Top Ten Travel Tips to Protect Your Health

As a mom and a primary care physician with a busy practice, I often find it difficult to get away for some much needed R&R. However, in order to practice what I preach to my patients, I try to take care of myself and find time for a vacation here and there. In fact, we are off to explore Costa Rica for spring break! While many women headed for a vacation might be concerned with choosing the perfect swimsuit or...

1 of 10 Next image Previous image

In this gallery

More images | left

More images | right

1. Plan for a healthy trip. Consult with your physician and dentist for routine care and medicine supplies and visit your doctor for an assessment of health risks abroad and an individualized plan of care, which may include vaccines and medicines.
2. Prepare for jet lag and high altitude destinations and stay hydrated and rested.
3. Protect yourself from the sun, insects and animal bites.
4. Be careful what you drink. In developing nations, avoid drinking tap water and having ice cubes in your beverages.
5. Be careful what you eat. Make sure meats and vegetables are thoroughly cooked.
6. If steps four and five fail, manage diarrhea with fluids, anti-motility agents and, if needed, antibiotics.
7. Don’t bring certain things back home. Avoid risky behaviors including having unprotected sex, getting tattoos, using drugs and receiving acupuncture.
8. In tropical destinations, avoid swimming in fresh water and walking barefoot.
9. Be smart with your safety. Use alcohol in moderation, leave the expensive items at home, avoid traveling alone at night and be careful with your mode of transportation.
10. Be sensitive to the cultures you visit. In some places, it is not appropriate for women to show bare shoulders or their hair. Other cultures expect you to take off your shoes before entering a home or place of worship.

1. Plan for a healthy trip. Consult with your physician and dentist for routine care and medicine supplies and visit your doctor for an assessment of health risks abroad and an individualized plan of care, which may include vaccines and medicines.

Today's Chicago Woman

Top Ten Travel Tips to Protect Your Health

In this gallery

Recommended

Recent Posts

Subscribe

No Comments

Leave a Comment?

What your comment will look like:

Today's Chicago Woman Bloggerati

Most Active Pages Right Now

ChicagoNow.com on Facebook

Today's Chicago Woman on Facebook

Today's Chicago Woman

Top Ten Travel Tips to Protect Your Health

Share

In this gallery

Recommended

Recent Posts

Subscribe

No Comments

Leave a Comment?

Welcome!

What your comment will look like:

Today's Chicago Woman Bloggerati

Most Active Pages Right Now

ChicagoNow.com on Facebook

Today's Chicago Woman on Facebook