How To Avoid Health Problems While Traveling
Traveling can be fun, but unexpected health issues can turn the best trip into a disaster. Think of your possible medical issues long before you travel. Talk to your medical professionals and your pharmacist to ensure a problem free vacation. Use the tips below to avoid spending your dream vacation in a foreign hospital.
Research your travel destination in advance. Find out if any vaccinations are needed. Also make sure that the climate change, the different available food choices and sanitary conditions will not affect your health negatively.
Make sure you have enough medication for your trip. It is a good practice to take extra prescriptions with you to ensure the replacement of your medication in case it gets stolen or lost.
Make sure that your name and address are listed on the box of your prescription medication. If you need to take over the counter drugs, get a note from your doctor stating the names and dosages. Remember, some of the medication available in the U.S. over the counter might be a prescription drug in another country.
Traveling during the summer months can be fun, but it brings the danger of dehydration. Always carry a bottle of water with you to ensure you are properly hydrated. Drink more when you are exposed to heat and sun.
Avoid drinking the tap water when traveling abroad. Though in most cases there is nothing wrong with the water, due to the different purification method and varying purity of the water it can easily cause mild stomach problems or diarrhea. Drink bottled water instead.
Carry an emergency kit with you. Depending where you are going and what you are doing, the kit should contain different items. It is always wise to carry a flash light, a little alcohol, antiseptics, gauze and other items specific to your needs.
Carefully sample the local food varieties. Though the tastefully arranged local specialty might seem really inviting, think of the consequences. As your digestive system is not equipped with the required enzymes to digest the food you might end up suffering for days from stomach pain or diarrhea. Generally avoid non- or undercooked food such as raw vegetables and rare meat. Also judge the restaurant before you eat there: if it looks unsanitary or dirty, do not patronize it.
Traveling during the summer is fun, but the strong and harmful rays of the sun can turn the fun into a painful and lengthy medical treatment. Be sure you use adequate sunscreen to protect your skin and wear light clothing to prevent burning.
Avoid general infections by washing your hands frequently. Use antibacterial soap to clean your hand and other parts of your body in contact with the outside world. If no soap and water is available take some alcohol or hand sanitizers with you.
Traveling is fun especially when you can stay healthy. The changing conditions, the different food and sanitary habits can pose significant risks to the unprepared tourist. Follow your doctor’s advice and use common sense and the tips above to have an enjoyable trip.
