With the holidays approaching, many of us are hitting the road (or the sky) to meet distant family members or simply take a bit of a winter vacation. And while traveling is certainly exciting (especially at this time of year), it can also put a strain on your immune system, which is why it’s important to remember that your health should be a top priority.
With unfamiliar environments, the potential for exposure to new germs, and cold and flu season is in full swing, you should remember to take precautions to protect your health while traveling. To help you stay healthy on your trip, we’ve compiled some expert tips from Dr. Amit Arwindekar, Medical Director of UnitedHealthcare Global. Find all her fantastic ideas below!
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1. Anticipate potential health issues
Although we hope that everything will always go well when we travel, it is important to anticipate the worst – or at least a small setback – and take measures to prevent any possible health problems. “Consider a checkup with a primary care physician before departure to discuss your travel plans,” Dr. Arwindekar said. “Packing a portable health kit can also come in handy, so consider including items such as anti-inflammatory painkillers, first aid supplies, earplugs, sunscreen and sunburn, remedies for motion sickness and insect repellents.”
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2. Fill with medicine
Dr. Arwindekar also reminds us of the importance of filling prescriptions and preparing extra doses. You can’t keep your health in top shape if you don’t have the medicines your body needs to thrive! “Before any trip, it’s a good idea to stock up on medication and pack extra doses in case of travel delays,” he says. “When traveling by plane, always pack your medication in your hand luggage to ensure access. For international travel, be sure to check the prescription drug restrictions for each country to avoid the risk of drug confiscation.
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3. Reduce jet lag
Jet lag is not only frustrating to deal with, it can also be detrimental to your health, which is why it’s essential to take steps to reduce it as much as possible. To avoid jet lag, get enough rest before a trip and drink plenty of water before, during and after flights. Next, make sure you get plenty of sunlight during the day, which can help reset the body’s internal clock. said Awindekar. “Good sleep can help boost the immune system, better regulate appetite, and help recover after injury.
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4. Stay active
The importance of exercise doesn’t go away just because you’re on vacation! “Exercise is a great choice to help reduce stress and improve mood,” Dr. Awindekar reminds us. “Integrating physical activity into tourism is a strategy to stay active. Using a fitness app can also help, by providing access to thousands of workouts, from high-intensity interval training to yoga and meditation.” No matter how you choose to do it, find getting up and moving every day can do wonders for your health, even when you’re away from home.
The bottom line
By following these tips from Dr. Arwindekar, you can help protect your health and get the most out of your travels. Of course, remember to also take standard precautions like washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people, and following local health guidelines to minimize your risk of illness. With a little planning and care, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Happy Holidays!
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