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Departments Health Matters
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Health Matters
Healthy travel: staying well on the roadI am planning some vacation travel this summer, both in the U.S. and abroad. What precautions can I take to maintain my health? Will traveling run me down? Recreational travel anywhere should refresh, not exhaust, the traveler. However, it can pose certain health risks, says Sara Nuciforo, M.D., medical director of adult primary care medicine at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. "To minimize these risks, plan your trip well and know what to expect from your body. When traveling abroad, be aware of the particular diseases in the country so you can get vaccines if they are available." Jet lag, caused by high-speed travel over several time zones and characterized by fatigue, malaise, tension, or nausea, is the most common health problem encountered by those traveling by airplane. Since the body needs to reprogram itself to the new cycles of light and darkness in different time zones, Nuciforo recommends that travelers not schedule their most important touring for the first day, but instead acclimate to the surrounding environment. Dehydration exacerbates the effects of jet lag, so drink water and avoid salty foods and alcohol during flight. Many travelers also experience motion sickness when traveling, especially in planes or automobiles. If you know beforehand that you are susceptible, pack an over-the-counter medication or ask your doctor for a prescription for a scopolamine patch. The patch, worn behind the ear, contains a medicine that alleviates the symptoms of motion sickness. Most users are affected by dry mouth, and some may feel drowsy, but otherwise there are few side effects. Once at your destination, keep in mind a few health tips while sampling the local fare. "Don't fear trying the local foods in a new environment, for it can be one of the highlights of the trip," says Nuciforo. "Still, many of these foods will contain bacteria to which our bodies aren't accustomed. You can reduce your risk of exposure to these germs by watching out for undercooked food, especially meat, poultry, fish, and eggs." Drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes as they are probably made with local water, and eat fruits with peels (bananas, oranges) over other fruits, which may be washed in local water. Nuciforo also recommends packing a first-aid kit for trips. It should include bandages, tweezers, gauze, tape, scissors, topical ointments (such as hydrocortisone), antihistamines for allergic reactions, insect repellent containing at least 30 percent DEET, sunscreens with SPFs of at least 15 (especially if traveling to a tropical or high-altitude region) and over-the-counter products for diarrhea. Those taking special medications should make sure to bring them in their carry-on luggage. Additionally, if you take many medicines, you should be prepared for searches by customs officials; having a list of all medications signed by your doctor may avoid unnecessary hassles. Women may have special concerns when traveling. Lengthy travel and a radical change in diet can increase the risk for vaginal infections. Although a yogurt douche can be used if no medications are available, women particularly susceptible to yeast infections may want to consider bringing an over-the-counter anti-yeast medication. Pregnant women need to take special care when traveling. "Each trimester poses special problems for fetuses," explains Nuciforo. "For instance, viruses contracted during the first trimester are especially harmful, when fetal development is crucial. Certain vaccinations may be harmful to the fetus as well." Lengthy travel late in the third trimester may be associated with premature birth. If you are thinking about traveling while pregnant, be sure to consult with your obstetrician. Finally, Nuciforo advises travelers to plan their vacations well in advance. Individuals requiring multiple vaccinations should try to get them weeks in advance and not all at the same time. She further recommends that international travelers consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which maintains a Web page devoted to foreign travel on the Internet. "The sooner you start planning your trip, the better off you'll be," she says.
"Health Matters" is written in cooperation with staff members of Boston Medical Center. For more information on travel or other health matters, call 638-6767. |
