6 Healthwise Travel Safety Tips Every Traveler Should Follow
Updated on 8th July 2019
We travel almost all the time. From home to work, school, coffee shop these also includes traveling. This is kinda every day trip and we are used to it. But when are going for vacations or hiking or trekking or even business tours we came out of our comfort zone to explore the other world.
"make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt."
These lines by Jon Krakauer ( Into The Wild ) are so true!!! Changes sometimes cause multiple health issues due to air travel, food, drinks, and many more causes. I had never thought about these staffs until I fall terribly ill on my trip.
It is very important to know about health problems related to travel and how to act on that.
I am Totally Fit!!
Regular Health Checkup is Important
Many time cognitive functions (BP, Cholesterol) of people get imbalanced while traveling. The reasons are many. It may be because of excitement, irregularity of eating, sleep, hectic schedule anything could turn things around.
So it is very good practice to do a check-up before and after a long trip.
When traveling internationally then there are requirements of vaccination certificates for like Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hepatitis and many such kinds of diseases.
Like traveling to India requires a big list of vaccinations. Other countries also have specifications and can be found on the WHO website.
Another important thing is Health Insurance for traveling and we kinda aware of that. In case of an accident or illness, it gives you great relief.
I am not saying check these things for going on a 5-6 days trip or weekend trip.
"Duhhh!!! Who has that time". Trust me I can relate ;-)
But when going for an international or long trip do check yourself up.
You Spin My Head Right Round!!!!
Surviving JETLAG
"I am feeling not well might be JETLAG.."
This sickness while traveling via air or sea is a common issue for travelers around the world.
But this can't be fully treated with medications. So some strategies have to be implemented to deal with it. I tried some of the things and that's a great help.
-Adjusting time to the local region
-Drink lots of Water
-Eat small, low-fat food
-Adopt the new changes
-If you are on the water stay in the middle of the ship
-Sleep well. Be relaxed and take rest
Too Hot!! Too Cold!!
Weather Can Be Tricky!!
Climate Change: my main concern as my immunity power is amazing. :-P
This can cause multiple health issues.
Too cold can cause Hypothermia, Bronchitis, Cough.
When I was approx 3 years old and kinda first tour of my life in Bhutan there was tremendous cold and I caught bronchitis and had nearly death experience as told by my mother. I don't remember that :P
Too hot can cause irritations, tiredness, heat cramps and to the extent heat stroke.
Precaution is always better than cure. Do research about the weather of the places you are going at least 1 week to know the pattern. For cold region take good thermals, jackets. For tropical drink lots of Water, fluids.
And yes please Carry an Umbrella always.....
"Precaution is always better than cure". Do research about the weather of the places you are going at least 1 week to know the pattern. For cold region take thermals, jackets. For tropical drink lots of Water, fluids.
Another trouble happens when you are visiting any high altitude regions. Every time I went to the Himalayas every time I saw a few people get sick, short of breathing at high altitude.
Consult your doctor before going to those regions.
Avoid long walks, workouts, high fat, and cholesterol food.
I use Crocin, Anadacon for fever and cold.
OMG!! It's Sooo Delicious!!!
Stomach Problem Is Very Common
One of the best parts of traveling is Food & Drink. We eat local food and drinks to explore the region's cuisine. And sometimes that leads to stomach upset and diseases Diarrhea, Cholera.
These can be prevented by avoiding food that is too hot, unpeeled fruits, Ice-cream and milk products, tap water.
But who cares!!! "We are always Hungry".
So there are many medications available to treat these. You just have to consult a doctor if it's severe. For normal cases, these meds can be found on OTC.
I use Norflox Tz, Metrogyl 500, Loperamide 2mg for stomach related problems. Avomine for vomiting. These OTC products and doesn't requires any prescription.
But Please CONSULT A DOCTOR first cause these might not suits you.
Bite Me!!
Insects Can Be Dangerous
I was in a remote village in Lava, West Bengal, India in later monsoon and didn't aware of that place and got bitten by many leeches. Suddenly the locals help me out with salt. I know leeches can be killed by salt but didn't aware that area is a leech prone.
Please do not repeat the mistake as mine.
Hiking, Camping, outdoor activities often encounter with insect bites some times even venom bite. These can cause serious health related issues and if you feel unwell after any bites do immediate consult with the doctor.
Always carry mosquito, insect repellent creams. Carry Apple Cider Vinegar it gives great relief for sometimes.
I recommend Odomos, Bodyguard Natural Anti Mosquito Spray
I Become Red Skull!!!
Skin Problems Can Cost Your Entire Trip
Skin problem now days has become popular due to excessive pollution, weather change, chemical products and so on.
Heat rash, fungal infection, skin allergies these can happen many times during travels.
One of my friends has allergies of food coloring. So he had to take all his meds on trips. Cause it is very difficult to take care of such things while you are on run.
You have to understand the cause of the allergies to takes meds, call up your doctor ask for alternate meds.
Use protective clothing, sunscreen, cover your nose for dirt.
I Use Artistry Youth Extend Sun Protection. For allergies, I use Cetrizine, Allegra.
We travelers don't follow rules or care much. But I realize this is very important too. So follow.
Do Not use any medicines without consulting your Doctor first. They are experts so they can help - Just a call away.
There is a Great Book on this topic which helped me a lot and I suggest you read it.
Its called Culture Shock: Travel Safe. Just click on the link to find more.
If you have faced any kind of health-related issue or difficulties do share your story. I am eager to know and possible remedies.
Also if you wanted to know more, we are just a comment away.
Bon Voyage!!!!! Have a Safe Journey.
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P.S: All the medicines I mentioned are prescribed by my doctor and do not use those without consulting your doctor.
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