10 Steps to Healthy Traveling
It's
vacation time, and you're ready to relax. However, for
many people, an unfamiliar bed or diet can cause restlessness
instead. Don't let a few days away from home wreak havoc
on your daily routine. Keep these tips in mind to stay healthy on the road.
-
Avoid
too much sun, which can cause skin cancer and other
skin damage. Use sunscreen with a sun-protective factor
(SPF) rating of 15 or higher, and reapply after being
in water. Shade the eyes and face with a hat, and wear
sunglasses.
-
Keep
your medicine with you. When flying, keep medicines
in your carry-on bags.
-
Move
around. Get up and walk around the train, plane, boat,
etc., one time per hour for a few minutes or longer.
If driving, get out of the car and move around. Sitting for long periods of time can
hinder your digestion, circulation and flexibility and
cause your feet to swell.
-
Exercise.
Make time to accumulate 30 minutes of moderately intense
aerobic exercise at least three times per week.
-
Support
your back. Ask the hotel for a king-size bed because
they are usually firmer and in better condition. Adjust
seats while traveling to maintain proper back and head
support.
-
Eat
right and drink water. To reduce the risk of developing
indigestion, eat new foods in moderation during active
times of the day, not at night. When traveling by air,
minimize your intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages;
both can dehydrate you.
-
Plan
ahead. If you suffer from motion sickness, avoid heavy
meals and alcohol before traveling.
-
Avoid
muscle strain. Pack two smaller suitcases rather than
a single large one. Also, buy suitcases on wheels that
have pull handles or straps.
-
Be
prepared. When you travel to areas where you are a visitor,
carry a written summary of your personal health history,
your immunization history, a list of your current medications
by brand and generic name, a list of any of the medical
problems from which you suffer, a list of any drugs
of which you are allergic, your physician's name and
telephone number and the name and phone number of a
relative or friend to contact in case of a medical emergency.
-
Don't
let jet lag get you down. Diminish the effects
of jet lag by shifting your sleep/wake cycle to the
new time in advance of travel, making appropriate food
choices and spending time outdoors during your first
few days after arrival.
(Source: Baptist
Leader) |
