Dr. Grant Tarling’s Tips on Staying Healthy While Traveling
Staying Healthy While Traveling
Dr. Grant Tarling, Chief Medical Officer, MD, MPH, offers recommendations to keep you healthy and safe while traveling and in your everyday lives.
How can travelers maintain their fitness routine while on the go?
As travel enthusiasts, we all love to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create wonderful memories. However, traveling can also take a toll on our health if not done right. From long flights to indulgent food, travelers often face a range of health risks that can spoil their trip. To help you stay healthy on-the-go, Dr. Grant Tarling, the Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare Global, shares his tips on how to maintain your health and wellbeing while traveling.
Stay hydrated: One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while traveling is to stay hydrated. When traveling, it’s easy to forget to drink water, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you further. Also, carry a refillable water bottle with you, so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pack healthy snacks: When traveling, we often indulge in unhealthy snacks and fast food, which can affect our health in the long run. To avoid this, pack some healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars. These snacks will keep you full for longer periods of time and help you maintain your energy levels.
Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene habits are crucial to keeping yourself healthy while traveling. Always wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, and carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for times when you cannot access soap and water. Also, disinfect your phone, tablet, and other personal items that come in contact with germs.
Exercise regularly: While traveling, it’s easy to skip workouts and take it easy. However, staying active is important for your health and wellbeing. Try to incorporate some form of exercise into your travel itinerary, whether it’s a yoga class or a morning jog. If you’re staying in a hotel, use the fitness center, or take a stroll around the city to explore.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for our bodies to function properly. However, when traveling, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of sleep deprivation due to the time zone changes, jet lag, and excitement of exploring new places. To ensure that you get enough sleep, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and use earplugs and eye masks to block out any noise and light.
In conclusion, staying healthy while traveling is all about making small changes to your lifestyle. By following these tips, you can ensure that you stay healthy, happy, and energized, while exploring new destinations. Remember, your health should be a top priority while traveling, so take care of yourself and enjoy the journey.