There are three common health problems for the traveler that is jet lag, altitude sickness (altitude sickness), and diarrhea.
Do not let the trip you had planned and waiting become messy because of sudden health problems arise that can actually be prevented. Thus, it is important to always keep the health, whether you’re at home or on the road. But on the way, as in a family vacation or during temporary residence abroad for study or business purposes, there are some things that need special attention.
You see, you will be very easy to get sick while in the new place because the body does not have enough opportunity to adjust to the food, beverage, and the air in the new place. Travel will put your body in a new situation and will be in contact with new things too.
Never Ignore Health
Stress and fatigue from travel can make you sick. The good news is the body’s immune system has. But the condition of lack of sleep or poor dietary practices can be caused by the body susceptible to disease.
The first thing to do when traveling, especially abroad, is knowing what type of vaccine is required before you leave. Type of vaccine needed depends on the condition of the destination country.
Tourists from developed countries for example, it is recommended to get the typhoid vaccine, hepatitis A and B when visiting developing countries. If a visit to Nepal or some parts of India, you are encouraged to get a meningitis vaccine in advance.
Or if you want to southern America and Africa, you should get a yellow fever vaccines (yellow fever) in advance. If the tropical regions of endemic malaria classified as Vanuatu or New Guinea, take anti-malaria drugs.
Common Health Problems In Travel
THERE ARE three common health problems that occur when people travel is jet lag, altitude sickness (altitude sickness), and diarrhea.
When flying through a series of time zones, you receive a different amount of light and it can change your body’s biological clock. It causes a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that can ruin a trip like abdominal pain, insomnia, and fatigue.
There are several things that can be done to overcome jet lag; for example, if running from west to east, do not be in the sun on the day of arrival. If you’re flying from east to west, go on the streets as soon as possible after you arrive.
While altitude sickness (altitudes sickness) caused by dry air, oxygen is reduced, and low barometric pressure when you fly or walk to a level higher altitude than before.
As a result, you may be experiencing problems such as headaches, dehydration, or shortness of breath.
Some people get altitude sickness at a height of 5.000 feet (1.524 meters), the others are not affected until it reaches the height of 10.000 feet (3.048 meters) or more. Soon find out the tolerance limit height to your body in order to know if the height can be a problem.
The best prevention for altitude problems is to gradually increase your altitude level every day to get used to that condition. If it is not possible, use the drug acetazolamide. Drugs that can petrify and even prevent altitude sickness.
If you think may be having problems with the altitude, talk with your doctor before leaving home.
Cases of diarrhea may be seen a lot and because it is considered trivial, but it could be a serious problem. Diarrhea for the traveler known as the Turista. Diarrhea often occurs when foreign bacteria entering your digestive tract, usually because of eating food or drinking contaminated beverages.
The best way to avoid Turista are wary of food and beverages during the trip.
Eat and Drink Safe
FOOD and drink what is safe to eat and drink? All food is boiled are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables are peeled before eating. Avoid eating raw or undercooked, or the food cooked in a poor condition.
You probably heard that tourists from developed countries banned drinking water in some developing countries, but do you know why? Water supplies in many developing countries are not treated as in developed countries; various bacteria, viruses, and parasites commonly found in water.
Many experts recommend drinking only bottled water when traveling. If using tap water, boil or the first to clear it with iodine tablets in advance. If you are a toothbrush, wash your contact lenses, mouthwash, or add ice in drinks, first make sure the water is safe to drink.
Take Drugs
WHEN packing, input all the drugs and supplies related to health that you normally use because it may be difficult to find in another country if your supplies run out. You might find it in the destination country but still there is a risk that the drugs are too strong or weak for you. Such drugs might be based on prescription drugs commonly used such as inhalers, allergy medications, insulin, contact lenses and vitamins.
Take painkillers such as acetaminophen and diarrhea medication. Good also to take an allergy relief medication even if you have never used it for at home. Sometimes people allergic to pollen proteins and other elements contained in the new environment.
Write
EVEN IF you’ve noticed all who want to eat, drink, and get enough rest, you may still be sick. Do not worry. You can find a competent medical officer. The key is knowing where to go.
For this reason, well if you always carry a medical history in written form. Have such important information can help medical staff make the right decision, and you do not have to worry about missing important information when you are in a condition very disappointed and could not think straight.
So, before you leave home, make medical history that includes the following information:
name, address, phone number
immunization
Your doctor’s name, address, and telephone offices and emergency.
name, address and phone number of your health insurance office, including policy number
list of health problems being experienced such as heart disease, diabetes, or AIDS
list of drugs used and the last name pharmaceutical companies and phone number
list of drug allergies, food, insects, and animals
prescription for glasses or contact lenses
name, address, and phone numbers of parents and relations who can be contacted in an emergency
Good also if you have a basic knowledge of medical emergency. It was not only for your own use but also to help others who walk with you. One surefire way to it is you take a course on first aid in emergencies or basic courses on life support.
Finally, please try, and you can focus on scenery, not on health issues. You can go home without any problems. Happy holidays and hopefully stay healthy!
