Staying Healthy on the Road This Summer
How will you spend your summer? Lazing by the beach? Camping with friends? Moving on the road, hopping from one place to another?
Whether you will be going out of the country or heading for the shore lines this summer, there are certain things you need to do – and be prepared for the worst.
When you are on the road, wear those beehive sunglasses not only for fashion purposes, but to keep your eyes from getting strained by too much sun. With the sun up most of the time, staring at the bright road ahead can strain your eyes and give you headaches. Also, bring along some munchies or sandwiches and a cooler to avoid too many stopovers. Having less stopovers means getting to your destination faster.
While you on the plane, bring along a face spray to keep your skin moist. Also, drink lots of water when traveling by air – the atmosphere in the cabin can make your skin dry. Airplane pressure can also cause puffy eyes. To prevent this, put a damp hanky or a wet tissue over your eyes and relax. Sitting too long can cause swollen ankles. To keep your blood circulating, stand up and stretch those weary legs or give them a massage once in a while.
If you are westward bound and you are on medication, carry them in your hand luggage instead of your checked-in luggage. Bring your medical records just in case. Ask your doctor for a list of your medications and their generic names. Some brand names are different in other countries. But generic names remain the same wherever you go and they can be checked out at any place, any time.
If you are heading for some dark, rustic place do not forget your insect/mosquito repellant. Consider precautions for snakes, spiders, ticks, lice, fleas, flies and the like. If you are headed for the beach, do not forget your sunblocks, antidiarrheals. Are you immunized against cholera, typhoid and the like? So be prepared.
If you are going to the beach, skip on those thong slippers for a comfortable walk around the beach and to protect your feet from the hot sand. Wash your hair with conditioner to even out the dryness caused by too much exposure to wind and saltwater. Apply enough sunscreen on your skin to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays.
If you are planning to drive long distances, there are certain things you need to avoid like fatigue. Sleepy drivers can be a hazard to all road users. They can be as bad as drunk drivers. If you are feeling drowsy while driving, get off the road. Not just on the side of the highway but do go into town and look for a place to rest in, a motel perhaps. At night, if you must park, park in a lighted area, lock all doors and then take a nap. Always, always lock your car doors before taking a nap.
