Travel Health Tips: Staying Healthy While on the Go
Dr. Libby Joffe and Dr. Zhanna Branovan, board-certified internal medicine physicians at Advanced Internal Medicine of North Jersey, share their expert tips on staying healthy while you travel.
Traveling is an invigorating experience, full of new adventures and discoveries. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a family planning a vacation, or a health enthusiast exploring new destinations, maintaining your health on the go is paramount. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle common travel health issues and ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Common Health Issues Travelers Face:
Jet Lag
Jet lag can disrupt your sleep schedule and energy levels, making it difficult to enjoy your destination.
Actionable Steps:
Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before traveling.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine on the flight.
Get plenty of natural light to help reset your internal clock.
Food and Water Safety
Eating and drinking safely is crucial to avoid gastrointestinal issues like traveler's diarrhea.
Actionable Steps:
Research and follow local food and water safety guidelines.
Stick to bottled water and beverages served hot.
Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially from street vendors.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can affect your comfort and enjoyment while traveling by plane, train, or boat.
Actionable Steps:
Choose seats with less motion, like over the wings on planes or in the middle of ships.
Focus on the horizon to help your brain adjust to the movement.
Consider over-the-counter or prescription medications for severe cases.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is a common ailment for those visiting new regions, but it can be prevented and managed.
Actionable Steps:
Wash hands frequently, or use hand sanitizers.
Avoid uncooked foods, tap water, ice, and unpasteurized dairy.
Consider taking over-the-counter medications to prevent or treat symptoms.
Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses
Protecting your skin from the sun and staying hydrated is essential, especially in tropical or high-temperature destinations.
Actionable Steps:
Apply sunscreen with high SPF and reapply regularly.
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Insect-Borne Diseases
Insect bites can transmit diseases, so it’s important to take preventive measures.
Actionable Steps:
Use insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin.
Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in open-air accommodations.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes in high-risk areas.
Respiratory Infections
Planes and crowded tourist areas can increase the risk of respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
Actionable Steps:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Consider wearing a face mask in crowded places and during flights.
Overall Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling
Stay updated on current health advisories for your destination.
Consult with your physician if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about traveling.
Get vaccinated according to your destination and health history.
Pack a travel first aid kit with necessary medications and supplies.
Stay hydrated, get enough rest, and eat healthy meals regularly.
Take breaks from long flights or drives to stretch your legs and avoid blood clots.
Measures and Professional Advice
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
For tailored advice and preventive measures, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals. This is especially important for managing sleep schedules and jet lag, choosing motion sickness prevention strategies, selecting appropriate medications, protecting sensitive skin from sun exposure, and getting vaccinations for insect-borne diseases.
Credible Sources
For reliable information, you can reference credible sources such as the CDC Travel Health (cdc.gov/travel) and the World Health Organization (who.int).
Conclusion
Traveling is an enriching experience that can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With proper preparation and precautions, you can minimize the risks of common health issues while on the go. Remember to prioritize your health during your travels – it will ensure a memorable trip for all the right reasons. Safe travels!
If you found these tips helpful and want more personalized advice, book a consultation with us today.
