Tips for Healthy Holiday Travel
As many people are preparing to travel for the holidays, I want to share a few tips to staying healthy while on the road!
First, be prepared! Make sure you are packing your medications, and keep them in their original pill bottles. If you usually make a weekly pill dispenser, that’s fine to do for your trips as well, but make sure to have a complete and up to date list of your prescription medications also. This way, if you happen to need urgent or emergent care while away, you have a list of your medications at the ready to share. On that same medication list, include your primary care’s contact information. As a direct primary care physician, I definitely want to know what’s going on with any care you might need while away.
During your trip, be proactive when it comes to preventing DVTs. DVTs are blood clots that can form in the deep veins of the leg from prolonged inactivity. If you are flying, stand and walk up and down the aisles when it’s safe. At your seat, you can pump your calf muscles by raising your feet up and down on your toes while sitting. If you are driving, take several breaks at rest stops to stretch your legs. With both forms of travel, wear compression stockings - this will help prevent leg swelling.
Plan ahead when it comes to nutrition. If you are following a certain diet, whether for managing a chronic condition or trying to prevent one, diets while traveling are challenging. Typically the options are high in salt and fat and ultra-processed foods. If you can, pack a cooler with healthy snacks and lunches rather than stopping for fast food. If this isn’t possible, opt for healthy items as best able - for example, rather than getting a burger, go for the grilled chicken.
Holiday travel can be quite stressful because of high traffic, so have a few quick breathing techniques or meditations at the ready to help you stay calm and maintain your holiday spirit. Again, because of all around higher traffic, germs will abound! So carry a hand sanitizer, wash your hands when you can, and wear a mask if you aren’t feeling well.
I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and healthy holiday break!
