How to travel healthy this summer

You know that stress can weaken your child’s defense against sickness. But now that summer’s here, it’s time to give him and the rest of your family a much needed immunity boosting vacation!

What are your plans? Chances are, you and your family would be spending some time traveling. Whether you plan to go to a beach, to Baguio, or even to a different country, it’s important that you keep your family safe and healthy. Here are a few traveling health tips.

Plan early and carefully. Where do you wish to go? Do some research on local diseases. Review health advisories. Get the names and contact details of clinics or hospitals around your vacation spot.
At least six weeks before your vacation, visit your doctor for medical and dental checkups. Complete your child’s vaccination requirements. Also, there are preventive shots or medicines that your doctor may recommend for diseases like malaria.
If anyone in the family is taking maintenance medicines, make sure you bring enough for the whole trip. Bring prescriptions for extra medicines, just in case. It may be wise to put important medicines in different pieces of luggage in case one gets stolen or lost.
Drink bottled water while you’re on vacation. And refrain from giving your child raw food and street food as these could cause diarrhea or food poisoning.
Remind everyone in the family, especially children, to wash their hands frequently. Carry a hand sanitizer or alcohol.
If you plan to bring food for the trip, make sure it won’t spoil easily or it could cause health hazards. Use a cooler.
Remember to bring a first aid kit.
Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to replenish the fluids you and your family would lose while having fun under the sun.
Long trips (about two hours or more) may cause blood clotting in the legs. Take time to stretch and walk around if possible.
Make sure your child regularly takes his vitamins. Boosting his immunity foundation shouldn’t stop when vacation begins.