It’s important to take care of your health when you’re travelling. Whether you’re taking a trip with your family or plan to live abroad for several months, 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 the air in a new environment. So here are a few tips:
The first thing is you should find out what kinds of vaccinations you’ll need in advance. The three most common problems you may experience when travelling are jet lag, altitude sickness and diarrhoea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in jet lag. This may cause some symptoms such as an upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness. 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 headache, dehydration and shortness of breath. The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn’t possible, some drugs can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. So talk with your doctor.
Traveller’s diarrhoea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water. So be careful. 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. Experts suggest you drink only bottled water when travelling. If you need to use tap water, 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.
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