Travel Smart, Stay Healthy Through Your Trip
Summer is a time to take a break from the regular routine and explore new places. You might be staying coastal, taking a hike up the mountains, or heading out of the country. Although traveling is amazing and needed, it can also be stressful and detrimental to our health. It’s easy to fall out of healthy routines while traveling. However, we have your covered! Before packing your bags, make a list of these quick tips to help you stay healthy while you travel.
Quick Health Tips for Travel
Do Your Research
The best health tip that should always be carried out before traveling, is to do your research. This will give you a better idea of how to utilize these tips and maximize your time away from home. While knowing the climate you’ll be in, elevation levels, and surroundings, you can take advantage and prepare with proper timing and resources. You can also look deeper into possible contagious diseases or poisonous plants/animals. It’s better to know your limits beforehand to stay healthy while you travel.
Don’t Avoid Sleep
Sleeping away from home can be challenging because of the change of setting, time differences, or daily activities. Getting quality sleep is imperative for your body and important for staying healthy while you travel. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and make it more vulnerable to develop illnesses. While making schedules for traveling activities, make sure to include sleep time, at least 7-8 hours a day. Some tips for better rest can include earplugs and an eye mask to prevent distractions, or booking a quiet place away from city noise.
Stay Hydrated
Water is the livelihood of your foundation, and it also facilitates your healing. Remaining healthy while you travel involves proper water intake. When traveling by air, the lack of humidity in the cabin often leads to dehydration. With planes having low humidity levels, this can eventually make you more susceptible to germs with dried out mucous membranes. Carry a bottle with you at all time during your flight and every day of your trip. It’s very likely with a change of climate that you are prone to other bacterial intake. It’s recommended to drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water a day, wash your hands regularly, and sanitize used surfaces.
Proper Nourishment is also key as digestion issues are most common during vacation trips. It’s fun to try new food that you’re not used to, however, your stomach may say otherwise. Staying properly nourished will help you tolerate what you eat and drink while traveling, it also helps maintain a healthy immune system. Try making your own food while traveling, sticking to cooked instead of processed food, or packing light snacks. Your body will thank you!
Stay Active
Consistent exercise is one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a strong immune system. It’s important to feel grounded when you’re in a new city. Include simple stretches to get the blood flowing, followed by a walk or jog. Stay active as possible before and during your trip to maintain proper blood circulation. You can also get creative, find a local gym, or walk to the nearest park. This will continue to improve your cardiovascular health, control your weight, and lower your blood pressure.
Urgent Care in Coachella Valley
While away, you should definitely relax and indulge, but it should be regulated for the betterment of your health. Keep hydrated, stay aware of your surroundings, and check your health daily while on vacation.
If you feel you contracted an illness or had an accident while traveling, our doctors are here to help. VIP Urgent Care is the most comprehensive independent provider of urgent care services in the Coachella Valley. We’re open Monday through Friday, on weekends, and holidays. Call (760) 674-1923 for Palm Desert, or (760) 969-5999 for Palm Springs to schedule an appointment.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.