Travelling is a wonderful pastime that many people look forward to because of the relaxation and enjoyment that it brings. It can be joyful alone, or with friends and family. However, despite how many perks come with travel, also come an equal amount of challenges. One of the most notable challenges that come along with travel are health risks.
Being aware of these potential health issues can help you stay prepared, and avoid ruining your trip. Here are some of the most common issues that come up when you’re traveling, along with some helpful tips on how to avoid them.
Travelers Tummy
Anyone who’s ever traveled to a third world country knows that can be an unfortunate situation for travelers when it comes to diarrhea. This is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water and leads to extreme painful cramps and Nausea. This can usually be avoided by only drinking bottled water, as often third world countries do not treat their water the same way that more developed countries do.
You should also avoid eating in places that don’t look very clean and always read reviews. Also practice good hygiene yourself, by washing your hands, and consider bringing hand sanitizer along. This can help prevent catching gastrointestinal infections that could lurk where you eat.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is more than just feeling tired because you’re in a different time zone. Jet lag can totally disrupt your body’s internal clock, and lead to extreme physical symptoms like dizziness, and even nausea. It’s important that you stay as hydrated as possible, and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
Instead of allowing yourself to sleep when you would be sleeping back in your normal time zone— take short naps! This will help reset your circadian rhythm, and get you used to the new time zone in your destination.
Usually, as a general rule of thumb, it takes about one day per hour of time difference to adjust to the new time zone. However, this can vary depending on multiple factors.
Sun Related Injuries
The sun is a wonderful thing, and something many of us look forward to on vacation. However, the sun can also be extremely dangerous, and leave us with anything from sunstroke, to a sunburn. That’s why it’s important that you stay hydrated, wear sunblock, and avoid exposing yourself too much to extreme heat. Take a look at the weather before you arrive in your destination, and pack accordingly. Pack sunglasses, and hats, and light clothing, as this will help protect you from sun related injuries and illnesses.
A little foresight can go a long way, and can help you experience heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can send you to the hospital if you’re not careful, so you always want to make sure that you avoid it at all costs, or you could ruin your entire vacation!
