ENJOY SUMMER …in a healthy way

By: Insaf Kheireddine

As the weather warms in summer, many people are looking forward to traveling. While you pack your bags and plan your itinerary, I offer the following safety tips to keep in mind when you go out of town this summer.

• Keep calm and make a list. Planning for travel can be stressful. Create a checklist ahead of time so nothing is left for last minute.
• Bring a small first-aid kit. No matter how careful you are, injuries can happen and traveling with a first aid kit with the basics is good idea. Include adhesive bandages, alcohol wipes, gauze and over-the-counter medications you may need, like Tylenol or Motrin, motion sickness medication or anti-allergy medication.
• Plan for emergency care. Emergencies arise. To be prepared, find out whether your primary care physician offers telehealth should you need a doctor while you’re away. Don’t forget to carry a list of current medications, medical conditions, vaccination status and treating physicians.
• Get vaccinated. It is always a good idea to be up-to-date with your vaccinations, but even more so when traveling. Find out what diseases are prevalent at your destination.
• Wash your hands frequently. washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest things you can do to prevent getting sick, especially when traveling. Research shows that handwashing results in significant reductions in cases of diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. You can also pack hand sanitizer and moist towelettes should you not have access to a bathroom.
• Stay active on long rides and flights. Staying in the same position for hours at a time can bring the risk of swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues. Stretch and take walking breaks, and consider wearing compression socks or stockings.
• Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated. I recommend using bottled water or suggest you consider bringing a filtered water bottle – if you can wash it with soap and water every day. Before heading to your international destination, check if it has a drinkable water supply; if not, stick to bottled water and drinks.
• Practice water safety. For many, traveling includes swimming and boating. Even experienced swimmers and boaters can be caught off guard in unfamiliar conditions. Unfortunately, accidental drownings and water-related accidents are one of the leading causes of death As such, remember to take extra precautions when enjoying recreational activities in and around water. When you’re using boats for transportation or exploration, always obey posted signs, use a life jacket if available, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Be mindful of areas where sharks are more prevalent.
• Be careful taking photos. I know you want to grab a great photo to post to social media, but please don’t put yourself in harm’s way to do so. Pay attention to posted warnings, especially around cliffs and areas with wildlife.
• Make safe food choices. For many, traveling is synonymous with food. For those who can’t resist being adventurous when traveling, I suggest avoiding raw or street foods and instead eating at popular places with long lines.
• Get your sleep. Have a routine, a comfortable environment, and refrain from eating or drinking three hours before bed. Don’t take sleep aids unless you’ve done so before and know what side effects they have on your body.

Build your own Travel Bag

Whether your summer travel plans include flying, driving or taking the train, unavoidable delays can happen. Stock an easily identifiable backpack or tote bag with items to help you stay comfortable, sleep and pass the time while traveling this summer:

• Travel pillow
• Collapsible water bottle
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
• Surgical or cotton masks
• Sleeping mask
• Earplugs
• Prescription medications
• Tissues
• Lightweight blanket
• Change of undies
• Chargers
• Travel socks/footies
• Toiletries: mouth care, deodorant