9. Review car use and petrol consumption The real price of
petrol, if you apply economic principles to its production -
that includes the time the earth has taken to make it – comes in
at over £1 million per gallon. Its use produces awful chemical
pollution and extreme noise. Most internal combustion engines
run at an incredibly low efficiency (usually about 20%). The
logic of having something that weighs over a ton to transport a
single person defeats me. Yes, I know they’re incredibly
convenient compared to the alternatives and that many motors
have cult status but – come on – there has to be a better way
than this ! Boy am I looking forward to hydrogen / oxygen fuel
cells. Cycling is great!

10. Start a local energy collective Your roofs are a resource !
Take a look at some of the rooftop energy panels available
today. Chat with your neighbours about a collective approach to
local energy needs. Sell your excess energy back to the grid !
Intermediate technology combined with modern technology in wind,
solar or water power has come of age so start your own power
supply.

11. Learn more about the nature in your local environment Which
wild animals and plants live in your environment? Share some
time with them and see what they can teach you. Become a direct
‘friend of nature’ and explore how other species see the world
we share. You could even adopt some wild nature near you and
‘look out’ for it.

12. Make things from found or recycled materials Do you remember
the fun you had whittling wood when you were younger? Keep an
eye out for interesting wood you can prepare to make useful
things. So much stuff is just thrown away or destroyed that
could be useful again given a little T.L.C. Wild wood can make
attractive coat hangers, boxes, shelves, even furniture. Waste
skips often have objects that can easily be given a ‘new life’.
Working with your hands to make things ‘new’ can be a deeply
satisfying experience.

13. Make your own Christmas and birthday presents Take time out
to make things that you enjoy and give them away to people you
love. These have a value way over anything you can buy. If you
have a creative hobby – use it to make gifts instead of buying
them. If you don’t – find a hobby or activity that puts you in
touch with natural things.

14. Stop using pharmaceutical drugs and chemicals and go natural
We are in a culture where medical consumerism is the norm.
Explore some of the alternatives like using your food as
preventative and curative medicine, or learn about the herbs and
spices that have traditionally boosted mankind’s health for
millennia. There are many gentle ways to find, promote and
maintain health and you will find some excellent examples at the
StarFields Network.

15. Join an environmental group Express your energy in a
collective way by joining a group that voices your concerns. Put
your energy into changing the situation for the better by
directly sponsoring a specific environmental cause.

16. Use natural materials from a sustainable source over
synthetic materials The more natural a product is – the less
pollution is usually incurred in its production. Support your
environment by valuing natural materials over synthetic, for
example (organic) cotton over polyester. Think about where
building materials or other resources have come from and the
processes it takes to make them.

17. Feed your neighbour A quick story based on Dante’s Inferno:
Dante (or someone like him) visits Hell and finds a room of
‘food torture’. The inhabitants are glued to chairs round a
large table covered with food, but they all have their arms
replaced by 10 foot chopsticks. They lift bits of food high over
their heads and drop it down onto their faces in a pathetic
attempt to feed themselves. Later, our hero visits heaven and
finds exactly the same situation except for one thing. The
people in heaven are feeding each other across the table !

18. Dance, sing and laugh. Look after yourself and have fun If
you are happy, fulfilled, in good humour, enjoying life’s
journey and so on – the chances are that others around you will
be able to feel that way too. This moves us all along.

19. Don’t fly in airplanes If possible, take a ship or train for
long hauls or holidays. Aircraft are extremely expensive in
pollution terms. Enjoy the sensation of travelling more slowly.
Accept the journey as part of the trip.

20. Take an action holiday Why not donate your energy to a cause
like helping indigenous people set up sustainable economies ?
There are many companies offering the experience of useful
voluntary work overseas. This is a most direct way to contribute
to a sustainable world and gives you face-to-face contact with
other cultures.

21. Grow more plants indoors Enhance your pact with nature by
turning your home into a plant haven. Even simple spider plants
can improve your space by bringing nature in and cleaning the
air. Plants are pretty undemanding compared to pets and they
bring life in and produce air. Go the whole hog and grow some
trees.

22. Consider changing your employment What does your ‘means of
income’ do in energy terms ? If the ‘ethics’ of your employment
is distant from your own values then you have essentially sold
your soul for money. Think carefully about the consequences of
your employment. Consider finding employment that is near to
your core values and you will find a more fulfilled ‘you’.

23. Review how you are investing in your own future Concerned
about pensions ? It is certainly looking like someone has pulled
the plug on that one. Anyone under 45 should be looking to
exactly what they want in older years and finding ways to
achieve it that may not involve money. There are serious flaws
in our investment systems that are becoming more and more
evident. Co-operative or communal solutions to support in older
years will be an increasing solution to lack of money.

