How to Avoid Health Hazards on Your Holiday

Whether you travel for business or for pleasure; whether you love it or you hate it; whether you travel by plane, train or automobile; travel --in all its glory-- can significantly alter your daily routine.

For most, the least desirable aspect of traveling is how it can affect so many different areas of our lives such as sleep patterns, diet, digestion, and many other bodily functions. It can also expose us to a number of illnesses.

Recently a Canada-bound airplane was forced to land in Florida because there were 8 sick passengers on board. This was a good reminder of how important it is to consider the odds of someone becoming sick during time away from home.

While no one wants to think about illness interfering with a dream vacation, the reality remains that getting sick while traveling is an extremely common and bothersome occurrence-- especially during air and sea travel.

Both air and sea travel expose the body to jet lag, sea sickness, and other maladies. Exotic destinations offer new foods that the digestive system may not be accustomed to, as well as numerous pathogens and disease. To combat these known problems, a healthy immune system should be the first line of defense.

For many, travel places an enormous amount of stress on the body. Travel anxiety is a common affliction, which can lead to the natural immune responses present in the body to become compromised —among other things.

Frequent travelers are also aware of the risk of contracting contagious diseases due to the close proximity to other passengers, especially when immune systems are weak.

Children are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, and often experience unsettled nerves and digestive upset during travel.

Children are also very susceptible to illness, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to support their systemic health.

A healthy immune system should be the first line of defense against disease.

The time of year and destination are both factors that influence the likelihood of contracting influenza on a cruise ship or airplane. Norovirus, also known as the “cruise ship virus” is the genus name given to a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis in humans. It has an incubation period of about 24 to 48 hours, and infection causes acute abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

Air travel is so common nowadays that most people have experienced symptoms of jet lag to a certain extent. Travel by sea presents its own set of challenges. The most prevalent diseases present on cruise ships are Influenza and Noroviruses.

Young children and adults over 65 are far more vulnerable to developing complications from influenza, (ranked as one of the highest vaccine-preventable traveler’s disease along with Hepatitis A).

In addition to air and sea travel, many families enjoy a long car journey to the vacation destination of their choice. Traveling by car with children and sometimes even pets is no easy task.

However, there are many steps that can be taken to make it more enjoyable for the entire family, such as games to keep children entertained, snacks to avoid unnecessary crankiness, and plenty of stops to stretch the legs and get some fresh air can make a huge difference.

Tips for staying healthy while traveling:

• Avoid using tap water. Contaminated tap water and ice are the most common culprits of sickness for travelers. Use bottled water for everything (even to brush your teeth). When ordering bottled water at a restaurant, make sure it is opened in front of you.
  
  Visit your doctor approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your vacation for necessary immunizations and general advice according to your destination.
  
  Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that can’t be peeled since they may have been washed or in contact with contaminated water.
  
  Avoid raw or undercooked meats and dairy products that haven’t been pasteurized.
  
  Carry waterless soap or hand sanitizer and use before meals and when using public transportation or restroom facilities.
  
  Stock up on insect repellant with active ingredients DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and Picaridin (KBR 3023)
  
  Make sure your prescriptions are in original container in a safe dry place.
  
  If you suffer from allergies, Epi-Pen or other doctor-prescribed medications are a must.
  
  Have a local doctor’s contact information

Herbal Remedies wants to help ensure a healthy and safe vacation. Recognizing the special needs of travelers, Herbal Remedies reoffers a full line of travel products were designed to help the family maintain healthy sleep cycles, balanced nerves, digestive support, and other common conditions associated with travel.

After all, vacation from work and school is meant to be a time for rest and relaxation, which are essential for systemic health. Check out the tips section for additional helpful advice and precautionary measures to make this vacation unforgettable. And remember, nature’s resources are available to help all the way!