Healthy Travel Tips With summer fast approaching, many of us are making plans to travel for vacations. A little planning can make a big difference by ensuring that your dream trip does not result in an emergency room or hospital trip. Today I invite your questions related to healthy travel.
Q: John, OK How do I know if I should give up driving?
A: Dr. O'Neil - As we get older, physical changes may affect our driving ability. For example, cataracts and macular degeneration may impair vision. Hearing loss may make it difficult to hear horns and sirens. Arthritis or Parkinson’s disease may affect the ability to turn around. If you have had several accidents, even if minor, or if people are frequently honking at you, that may be an indication that your driving ability is impaired. Check with your doctor—he/she may refer you for a special assessment of your driving ability.
Q: Jason, OH - What can I do to reduce my risk for blood clots in my legs when I am on a long flight?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Blood clots pose a significant risk for those who have been sitting on an airliner for more than 6-8 hours. Getting up and walking around frequently can be helpful. Stretching exercises and drinking adequate amounts of fluids (other than alcohol!) are advisable. Use of support stockings and use of aspirin or other "blood thinners" is not routinely recommended, but your doctor may suggest these if you have other medical conditions that increase your chances of developing a blood clot.
Q: Peter, MA - How can I prevent getting a cold when flying on a plane?
A: Dr. O'Neil - The best way to reduce risk is avoiding close contact with those who may have a cold, frequent hand washing can be effective. Hopefully people who have colds will cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze or consider wearing a mask. There is no evidence that colds are transmitted due to the re-circulation of air on a plane. More likely the source of infection is droplet transmission due to people coughing or sneezing in close proximity and not covering their mouths.
Q: Holly, WI - How do I know if I am at risk for deep vein thrombosis when flying? How can I avoid DVT when flying long distances?
A: Dr. O'Neil - All people who fly for longer than six to eight hours are at risk due to prolonged immobility. Things that increase risk are: previous history of clots, pregnancy, birth control pills, recent surgery and people with certain medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, COPD and cancer. People with these conditions should check with their doctor for methods that may reduce their risk for clots. It is important to get up and move around during the flight. Thigh-high compression stockings may reduce the risk of leg clots.
Q: Peter, MA - How can I travel on the ocean without getting sea sick?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Seasickness is less common these days on modern ocean liners due to built-in stabilizers that minimize the rocking motion. However, it still can be a problem if rough seas are encountered or if you are on a small boat. Try to concentrate on other thoughts. Stay above the decks so that you can focus on something other than the swaying of the ship. The fresh air may help. Look forward toward the horizon, but do not fixate your gaze. Try to find an area on the ship, probably toward the middle which has less motion. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Laying on a deck chair may help. Eat lightly. If necessary, ask your doctor for medicine; however, such medications may be associated with drowsiness and other side effects.
Q: Morgan, MA - What are some suggested healthy snacks to pack for traveling?
A: Dr. O'Neil - I would recommend snacks that are low in fat. If you are flying, be careful of things that may increase intestinal gas such as carbonated beverages and beans and legumes, also pectin containing fruits such as apples and pears-gas expands as the atmospheric pressure changes. Other snacks like whole grain bars, fruits and vegetables are good healthy things to bring along.
Q: Doris, MA - What would a good beverage to take with me while traveling?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Water is the best beverage of all but fruit juices can be beneficial and can have other health benefits as well. Watch for 100% juice and not "sugary" substitutes.
Q: Ted, IL - How can I avoid food poisoning when I visit South America?
A: Dr. O'Neil - If you travel to undeveloped countries, make sure your food is cooked and served hot. Avoid raw seafood, meat, and so forth. Food can be contaminated by the food handlers, so avoid raw fruit and vegetables unless you peel and cut it up yourself. Avoid buying food from street vendors. Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Boiled water, tea, and coffee are safer. Beverages in bottles and cans are generally safe, but wipe off the top of the can before drinking.
Q: Dolly, TX: For seniors, is there an advantage to traveling by bus rather than air or vice versa on long distance trips?
A: Dr. O'Neil: If someone is otherwise healthy, air travel is just fine. In fact, a prolonged bus trip may actually increase the risk of blood clots if sitting for hours on end. Bus trips can be fun, but if you are taking one, be sure you are able to get up and move around every couple of hours.
