It's always important to take care of your health, whether
you're at home or on the road, but there are some additional
concerns that are important to keep in mind when you're
traveling.
Whether you're taking a trip with your family or plan to
live abroad for several months for a study program, it's easier
to get sick when you're in a new place because your body
hasn't had a chance to adjust to the food, water, and air in a
new environment. Traveling can bring you in contact with things
that your body isn't used to. Continue reading for tips on
keeping your travel experience as healthy as possible.
Don't Take a Vacation From Health
The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to
get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more
likely to stay healthy throughout your trip - and your trip will
definitely be more enjoyable. The good news is that as a teen, your
immune system is as strong as an adult's, but lack of
sleep
and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.
The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is
to find out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance
because different countries have different requirements. In the
United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention for a list of necessary vaccinations.
You'll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you
need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.
Common Travel Troubles
Three of the most common health problems that you may experience
when traveling are jet lag, altitude sickness, and diarrhea. When
you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can
change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as
jet lag
. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip,
including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.
There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example,
if you're traveling from west to east, you should stay out of
the sun until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from
east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you
arrive.
Altitude sickness
is caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric
pressure when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used
to. As a result, you may have problems, such as headaches,
dehydration
, and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet
(1,524 meters), but others aren't affected until they reach
altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what
altitude you're traveling to before you go to see if altitude
sickness could be a problem.
The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually
increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that
isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide can help relieve
and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you think that
you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you
leave home.
The topic of
diarrhea
may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's
diarrhea, known as
turista
, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your
digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water.
The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food
you eat and the water you drink on the road.
Safe Eats and Drinks
So what foods are safe to eat? Any foods that have been boiled
are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to
be peeled before eating. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat
or meat that is not cooked just prior to serving.
Stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before
serving. Here's an example: Nine friends ate at a restaurant
when on a school trip overseas; eight had diarrhea the next day.
The one who didn't get sick was the only one who had ordered a
dish that didn't need to be touched by human hands right before
serving.
One of your favorite foods at home is on the safe list on the
road - pizza! Pizza dough, sauce, and cheese are foods that are
less likely to spoil than others, and the high heat of a pizza oven
tends to kill any harmful bacteria in the food.
You've probably heard that you shouldn't drink the water
in some countries overseas, but did you know why? Water supplies in
many developing countries are not treated in the same way as water
supplies in developed countries; various bacteria, viruses, and
parasites are commonly found in the water. Many experts suggest you
drink only bottled water when traveling. If you need to use tap
water, you should boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet.
Even if you're brushing your teeth, rinsing contact lenses,
drinking a small glass of water to wash down pills, or adding ice
to your drink, first take precautions to ensure the water is
safe.
You Can Take It With You
When you're packing, you'll want to include any
medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis
because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out.
Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the
formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're
used to. These may include any prescriptions you already take, such
as
inhalers
,
allergy medication
, and
insulin
, as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.
Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen
and diarrhea medication is also a good idea. It's a good idea
to pack some over-the-counter allergy medication even if you
don't take it at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop
allergic reactions to the pollens and other allergens found in a
new environment. Those with asthma or other allergies can
unexpectedly react to these new substances.
Write It All Down
Even if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest
while you're traveling, you may still get sick. The good news
is that you'll probably be able to find competent medical care.
The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go
to a hospital where English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can
be found. For this reason, it's a good idea to always carry a
written copy of your medical history with you.
Having such important information available in one place can
help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you
won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a
time when you're likely to be upset and not thinking
clearly.
Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history
form that includes the following information:
- your name, address, and home phone number as well as a
parent's daytime phone number
- your blood type
- immunizations
- your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency
phone numbers
- the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance
carrier, including your policy number
- a list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease,
diabetes
, or
AIDS
- a list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy
name and phone number
- a list of
allergies
to medications, food, insects, and animals
- a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
- the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than
your parent
It also helps if you have some basic emergency medical
knowledge, not only for yourself but for helping others you may be
traveling with. A great way to prepare for your trip is to take a
first-aid or basic life support course before you go; if you're
traveling with a group, you should know where the first-aid kit is
and what's in it.
Basic Safety
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all,
you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus
on. In addition to paying attention to your personal safety
(avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark),
you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic
safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as
they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite
side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you
cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one
you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of
way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you
step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery
- not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more
troubling than some tacky souvenirs!
Updated and reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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