You’ve
planned and packed – you’re all ready for your trip – but you
may have overlooked one of the key ingredients for a great
vacation: taking the necessary steps to make sure you and your
family have a safe and healthy trip.
The healthier your body is, the easier it
will be for you to adapt to the effects of jet lag. If you
plan a few days ahead, however, even the most out-of-shape may
be able to head off the misery of jet lag. Several days before
you leave, try going to bed a little earlier or a little later
(if you are flying east or west, respectively), and start a
stretching regiment. Hydrate yourself and eat lightly the day
you travel. The headache, light-headedness and nausea
associated with jet lag should lessen significantly when such
measures are taken.
Motion sickness is an unpleasant problem for
many travelers; however, there are some over-the-counter and
prescription medications available. If you wish to combat
motion sickness on your own, try the following: When traveling
by car, try to sit in the front seat and, if you can, avoid
reading as it only heightens the feeling of motion sickness.
When traveling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the
vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon, a
fixed point that will not move. Today’s high-tech cruise ships
are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing,
and most passengers experience little or no motion sickness.
When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane, or the
side where you are accustomed to driving. Ear plugs also may
help.
There’s nothing more miserable than getting
sick while on vacation. For most destinations, the major
health risk to travelers is diarrhea, which may be easily
avoided. In general, common sense prevails. When in doubt,
steer clear of uncooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables and
unpasteurized milk products, and drink only bottled water
(although the tip of the bottle may be contaminated, so wipe
it clean before drinking from it) or water that has been
boiled for at least 20 minutes. If you begin to feel sick or
develop a fever, rest and drink tea or purified water. Most
cases of traveler’s diarrhea clear up within a few days.
If you suffer from an overactive bladder or
irritable bowel syndrome, you may require frequent bathroom
visits during long trips. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal
medications are often helpful for the latter, and there are
prescription medications available for people who may
experience more severe symptoms. Avoiding stress, caffeine,
and certain types of high-fat foods can help keep these
conditions under control.
To avoid heatstroke, stay out of the sun for
prolonged periods of time. By the same token, try to avoid
unusually cold water to prevent hypothermia.
People who suffer from allergies should take
the same precautions on vacation as they do at home. Bring any
medications used on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to
bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a
substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It also may be
helpful to pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels, and to
request a non-smoking room.
The inflammation of the joints that occurs
with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips
that restrict movement. Taking frequent breaks to walk around
and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane and
cruise trips more enjoyable. Remember to pack aspirin,
anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you
normally use for arthritis.
First Aid Kit
It’s a
good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy for any emergencies
that may arise during your trip. It should include:
» A first-aid manual
» Bandages, gauze
and tape
» Scissors
» Tweezers
» Thermometer
»
Antibiotic ointment
» Antiseptic
» Antihistamine
»
Aspirin
» Cold and flu tablets
» Throat lozenges
»
Anti-diarrheal medication
» Motion sickness
medication
» Water purification tablets
» Antacid
»
Insect repellent
» Calamine lotion
» Cortisone
cream
» Sunscreen
» Health and vaccination
records
If you’re charting unknown territory, you’re
going to want to take extra precautions to avoid putting
yourself in harm’s way. Plan for the worst. Pack a survival
kit that includes your first aid kit, a map, compass,
flashlight, knife, waterproof firestarter, personal shelter,
whistle, warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, rain wear,
high-energy food and water. Ask your doctor about necessary
immunizations. Take a first aid course before you leave and
learn the ABC’s of treating emergencies. Learn to recognize
medical emergencies and respond to them immediately and
appropriately, comforting the victim until help arrives. As
common sense would dictate, avoid areas of natural hazards
such as avalanche, rock fall, floods, and hazardous plants and
animals, and check for potential hazards of terrain,
sanitation (including infectious disease) and climate.
If you are bitten by a wild animal, it's
important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many animal
bites require a tetanus shot and, in certain cases, a rabies
shot. If bitten by a snake, lie as still as possible so not to
spread the venom that may be present; then send others to get
help immediately. Check your body for ticks. Remove any with
tweezers and watch the area for rash over the course of the
next few weeks. See your doctor if you develop abdominal pain,
diarrhea, fever, rash, cough or weight loss.
Finally, the best thing you can do for
yourself to keep healthy and happy while on vacation is to
purchase travel insurance. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid pays
for care outside the United States, and most health insurance
plans don’t, either. Travel insurance is advisable, especially
since the odds are you or someone in your family will need to
seek some type of medical assistance while away. Talk with
your travel agent to help you decide what coverage you’ll need
based on your type of travel (developing country, adventure
safari, Disneyland, etc.). Be sure to examine different
policies, make careful inquiries and always read the fine
print. Two features are essential: a 24-hour, toll-free,
English-language phone assistance and a plan that provides
direct, immediate payment to the medical
provider.
Although you can’t anticipate every
contingency, these are steps you can take to ensure a healthy
vacation. For travelers with special needs, your travel agent
can assist you with any personalized services.
For additional information, visit these
Web sites:
Fodor's health tips (fodors.com)
A
Guide for People with HIV Infection: Preventing Infections
During Travel (WebMD.com)
Food and Water
Precautions and Travelers' Diarrhea Prevention
(CDC.gov)
Gastrointestinal
Illness While Travelling (Health Canada)
Health Insurance and Overseas Travel
(WebMD.com)
