Staying Healthy On Vacation

Travel Health Tips For You And Your Kids

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Every single time my family goes on vacation, one of us gets sick. Whether it's me or my husband, or one of our two children, someone always manages to put a damper on the vacation. For once I'd just like to go away and have a fun vacation with no illness! Do you have any advice for how my family can stay healthy while traveling?

Sincerely,

Sick of Getting Sick

Dear Sick of Getting Sick,

It's bad enough being sick at home, but absolutely no fun at all when you or your family members get sick during a vacation. However, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you don't get sick while traveling.

Travel health tips for you and your kids:

The best defense is a good offense -- and that's true with health and travel, too. Follow these offensive tips for your best defense against illness on the road.

*Sleep. Get enough sleep and allow for naps to make up for jet lag. The sleep will boost your immune system which gets knocked down a few notches from the stress normally associated with travel.

*Food. Don't load up on junk food just because you're on vacation or out of your own kitchen. Eat healthy -- especially when you're traveling.

*Think twice about exotic foods. While it's great to adapt the adage, When in Rome....but if you're not used to the regional cuisine where you're traveling, go easy. Sample the local food if your stomach is normally sensitive, rather than gorge.

*Exercise. Try to keep a modified exercise routine going while you travel. If you're on a long flight get up and stretch every hour. Take a walk up and down the aisle.

*Watch out for sleeping pills that were often prescribed for sleep while traveling. New reports indicate some bad side effects associated with Ambien and other sleeping pills that used to be travelers aids.

*Without treading into OCD-territory, wash your hands more often than usual. Keep some hand sanitizer or wipes in your bag or purse.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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