Bayhealth and the CDC offer tips for healthy travel this summer

Bayhealth Family Nurse Practitioner Nicole Steinberg, FNP-C, says that although vacations can be exciting and enriching, it is important to take steps to remain healthy before, during and after your trip.

“Before you go, research your destinations,” Steinberg said. “Be sure you understand potential risks as well as local customs and laws. There are areas that are not safe for tourists in almost every vacation location, so be sure you know where they are and avoid the if possible. You can keep an eye on local travel advisories and updates like government travel websites.”

Another tip before you go is to learn basic phrases in a local language, identify emergency contacts like police or an embassy if you are leaving the country and learn as much as you can about scams that target tourists.

“Of course, keep your valuables secure at all times and use a money belt or hidden pouch to store passports, credit cards and cash,” Steinberg said. “Pickpockets are prevalent in some areas, so when in crowded areas, keep your belongings as close as possible. Never carry your cash and cards in one place and try not to wear expensive jewelry. Purchase a theft resistant backpack or bag with hidden zippers.”

The CDC provides additional tips on remaining healthy while on vacation. They suggest checking your destination for area-specific health risks and safety concerns. Be aware of your own health as you don’t want to carry an illness into another area or country. If you are sick, postpone your travel and stay home.

“You definitely want to make an appointment with your healthcare provider,” the CDC states on their website. “This is especially important when traveling out of the country as you may need destination-specific vaccinations, medicines and advice from your doctor. Be sure you are up to date on vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella as these infectious diseases can spread quickly in an area where a large number of people are not vaccinated.”

Check with your health insurance company to see if they cover medical care abroad as many do not. You can purchase travel insurance that covers those costs, however. Leave copies of your important documents like your itinerary, passport, credit card numbers, etc. with someone at home in case something happens. You can also enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP where you can monitor travel warnings and so that the Department of State knows where you are should there be an emergency.

“Pack a travel health kit,” the CDC says. “Fill it with prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, insect repellant, sunscreen, aloe, hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets and a health insurance card. Place the travel health kit in your carry-on luggage to avoid lost baggage with vital prescriptions in a checked bag.”

While traveling, always wear a seatbelt and place children in car seats. If you are in a country where cars drive on the opposite side of the road, be sure you look in the proper direction before crossing the street. Insect repellant in some areas is critical due to bug borne illnesses like malaria, yellow fever, Zike, dengue and more. Be sure food and drinks are safe.

By following these simple tips, you can have a safe, healthy vacation no matter where you go.

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