Tips for Travelers
It's always important to take care of your health, whether you're
at home or on the road, but there are some additional concerns that
are important to keep in mind when you're traveling. Whether you're
taking a trip with your family or plan to live abroad for several
months for a study program, it's easier to get sick when you're in
a new place because your body hasn't had a chance to adjust to the
food, water, and air in a new environment. Traveling can bring you
in contact with things that your body isn't used to. Continue reading
for tips on keeping your travel experience as healthy as possible.
Don't Take a Vacation from Health
The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get
sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more likely to stay
healthy throughout your trip - and your trip will definitely be more
enjoyable. The good news is that as a teen, your immune system is
as strong as an adult's, but lack of
sleep and a poor
diet can make it easier for you to become sick.
The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is to find
out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance because different
countries have different requirements. In the United States, contact
your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for
a list of necessary vaccinations. You'll want to allow plenty of time
for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than
one dose.
Common Travel Troubles
Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when
traveling are jet lag, altitude sickness, and diarrhea. When you fly
across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your
internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet
lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including
upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.
There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if
you're traveling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun
until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from east to west,
go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.
Altitude sickness is
caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric pressure
when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used to. As a result,
you may have problems, such as headaches,
dehydration,
and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet (1,524
meters), but others aren't affected until they reach altitudes of
10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what altitude you're
traveling to before you go to see if altitude sickness could be a
problem.
The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase
your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible,
a drug known as acetazolamide can help relieve and even prevent symptoms
of altitude sickness. If you think that you might get altitude sickness,
talk with your doctor before you leave home.
The topic of
diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be
a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs
when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually
when you eat contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent turista
is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink
on the road.
Safe Eats and Drinks
So what foods are safe to eat? Any foods that have been boiled are
generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to be peeled
before eating. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat or meat that
is not cooked just prior to serving.
Stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before serving.
Here's an example: Nine friends ate at a restaurant when on a school
trip overseas; eight had diarrhea the next day. The one who didn't
get sick was the only one who had ordered a dish that didn't need
to be touched by human hands right before serving. One of your favorite
foods at home is on the safe list on the road - pizza! Pizza dough,
sauce, and cheese are foods that are less likely to spoil than others,
and the high heat of a pizza oven tends to kill any harmful bacteria
in the food.
You've probably heard that you shouldn't drink the water in some countries
overseas, but did you know why? Water supplies in many developing
countries are not treated in the same way as water supplies in developed
countries; various bacteria, viruses, and parasites are commonly found
in the water. Many experts suggest you drink only bottled water when
traveling. If you need to use tap water, you should boil it first
or purify it with an iodine tablet. Even if you're brushing your teeth,
rinsing contact lenses, drinking a small glass of water to wash down
pills, or adding ice to your drink, first take precautions to ensure
the water is safe.
You Can Take It With You
When you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other
medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard
to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them,
there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker
than the ones you're used to. These may include any prescriptions
you already take, such as inhalers, allergy medication, and insulin,
as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.
Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and
diarrhea medication is also a good idea. It's a good idea to pack
some over-the-counter allergy medication even if you don't take it
at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop allergic reactions
to the pollens and other allergens found in a new environment. Those
with asthma or other allergies can unexpectedly react to these new
substances.
Write It All Down
Even if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest while
you're traveling, you may still get sick. The good news is that you'll
probably be able to find competent medical care. The key is knowing
where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where
English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can be found. For this reason,
it's a good idea to always carry a written copy of your medical history
with you.
Having such important information available in one place can help
health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't have
to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're
likely to be upset and not thinking clearly.
Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history form
that includes the following information: