Traveling can be an exciting time, full of adventure and exploration. But it also comes with some risks, especially when it comes to your health. If you feel sick while on a trip, here are some steps to ensure that you get the care you need and stay safe, courtesy of ArmaSkin.
Pack Essential Medicines
One of the best ways to prepare for any potential illnesses while traveling is by stocking up on over-the-counter medications before your trip. This way, you won't have to worry about finding them at a local store or pharmacy in a foreign language. Also, Cleveland Clinic suggests packing all necessary items such as bandages, thermometers, and anything else that might come in handy if your condition worsens or you hurt yourself during the trip.
Also pack cleaning supplies for wiping down surfaces, whether it’s at the airport or at your hotel. Choose alternatives to chemical-based cleaners, with ingredients like lemons, baking soda, and tea tree oil. Keeping them in spray bottles make using them easy and quick to apply.
Sleep Well, Travel Better
Many people try to fit as much into their schedule as possible when traveling. However, it is important to ensure you get enough sleep so your body can rest and repair itself. When our bodies are tired and run down, they become more susceptible to illness, so getting adequate rest should be a priority when traveling.
Make the Most of Your Accommodations
Whenever possible, it is best not to venture out too much if feeling sick while on vacation. Staying in your accommodations reduces your chances of contracting any illnesses from other travelers who may have picked something up during their travels. Additionally, if necessary, seek medical advice from someone near your lodging as soon as possible or contact a doctor back home for advice if needed.
If your place is in a walkable area, take advantage of the spaces in which you can walk. Light walking can help open airways, and brief breaks outdoors welcomes fresh air intake. Look for accommodations that are considered very walkable as measured by a high Walk Score (70 and above is best).
Monitoring Your Condition
If you are feeling ill while away from home, MakeUseOf.com notes that tracking changes in your condition can help keep you mindful of how severe any symptoms may become over time and what treatment options are available depending on where in the world you happen to be staying when you feel unwell. Keeping track will also make it easier for doctors at home or abroad to diagnose any ailments quickly and provide suitable treatments accordingly.
Communicate with Colleagues
If you're traveling for business and too sick to attend events, you may want to send an apology to key clients and colleagues. Make a quality-yet-quick card and customize your design per your preference. You can do this quickly and easily with a free invitation creator that makes for a great tool to communicate with your associates. Simply pick from among a library of templates and personalize with your own text and graphics.
Improve Medical Center Access with Document Conversion
Although many medical centers now have digital databases containing patient information, not all facilities possess this capability. Therefore, it is advisable to go the extra mile and look for an online tool you can utilize to convert a PDF out of any medical documents, including prescriptions. This proactive measure facilitates quick access to these records by healthcare institutions in case of emergency situations during trips abroad.
And if you do need to visit a clinic or other healthcare provider, check with your health insurance carrier before leaving for your trip to see who will take your insurance. If you are self-employed or are a freelancer without employer-sponsored coverage, be sure you have already enrolled in a plan, whether that’s through the ACA marketplace or Medicaid.
No one wants to get sick while traveling, so preparing in advance is important. Stock up on over-the-counter medication, get enough sleep, choose suitable accommodations, monitor your health, and convert documents into PDFs. These steps will make life easier in case of an emergency during your trip. Stay prepared for unexpected illness abroad!
Image via Pexels
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jesse Clark runs the soulful-travel.com website.
ArmaSkin Anti-Blister Liner Socks provide robust protection against foot blisters. Shop online today!