Chiropractic Care For a Healthy Vacation
By Donna Stark
There is nothing worse than saving, planning, and finally embarking on a wonderful vacation with your loved ones only to arrive and not feel your best. Whether your trip is in the next state over or on a far-away beach, the last thing you planned for was feeling under the weather. In fact, it hadn't even crossed your mind. You were feeling completely well before you left, and the time it took to travel? Well, not even a sneeze or cough escaped your mouth. But as soon as you got settled in, and the minute you started to change into your bathing suit, you could feel it. The scratchy throat. The start of a headache. The runny nose. Don't let your next vacation hit you with the unexpected surprise of illness. Establish some healthy habits and start seeing your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic before you go!
Staying Healthy for Travel
The body endures a lot of stress during travel which can impair its immune system and leave it especially vulnerable to illness. Luckily there are simple ways to avoid getting sick, but you do need to be proactive! Here are some suggestions.
- Get adjusted - Routine chiropractic care is a great way to not only reduce the risk of pain and discomfort while traveling but to also improve your immune system. Give your body the boost it needs by seeing your local chiropractor well in advance of your planned vacation.
- Get plenty of sleep - Make sure you are getting the recommended amount of sleep before and during your trip. The time you spend sleeping is critical because that is when your body's white blood cells increase.
- Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water, and then drink some more! Keep yourself well hydrated before and during your travels, especially if flying. And if you are unsure about your destination's water safety, pack your own or choose bottled water.
- Eat healthy - Sure, it's OK to indulge a little, but just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you can push aside your healthy eating habits. Continue to choose meals that consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. But be careful! Again, if you are unsure of your destination's water safety, choose cooked vegetables over raw ones since raw veggies are more likely to have been rinsed in tap water. This includes salads too!
- Pack essentials - Save some room in your suitcase for a little bag of medications. Pack some cold and flu tablets, upset stomach relievers, headache caplets, sore throat lozenges, and maybe even an antibiotic if your doctor will prescribe you one.
Enjoying Your Vacation Illness-Free
It's tempting to want to do everything possible while on vacation, but be careful to not run yourself down. Start your healthy habits early and take some time to rest during your vacation and after you get home. Sometimes a vacation from your vacation is needed as well!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glendale, Ariz.