Bon Voyage

But Don't Take A Break From Good Health

by M. N. Achong, MD

Sure you’re game for a vacation, but are you actually ready for the adventure? Today there is literally no limit to where and how you can travel. It’s important to take care of your health, whether you’re relaxing close to home or abroad. There are key practical health points to keep in mind as you travel. Whether you are planning for stay at a local B&B or an extreme Kenyan safari, it is important to plan ahead.

Be as prepared  as you can. It is wise to get medical and dental check-ups before your trip, particularly if you are traveling a long distance and/or to a remote location. You should take supplies of any medications you are taking since equivalent drugs may not be available in your destination. Take enough of your regular medicines in your carry-on baggage along with extra doses in case your return is delayed. You should also find out what your health insurance will pay for if you see a doctor in another country.
Have a copy of all your prescriptions, including eyewear. Take unique identifiers, such as a medical bracelet. It is a good thing to bring along your own first-aid kit. A handy travel kit would include over the counter medicines for common problems like a cough, a cold, allergies, motion sickness, diarrhea and an upset stomach. Hand sanitizers, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and condoms are other practical items. Regardless of skin tone, all travelers should take along sunglasses and hat and adequate sun block with ultraviolet A and B protection.
Safety is the best policy. Believe it or not, accidents, especially with motor vehicles, account for about one quarter of deaths among Americans abroad. Do not take a break from using common sense and knowledge. Travelers can diminish risks by not driving at night, becoming familiar with local driving conditions, avoiding alcohol consumption while driving and always wearing a seat belt or helmet.
Grandma’s still right—dress appropriately. Extreme temperatures can cause illness and worsen pre-existing medical conditions. Temperature, humidity level and wind speed can contribute to an inability to regulate body temperature, which can lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Keep well hydrated, especially during any heavy exertion in hot environments. Water is the perfect choice, but otherwise, stick to decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink; your body may be dehydrated long before you are thirsty. Try to drink at least two glasses of cool fluid per hour. Depending on where you are, you may need to double-check your water source. Also, try your best to exercise as much as you can on your trip to avoid overeating. 
Straighten up and fly right. Most people do not have any problems with flying, but there are steps to make airplane travel more safe and comfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a prophylactic medication.
Word to the wise
One of the first things you should do if you’re going abroad is contact your doctor to ask what vaccinations you’ll need, because requirements differ by country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a complete resource of current vaccination recommendations and travel precautions. Some vaccines don’t reach the highest protection until about six weeks after you get the shots, so you’ll want to allow for plenty of time in case you need more than one dose. Also, childhood vaccines may no longer be effective and therefore require updates. Hepatitis A and B, pneumococcus and tetanus are vaccines you may need for international travel.

Remaining still during a long flight may cause venous thrombosis, particularly for individuals with a history of venous disease, which is potentially fatal. It is important to exercise your legs at least every couple of hours during long flights. Check with your doctor to determine whether you should take an aspirin before your flight.

The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, so do what you can to get enough restful sleep. Jet lag may result when travel extends over time zones, especially when you have traveled from west to east.

When back home, be sure to inform your doctor if you develop any unexplained problems—such as fever, rash or diarrhea—even if it has been months since your return.