24. Review your usage of water If you have metered water, review
how much you use and where savings might be made. For example
bath water (without chemicals) can be used to water plants, a
brick in the water cistern saves flush water. Can you use the
water that lands on your roof that you pay for the privilege of
having removed ? Water butts are cheaper than ever and some
local councils offer price reductions to residents. There are
many water filters on the market that improve the quality of
tap-water and water is a key issue in health, we are mostly made
of it ! Water is a key issue on planet earth in the 21st
century.

” Nearly 97% of the world’s water is sea water or otherwise
undrinkable. Another 2% is locked up in ice caps and glaciers.
This leaves 1% to meet all of humanities growing needs,
including agriculture, manufacturing, community and personal
household needs. Of that 1%, one quarter of the world’s fresh
water is found in Canada’s lakes, rivers and streams.” (CPS June
2004)

25. Cut down on noise and light pollution Many birds in cities
sing at night as it’s the only way they can make themselves
heard. Generally birds in cities have to sing louder and the
stress this causes gives them shortened life spans. Listen for a
moment now – what can you hear beyond the hum of computer fan?
How much of this noise is really needed? Wouldn’t just some
‘quiet times’ be nice? Get together with your neighbours and see
if you can negotiate a local ‘quiet time’, like a Sunday
morning. Unnecessary light also interferes with wildlife and
even worse – it blocks out the stars – a source of wonder till
the end of time.

26. Start your own herb garden Grow your own medicinal and
culinary herbs. Many of these are easy to grow on a windowsill,
in a window box or tub somewhere. The direct growing and use of
plants ties you into natural cycles and rhythms – you could even
learn about ‘moon gardening’ cycles and biodynamics !

27. Grow your own food Even simple growing such as mustard cress
or delicious sprouting seeds contributes to a good diet. A
surprising amount of your own food can be grown in a little
space by using ‘potato stacks’ or climbing fruits. There is no
better feeling than harvesting your own crop and eating it with
friends. There are many dwarf bush varieties of fruit, some even
have more than one fruit type on the same bush.

28. Downsize Think about how you can work less and keep a good
quality of life. Balance quality of life with standard of
living. Contribute less to GDP and the national/global economy
and more to a wholesome local and global ecology. Think global
and act local.

29. Go organic Whatever you consume, source it from a place that
values natural processes over industrial ones. There are many
enterprises providing organic food, drink, clothing or materials
from sustainable sources. Take pride in tracking these down and
using them in preference to more exploitative practices.

30. Spend time with nature Take the time to visit nature and
spend time relating with it. Find and adopt special places where
you can go to feel the cycles and forces of nature and know that
it is an aspect of you, and you of it. Many people are forming
‘collectives’ to protect or improve special places they value

You visit India not only for its heritage or cultural wealth. For the quest of psychological peace, you come to India also. India temple tour package is availed each year by a massive number of visitors. And the disciples of Lord Buddha rush to India for enjoying the Buddha temple travel packages obtainable in India.

You arrive to Delhi. After breakfast, trip the historic city of old Delhi to include the superb Red Fort, Jama Masjid, biggest mosque in Asia, both built by Shahjahan, Rajghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation”. Afternoon, tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Birla Mandir, Bahai shrine.

Leave for airport for early morning flight to 2500-year-old primeval city of Patna. On influx at Patna you move to hotel. Afternoon you go out for excursion to Vaishali where Lord Buddha preached his last lecture announcing his approaching Nirvana. Visit stupas holding urns containing ashes of Buddha and Ashok pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark places hallowed by Buddha. The place is also recognized now for celebrated Madhubani paintings. To avail all these you can come to India during your holidays and avail of Buddha holiday tourism package.

Morning you drive down to Rajgir (102 kms / 2 hrs & 30 mins) capital of 6th century Magadha realm. It was respected site of Buddhas speeches. Buddha spend several years here. During Buddha pilgrimage tour the mental peace and satisfaction you get is immense. Trip Gridhrakula, Sapataparni cave, Ajatsatru fort as well as Venuvana. Afternoon you visit Nalanda – the world’s oldest university founded in the 5th century. Also you can trip monasteries and shrines with remarkable Buddhist & Hindu images. The Institute for research into Buddhism and Pali literature, which houses unusual manuscripts, is also worth visiting for the enthusiasts. Archaeological museum is also not to be missed for the exceptional collections.