Q: Claudia, IL - Do other countries have warnings on food regarding food allergies? How can I be sure that a particular dish does not contain foods that I am allergic to especially with a language barrier?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Claudia, most developed countries are aware of potential food allergies but it is important that you communicate that to your servers, especially if you have severe allergies. Find a good translator, do your research ahead of time and know the key words you need in the native language of the country you are visiting.
Q: Morgan, MA - How can I maintain a comfortable body temperature while on a plane?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Layer your clothing (I do this myself.) so you can adapt to the cabin temperature. You can usually adjust the air conditioning above your head to your preference.
Q: Ruth, NM - When traveling in an automobile for a long distance, is there a recommended number of times we should stop for rest?
A: Dr. O'Neil - There may not be a defined number of times, but you definitely should stop every couple of hours and get out to move around. That will help keep you alert and reduces risk of blood clots in the legs. It is prudent to avoid many hours on end as you can tend to get sleepy and that is a hazard while driving. If you need to make a phone call, stop the car. There has been a marked increase in accidents due to people talking on cell phones while driving.
Q: Fred, FL - Should I take melatonin for jet lag? A: Dr. O'Neil - Some people do find melatonin helpful. However, I do not recommend this for older adults, because no one knows how effective it is or how long it should be used. In addition, melatonin has the potential for significant side effects, including headache, drowsiness, and stomach cramps. Some studies have suggested that melatonin may actually make jet lag worse. In addition, considering that most older adults take one or more prescription medications, the potential for adverse drug interactions is significant.
Q: Doris, MA - Sometimes while traveling I get a pain from my neck up to the back of my head. What might cause this?
A: Dr. O'Neil - This is likely related to your positioning in your seat. I am not sure if this is airplane or car related, but sometimes using a cervical pillow can help. That relieves the pressure of having to hold up your neck. You may have a strain on the neck muscles. Sometimes a simple analgesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help.
Q: Steve, AZ - What can be done to avoid heat and sun over exposure?
A: Dr. O'Neil - This is a great question! Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more common in older adults because our ability to regulate temperature can be impaired. This is partly related to not sweating as effectively as when you were younger. Therefore, stay in an air conditioned environment if it is hot and humid, drink plenty of fluids especially water, and wear your sunscreen at least SPF 15 or greater. Also, certain medications may cause "photosensitivity" (skin reactions). These can include diuretics, sulfa drugs and some other antibiotics, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Q: Melanie, GA - What can I do to prevent jet lag?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Eat well-balanced meals and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine. Drink plenty of liquids while flying. Try to adjust to the new time schedule by going to bed a little later for a few days before a westward trip and a few hours earlier before an eastward trip. Get regular exercise on your trip, but avoid strenuous exercise before going to bed. Sleep medication may be helpful, but discuss this with your doctor. Such medications can also cause side effects and may need to be avoided depending on your medical condition and the other medicines you are taking.
Q: Peter, MA - Is it best to use a seat belt in a car or plane?
A: Dr. O'Neil - Absolutely! Seat belts especially in motor vehicles have been shown to save lives. In a plane it should be worn as well because you never know when you should encounter unexpected turbulence.
Q: Carol, IL - What should I take for motion-sickness?
A: Dr. O'Neil - I would suggest trying non-drug measures first, since all the medications can cause some drowsiness. The most common one is meclizine (Antivert) which is now available over the counter. Generally I suggest a lower dose first maybe 12.5 mg three times per day. Many people try transdermal scopolamine patches, These too may be associated with drowsiness and dry mouth. It is important to wash your hands carefully after applying these since the residual medication can be transferred if you rub your eye and cause a dilated pupil and blurred vision.
Q: Virginia, TX - We often hear about travel tips when going to warm/hot places. What about traveling to colder climates? Other than dressing appropriately, what are other things to be aware of when making trips to Cold places?
A: Dr. O'Neil - When traveling to a cold climate, make sure you pack warm clothing and remove it in layers especially if you will be doing out door activities. Remember to wear a hat, since a lot of heat is lost from the head. Mildly cold fingers and toes respond well to gentle re-warming, but frost bite is serous and you should seek medical attention. Frostbite will cause a significant change in color, initially redness, then pallor of the skin. Check with your doctor before going to a cold climate since certain medications and alcohol increase the risk of hypothermia (low body temperature).
I enjoyed being with you again today sharing these tips for safe travel. I hope you have a wonderful summer and a safe trip. Please join me next month when we will discuss heart health.
Best wishes for an Optimum Life.
Dr. Kevin
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