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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
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Summer 2007
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9 Tips for a Healthy Trip
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These ideas will help guarantee
a happy, healthy getaway.
Safe and prepared travel
ensures a vacation to remember!
1. Tell Your Doctor
If you plan to travel out of
the country, inform your physician.
He or she can then make sure
you receive any necessary immunizations.
2. Call Your Health Insurance
Provider
Find out exactly what you’re
covered for when you’re away from
home. Ask for a list of participating
healthcare providers you can visit
at your destination.
3. Pack Wisely
Bring a few extra doses of medications
with you. Store these in your
carry-on bag in case your luggage is
lost. Pack a first-aid kit, too, complete
with aspirin or acetaminophen,
bandages, an antihistamine, calamine
lotion and travel sickness and
diarrhea medications.
4. Face Front
You can counteract motion sickness
by going to an area where
movement is less detectable, like
the center of a ship or a plane. And
always face forward.
5. Move Around
To prevent swollen ankles and
calves, which can develop if you sit
too long, get out of the car or walk
through the airplane cabin every
hour. This will boost circulation
and prevent blood clots.
6. Fight Jet Lag
Get plenty of sleep before
departing on a long plane ride.
Before and during your flight,
drink a lot of water and avoid
alcohol. When you arrive at your
destination, eat and sleep according
to the local time schedule to
fight jet lag.
7. Dine with Caution
To avoid Montezuma’s revenge,
or traveler’s diarrhea:
• Drink only bottled water.
• Ask for drinks without ice.
• Do not eat raw foods.
• Eat only fruits you can peel
yourself.
• Avoid foods and beverages
from street vendors.
• Avoid shellfish.
8. Stay Cool
To prevent hyperthermia, or
overheating:
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Dress in lightweight (cotton
is good), light-colored clothing.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Wear a hat or use an umbrella
for shade.
• Avoid hot, heavy meals.
• Avoid activity from noon to
4 p.m., the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid visiting overcrowded
places at peak times.
9. Have Fun!
Don’t fret over every little
thing. Whether you’re away from
home for business or pleasure, use
the time to relax and release all
your day-to-day worries.
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Summer 2007
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
VA News and Updates |
Health Beat |
VA Wellness Programs
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: July 23, 2007 |
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