Early morning after breakfast go away for Bodhgaya (193 kms / 4 hrs & 30 mins) by road. En route trip Baraliar caves – the earliest examples of rock cut caves. Most imposing craftsmanship of carving and rock inscription is seen. These chasms served as motivation for the background of E.M Foresters “A Passage to India”.

Bodhgaya is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage tour. It was here that Gautama reached enlightenment and became Buddha under the “Bodhi” tree Satabodhi shrine, Japanese and Tibetan monasteries along with Magadha university museum are also to be tripped.

Early morning after breakfast you leave for Varanasi (243 kms / 6 hrs) by road (if one so desires one can go by train to Varanasi for Gaya). Arrive by afternoon and move to hotel. Afternoon you visit ghats and temples and Benaras Hindu University.

Early morning boat rides on river Ganges to see the exquisite sunrise at Ganges. After breakfast you go for excursion to Sarnath, the principle center of Buddhist pilgrimage tour. It was here around 530 B.C that Buddha preached his 1st lecture after gaining enlightenment. Also you trip Dhamekh and Dharmarajika stupas.

Afternoon you drive to Kushinagar – the place where Buddha passed into Parinirvana. Trip Ramabha stupa, which stands, on the spot where the body of the Lord was cremated. Also trip Natha Kumarka Kot enshrining the great recumbent stature of Buddha in the condition of Nirvana. Your Buddha Tour India becomes a success when you reach this place.

Morning you go out for excursion to Lumbini, the place where Buddha was born. An antique shrine with a figure representing the delivery of Buddha is still conserved. So in totality you enjoy the entire Buddha pilgrimage tour India and get knowledge as to life and truth of our existence.

India has been a country of pilgrimage and culture. Once in India you would privilege yourself for gathering knowledge as to different religious facts and importance of them in ushering in peace in your life. Indian temple tour or Buddha pilgrimage tour helps you to that end.

In the morning take a city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – The Place of Gods, India Gate – The memorial of sacrificial victim, Parliament House – The Government headquarters. In the afternoon take a city visit of Old Delhi covering Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort – The red stone magic, Gandhi memorial – The memoir of father of the nation. Also get pleasure from the sound & light show in the evening.

You arrive to Jaipur. The day is to be in progress with the Elephant ride at Amer Fort, followed by the city tour covering – Hawa Mahal, Royal Observatory, City Palace, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and Johari Bazar etc. So during Buddha travel In India you, at the same time with the Buddha temples and monasteries, can enjoy the glory of Indian culture and heritage.

On the way to Agra en-route you can visit the old desolate town of Mughal Dynasty i.e. Fatehpur Sikri. On influx, check in into hotel. Afternoon you go for city tour covering Taj Mahal, Red Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. So not only for religion or Buddhist pilgrimage travel package, you can rush to India during your holidays to take pleasure from tripping Indian temples, Buddha temples along with the historical heritage of India, by opting for Buddha holiday tour package.

Morning you move to Airport to catch flight to Varanasi. On influx, you move to hotel. Afternoon city tour of Sarnath: well known for its Dhamekh Stupa and for it being the place where Buddha advocated his first lecture enshrining the principle of his teachings into laws. Here you get the real flavor of Buddha pilgrimage tour in India. You get mental peace; you mollify your unstable mind and get rid of all psychological barriers.

At sunrise get pleasure from boat ride at River Ganges, followed by a city tour covering – Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple etc.

Stay there for two nights with expedition to Rajgir/ Nalanda / Sapta pari cavern and Venevamas. Above two days you will come across with many locales of Buddhist significance, i.e., Rajgir: an key Buddhist pilgrimage since the Buddha spend 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council after the Buddha attained Nirvana was held here, Nalanda: established in the 5th century documented as center of intellectualism.

Vaishali is a very unique place to those who come for Buddhist pilgrimage tour as The Lord preached his last lecture & proclaimed his imminent â??Nirwana”. See the majesty of Ashok Pillar – Lotus tank, Chaumukhi & advance to Kushinagar for all night stay.

Morning trip Mahanirvana Temple, the modern Japan/Srilanka Buddhist center & monasteries, then proceed to Lumbini. You realize the true fete of heavenliness in Indian temple tour, especially on Buddha tour India.

Morning visit to Ashoka’s pillar (249 BC) revived in 1890’s inside thick sal woods, a shrine of Mayadevi, the debris of an old monastery and some new stupas, then in the afternoon continue to Balrampur enroute visiting Sravasti where you will see the extensive ruins of this ancient city & Jetavana Monastery.

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can do worse than ruin your holiday they can ruin your life, so you need to read this article to be up to speed on lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses before you travel.

Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can be protected against, by taking one or two simple precautions, before, and during your holidays. Many holidaymakers become obsessed with an irrational fear of being bitten by a malaria mosquito, or being felled by a tummy bug, and so fail to enjoy their holiday.

Whilst Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses can kill, there are sensible precautions that can be taken after identifying and assessing the real risk factors.

There are three main sources of Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES

LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES TROPICAL DISEASES

HUMAN CONTACT AND TROPICAL DISEASES

In each case concerning Lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses the most important fact we need to remember is:

Protection.

There is an old proverb which says that if something can be measured it can be done, and if it can be done it can be improved!!

The same holds good for tropical diseases.

If lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses are known about, you can protect yourself from it, if you can protect yourself from it, and you don’t, you’ll probably catch it!!

The most important precautions against lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses are:

1. Thorough personal hygiene prevents tropical diseases from striking

2. Appropriate clothing and footwear prevents malaria type tropical diseases

3. Vaccinations and a holiday medical kit are also important in the prevention of tropical diseases.

4. Sensible behaviour, there is no protection from lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses without that!!

Let us deal in turn with the most well known potentially lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses

1. Malaria

Malaria is one of the tropical diseases that is widespread in tropical regions.

Infection occurs after a bite from an infected anopheles mosquito.

Protection: preventative medication (malaria prophylaxis).

The type of prophylaxis prescribed will depend upon your ultimate travel destination and any stopovers.

Further precautions are the wearing of clothing that covers the arms and legs and the use of insect repellents and mosquito nets.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito.

It is a disease of the blood.

The mosquitoes do not buzz, and often have a painless bite.

The disease results in fever and flu like symptoms.

Bite prevention is the first line of protection.

If you were born in a malaria zone but have lived away, remember that natural immunity to tropical diseases such as malaria is lost quickly and you should consider antimalarials before returning.

Anti-malarial tablets are safe for most people – see your Doctor or Pharmacist at least 2 weeks before you go away to discuss your needs.

Tablets should be started one week before you reach a malarial zone to make sure they are suitable for you.

Most cases of malaria are contracted because people stop tablets on return home – they should also be taken while you are away and continued for 4 weeks after leaving a malarial zone.

Take tablets at the same time each day or week to make it a habit, take them after food and with plenty of water.

If you are planning to get pregnant – inform your Doctor before you go away.

Any flu like symptoms should be mentioned to your Doctor for up to a year after returning from a malarial zone.

NO MALARIA MEDICATION WILL BE 100% EFFECTIVE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT BEING BITTEN!

It is imperative that children receive all the vaccinations recommended, to avoid any chance of them succumbing to tropical diseases.

However, it is not advisable to take infants and small children on holiday to malaria areas.

2. Hepatitis A

This is Infectious jaundice, and it is important that you understand the causes:

Increased risk in areas with poor sanitation, which means most of the third world, makes this one of the commonest tropical diseases.

Infection occurs through contact with contaminated faeces, water (including ice cubes) and food.

Protection:

Vaccination

Preliminary vaccinations with an interval of 2-4 weeks provide immunity for approx.1 year; a booster after 6-12 months then provides immunity for several years.

Administration of immunoglobulin shortly before travel.

3. Yellow fever:

This disease is prevalent in some regions of Africa and South America, and vaccination is required for entry to these countries. Don’t forget to check if you are making stopovers en route: many countries require visitors to be vaccinated if they have previously visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent.

4. Polio

Polio occurs worldwide, though incidence is greater in countries with a generally low standard of health where a comprehensive vaccination programme has not been implemented.

Infection occurs through contact with a carrier of the virus, primarily through contact with faeces, though sometimes via contaminated food and drinking water.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster (in oral form or by injection).

5. Diphtheria

Occurs worldwide, primarily during the colder months in temperate zones.

Recent increased incidence in the CIS countries.

Spread by airborne infection.

Protection:

Vaccination or booster, usually in combination with tetanus vaccine.

6. Meningococcal meningitis:

This disease can, and does, occur anywhere in the world. Recent epidemics in numerous African regions and lately also in Nepal and India.

Protection

Vaccination: particularly recommended for long-stay visitors to epidemic areas.

7. Typhoid, Paratyphoid:

Common infections in many hot countries, makes it one of the higher risk tropical diseases.

Infection via contaminated food and water.

Protection

Careful hygiene and vaccination by mouth or injection.

8. Cholera

Infection from low standards of hygiene where cholera is endemic.

Protection

Vaccination against cholera is not obligatory for international travel.

The vaccine does not protect against infection, though it can prevent outbreak of the disease in individual cases.

