Following on from our last blog - further tips to help you mitigate any travel / holiday related health risks
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Holiday Tips Part 2
Jet Lag
Our bodies adjust to a natural rhythm that promotes sleeping at night and being active and alert during daylight hours. When we travel across different ‘time zones’ our normal rhythm is altered. This can cause sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate and irritability which is more commonly known as ‘jet lag’.
To prevent jet lag, get a good night sleep before the journey. Some people find that changing their watch to the destination time helps. On arrival at your destination, you should get active as soon as possible and adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as possible. Exposure to light allows your body to adjust. Try not to sleep until nightfall when you arrive at your destination otherwise you will be out of tune with the local time. If you need a nap when you arrive, keep it short, otherwise you will be wide awake at night, and it will take your body longer to adjust. Also avoid alcohol, it will only take recovery from jet lag longer.
Sun
It is important to reapply sun cream every 2 to 3 hours. Apply at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. An SPF factor of 15 or more should be used. Sun cream should be reapplied after swimming and bathing. Avid the sun between noon and 3pm when it is strongest.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is one of the most common travel illnesses. Freshly cooked, hot food is always the safest option, as salads, cold meats and uncooked/undercooked seafood are all more prone to be infected with bacteria and parasites. Opt for bottled water instead of tap water and avoid ice in drinks.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites can lead to malaria. Try to get a room with air conditioning so that you can keep the doors and windows closed. Use an insect repellent, avoid perfume, and wear light-coloured clothes. An insect repellant with DEET is more effective but should be avoid if you have sensitive skin, in pregnancy, children and asthmatics.
Covid 19 Booster for travel
Some countries still need Covid-19 Boosters to enter or if you don’t you will need a certified PCR or Antigen test before entering. Find out more form your airline. Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St have a weekly walk in Covid 19 vaccine clinic which include boosters. Check our website or ring 0449334591 for more info.
For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore) or info@whelehans.ie.