A medical can help you conquer anxiety and fear. Photo credit: Mark Adams

How to be healthy before, during and after vacations

everyone wants to be healthy, that’s without question or debate  but are there any tips to help us better manage our relationship with our doctors to ensure we communicate effectively?  Well, the answer is yes.  O The Oprah Magazine has a great article called Feeling Good which give you guided ways to ask questions of your dorctor.  Inquire without feeling you are setting over the boundaries of your own healthcare.  On page u5 in the magazine you will find the article

We picked up on the article and decided to focus on how open and effective communication can ensure you are also healthy when traveling; and that’s key during the stress and strain associated with the rush of vacations where you immune system can be taxed, keeping you safe from germs, viruses and bacteria.

Photo by – ljupco

Here are our tip to travel healthy
Note we referenced the CDC Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

• Learn about your destination
• Check for travel health notices on the CDC website
• Some areas are prone to earthquakes or hurricanes, you can find out if your destination is at a higher risk on the US Department of State website at travel.stage.gov
• You can also stay up to date on security concerns through the Department of State website, check if your destination has a travel alert concerning US citizens (this can range from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, violence or high-profile events)
• Stay on top of road safety as well by checking the Association for Safe International Road Travel website at asirt.org
• It may also be a good idea to read up on local laws and culture to prepare, the US Department of State again has helpful information for individual countries as well as entry/exit requirements
• See a doctor before you travel
• The best time to see your doctor is 4 – 6 weeks before your trip
• Doctors can help make specific recommendations for you to stay healthy
• Be sure to tell your doctor where you are traveling within a country, the length of your trip and what type of activities are planned
• Make sure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations
  Learn more about any more vaccines you may need through the CDC website at cdc.gov
• Discuss allergies, current medications and any other health concerns
• If you have been sick recently, consult with your doctor before you leave for a trip; traveling to new conditions could throw off your recovery and you could also make others sick in the process
• Think about recent injuries, surgeries and illnesses and how they may be affected by travel
• Babies and small children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk

It’s no fun being sick when traveling. 

Packing smart too. It’s important in staying healthy when traveling.

• Bring copies of your passport and other travel documents, also leave a copy with a friend at home
• Pack prescriptions in carry-on luggage, along with copies of all prescriptions
• Some over the counter medicines that may be useful: antidiarrheal medicine, antihistamines, decongestants, anti-motion sickness, medicine for pain or fever, mild laxative, cough suppressant, cough drops, antacids, antifungal or antibacterial ointments or creams
• Other useful items: insect repellant, sunscreen, antibacterial hand wipes, eye drops, first aid quick reference card, bandages, gauze, ace bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors and cotton-tipped applicators, aloe gel
• Additionally bring along health insurance card (copies of claim forms), sleep aids, medicine to prevent altitude sickness, water purification tablets
• The CDC defines an ill traveler (one or more symptoms): severe headache, weakness, skin or eyes turning yellowish, fever of 100 or greater, skin rash, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, severe cough, bruising or bleeding, diarrhea that does not go away, vomiting that does not go away
• What to do you if you become sick while traveling: see a doctor right away if your injury or illness is serious, drink plenty of fluids to replace any lost body fluids,
• Contact the local US Embassy if you think you may need assistance, contact friends and family as soon as you can to keep them aware of your location and health status
  Pay attention when you return home as well because symptoms may not arise until a few days later