Staying Healthy While Traveling

By Donna Stark

Traveling during the holidays can be a little stressful if your plane gets delayed or if the roads are covered in snow, but that shouldn't stop you from looking forward to all of the special moments during your trip ... the laughs and smiles between your loved ones, the stops along the way, and the homemade holiday meals once you arrive at your destination, just to name a few. But there are also some things that may occur during traveling that nobody ever wants to look forward to, and the one that stands out the most is the potential of someone getting sick.

Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick While Traveling

There is a simple reason why germs are lurking on every door handle, tray table, armrest, and restaurant menu along your way. People touch things. And as a result, those things end up being pretty gross. The germs left behind can be picked up and transferred from one person to the next, and although it may seem to be a never-ending cycle, there are some ways you can break free. Here are a few suggestions on how to increase your chances of staying healthy during your travels.

• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your hands to any part of your face
• Carry hand sanitizer with you as a backup (not a replacement!) to handwashing
• Use antibacterial wipes to wipe down things you come in contact with (handles, doorknobs, tabletops, tray tables, airplane seat belts, remotes, phones, and light switches)
• Don't share utensils or straws with anyone
• Stay hydrated
• Wear a face mask

These little tidbits of advice are great for when you are on the road, but they are only a piece of the puzzle. You need to actually start your healthy habits way before your trip begins.

Maintain Healthy Behaviors All Year

It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that when it is time to travel, your body is ready! Waiting for the day before your trip to take your vitamins certainly won't hurt you, but it also may not be very helpful with reducing your risk of illness, so make sure you are doing the following throughout the entire year.

• Consuming a healthy diet full of nutrient-dense foods
• Drinking the recommended amount of water every day
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Washing your hands often
• Exercising at least 30 minutes a day
• Keeping up with doctor appointments and yearly physicals

Enjoying Your Time With Loved Ones

There is a lot to look forward to this holiday season, so be sure to follow the suggestions above. It may take some extra effort, but it will definitely make your trip so much better for everyone involved!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chino Hills, Calif.