Health & Fitness on the Kokoda Track

Medical Preparation | Toughness | Mental Preparation
Dr Deb's Medical Advice | Cholera | Leaders  Notes regarding your Health on the Track

Trekking the Kokoda Track is tough and physically challenging.

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the Kokoda Track.

Make fitness preparation part of your lifestyle.

Your personal training programme starts as soon as you book. A simple to follow, detailed Training Schedule is provided on booking that will illustrate how to start your own personal walking training programme wherever you live.

In addition, Back Track has a 1300 Kokoda Assist line that immediately puts you in contact with an experienced Kokoda Leader who is only too happy to assist you with any questions you have during your pre trip preparations.

****** KOKODA ASSIST LINE:  1300 669 780 ******

MEDICAL ADVICE BY DR DEBORAH MILLS

Dr Deb www.drdeb.com.au (February 2009)

Papua New Guinea is a wild frontier.  It has poor medical infrastructure. 

Back Track Adventures is taking every precaution on your behalf to ensure a safe and exciting experience but there are some things that only you can do. Once you are well prepared, you can relax and have a good time.

Personal Preparation involves:

• Making an appointment immediately with your Doctor for a health check. Discuss the merits of a cardi vascular test 
• Getting fit

1. Correct Immunisations
2. Malaria prevention
3. Carrying personal medical supplies
4. Practicing healthy behaviours

BACK TRACK RECOMMENDS

Please speak with a medical professional on the above 6 points when booking.

If you live in Brisbane: We recommend that you speak with Dr Deb  and her Team of Travel Doctors for the right advice.

For all other areas in Australia: Follow the link to find a Professional Travel Doctor closest to you.

Toughness

You will need this ingredient more than any other for the trek. In your preparation, be tough on yourself. Set your training goals and stick to them. If it means getting up earlier to train, then do it. If it means dieting, cutting back on alcohol, coffee etc, then do it. If it means forfeiting social engagements, then do it. Don't compromise with yourself under any circumstances. Every additional step you take and every sacrifice you make will pay incredible dividends for you somewhere on the Track.

Mental Preparation

Travelling in a remote, underdeveloped country like Papua New Guinea requires patience, flexibility and a positive attitude. The local people have a more relaxed, easy-going attitude to life than most Westerners. You may have to wait longer for service in a shop, hotel or restaurant than you would expect to back home. At Back Track Adventures, we don't look upon these things as problems, merely facts of life in PNG. if you are open-minded, relaxed and strive to be happy, your travels will be rewarding and unforgettable.

CHOLERA -  A HEALTH ISSUE AT LAE

Sept 2009

Hi Ray and Jim 

 I thought you might like some info on the cholera outbreak in PNG  The outbreak is in Morobe province and around Lae  - which is not too far north of Kokoda - mostly in rural villages.  Details are a little sketchy and numbers contradictory, as disease surveillance and accurate diagnosis is problematic in PNG. As you would know, gastro is always a problem in countries with poverty, corruption, minimal health infrastructure etc . 

At present this 'outbreak' does not really change much for your travellers.   I usually encourage Dukoral/ cholera vaccine as it gives protection against ETEC diarrhoea which is debilitating if one is trying to walk kokoda.   Care with food and drink preparation , handwashing etc etc is essential regardless of this outbreak  Hope this is of some assistance.

Best Regards Dr Deb /  Dr Deborah Mills  www.thetraveldoctor.com.au /  Mob 0408 199 166

Back Track Leader's notes regarding Health on the Track
 Feb 2010

Though we constantly hear reports of other Kokoda groups experiencing long bouts of gastro problems during their trek, Back Track has never had any problems with group gastro problems. Occassionally, rarely, we may have a trekker who experiences a day or two with a very 'touchy' stomach but with the right care this condition usually heals very quickly.

Some of our Trek Leader's tips:-

• always listen to your trek leader regarding health issues. Follow his/her advice on safe water sources and water treatment.
• Do not peel fruit with your teeth, always use a knife.
• Bring anti bactarial hand wash and use constantly, especially before eating.
• report any health issues immediately to your Trek Leader. Do not hesitate in informing your leader if you feel unwell.
• Blisters-Foot care/health is important (1). wear in boots before arriving in PNG (2) carry small foot care kit. (3) ensure socks are pulled on tight (4) ensure boots are well laced and tight. (5) if prone to tinea, carry small tune of anti fungal cream
• Walk with your eyes and mind on the Track at all times.Listen to the advice given daily by your trek leader regarding Track conditions.
• Before starting your trek training programme, visit your Doctor and have a complete medical check over.
• Once you arrive in Port Moresby (having done the training back in Aus) relax and you will enjoy your holiday. Our itinerary is arranged so you can meet each days objective in a leisurely fashion.  Stop frequently to enjoy the views  and ensure you keep well hydrated.
• Walk each day with a relaxed, happy attitude. If you are uptight and worried about everything, you will increase your chances of an accident  or experiencing ill health.
• Follow the above advice and good health and well being will come as a matter of course.

             Happy Trekking

              The Back Track Trek Leaders

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