A cholera vaccination can be advisable for individuals travelling to areas with low standards of hygiene where cholera is endemic.

If in doubt, consult your doctor.

9. Tetanus

“Lockjaw”.

Widespread internationally.

Infection occurs via contaminated wounds.

Protection:

Vaccination (booster every 10 years), usually in combination with diphtheria.

We have now dealt with the first two parts of the causes of lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses, and as a reminder they are listed below

INSECT BORNE TROPICAL DISEASES

LACK OF SANITATION CAUSES MANY TROPICAL DISEASES

I have deliberately left to the last, the details on the prevention of lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses from HUMAN CONTACT.

Strictly speaking this can’t be described as one of the tropical diseases, but AIDS is endemic in many tropical regions, and so we will include it in our list of tropical diseases.

These are of course in the main, the sexually transmitted diseases, which can have quite horrendous consequences for the careless holidaymaker, not only now but for the rest of their lives

For some, relaxing and having fun on holiday involves casual sexual encounters.

Surveys show that many people have sex with previously unknown foreign partners while abroad resulting in sexually transmitted disease on return home.

Abstinence or sex with a trustworthy, lifelong partner is THE ONLY way of preventing sexually transmitted disease.

Extra strong condoms should always be used when having casual sex, they should be bought at home, before travelling, as in many countries local condoms can be destroyed by heat and are often of a poorer quality.

Couples who do not have any sexually transmitted diseases and no other sexual partners can not contract sexually transmitted diseases while on holiday.

If you have any unusual rash, discharge or soreness on return from your time abroad you should stop having sex and see your Doctor or local GUM clinic Nurse immediately.

Protection against AIDS, hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Today AIDS and hepatitis B, along with the “classics” gonorrhoea and syphilis, are the most dangerous sexually transmitted diseases.

The only sexually transmitted disease that is preventable by vaccination is Hepatitis B – see your Doctor or Nurse 3-6 months before you intend to travel for advice.

80% of AIDS cases reported in the UK in 1993 were contracted while abroad.

AIDS is an as yet incurable disease triggered by the HIV virus.

General weakness and, later, complete collapse of the body’s immune system follow infection.

AIDS is spread primarily through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

The disease usually does not break out until many years after the initial infection.

It is impossible to tell by looking at a person whether they are carrying the virus.

People with HIV can pass it on to others even if they do not feel ill themselves, and they might not even be aware that they have the virus.

The only way of telling whether someone is HIV positive is by means of a blood test. The test is only reliable if carried out three months or more after infection, as it does not indicate the presence of the virus itself, but the body’s reaction to it (antibodies).

The main way in which AIDS is spread is via unprotected sexual intercourse. Infection can occur during a single sexual encounter with an infected partner.

A risk of HIV infection exists from all forms of unprotected sexual contact in which infected semen; blood or vaginal secretions can come into contact with the partner’s mucous membranes.

However, you cannot catch HIV from kissing, stroking, or massage.

The only way of protecting yourself from infection with HIV, hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases is by always using a suitable condom – and using it correctly – during sexual intercourse.

If you don’t want to rule out a sexual adventure while on holiday, make sure that you take enough condoms away with you. The condoms available at your holiday destination, if any, may be of bad quality and therefore unsafe.

You should also bear in mind that the percentage of HIV positive men and women in the population can be very high indeed, particularly in tourist centres in Africa, Asia and America.

In some of these areas as many as three quarters of both male and female prostitutes are already infected with HIV.

AIDS and hepatitis B can also be spread through the use of shared or dirty needles and syringes. If you need regular injections for health reasons, make sure you take an adequate supply of sterile syringes on holiday with you.

HIV cannot be passed on by normal everyday contact with infected persons, so there is no need to worry about using cutlery, bed linen, beds, bathrooms and WCs, swimming pools etc. during your holiday.

To summarise this article on THE PREVENTION of lethal communicable tropical diseases and viruses

BE SENSIBLE, UNDERSTAND THAT TROPICAL DISEASES AWAIT THE UNWARY, SO BE AWARE, VIGILANT, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

IF YOU CAN’T BE GOOD BE CAREFUL!!

Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.

Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta – Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian’s from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.

Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.

Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.

Kota – This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.

The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.

This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.

The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.

Jakarta History Museum – This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.

It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum – This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.

This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the
Dutchman “Daendels” plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Fine Arts Museum – Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Gereja Sion – This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.

Sunda Kelapa – Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.

Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.

Maritime Museum – This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.

Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.

National Museum – This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.

The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.

National Monument – This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.

Lapangan Banteng – Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man “Daendel” to replace those buildings torn down.