Staying Healthy When You Travel, New Edition: Avoiding Bugs, Bites, Bellyaches, and More

Dr. Jane Wilson-Howarth provides essential first aid and medical advice for travelers in this accessible and comprehensive guide, based on her lived experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: I-5 Publishing

Do you know how to self-treat the commonest of traveler ailments? And more importantly, do you know how to recognise genuinely serious symptoms or how to manage a medical emergency when help may be hours away? Grounded in lived experience, Dr. Jane Wilson-Howarth advises on the fundamentals of first aid and how to improvise until medical help can be reached in this accessible and comprehensive travel guide. The only book you'll need to prepare for - and enjoy - the trip of a lifetime!

Introduction:
Traveling can be an exhilarating and enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to health and safety. From common ailments like headaches and stomachaches to more serious medical emergencies, it's essential to be prepared and know how to respond in case of an emergency. In this comprehensive travel guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of first aid and provide you with practical tips and techniques to ensure you stay healthy and safe during your travels.

Common Traveler Ailments:
One of the most common traveler ailments is motion sickness, which can be particularly problematic for those who are prone to it. Symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. To prevent and manage motion sickness, there are several strategies you can employ. These include:

• Eating a light meal before traveling and avoiding greasy or spicy foods.


• Taking motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine, as prescribed by a medical professional.


• Sitting in the front of a vehicle or on a plane, where you can have a better view of the horizon.


• Keeping your head up and focusing on a fixed point, such as the horizon.


• Avoiding reading or watching TV while traveling.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.


• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.


• Eat foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables.


• Take breaks and rest in cool, shaded areas when you're exposed to high temperatures.


• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching your face.


• Eat only cooked foods and avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.


• Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid insect bites.


• Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn.


• Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of food poisoning or insect bites.

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping.


• Severe chest pain or pressure.


• Sudden onset of severe headache or dizziness.


• Sudden onset of blurred vision or loss of consciousness.


• Sudden onset of severe bleeding or bruising.

• Call for emergency medical assistance.


• If possible, provide your location and medical history to the emergency responders.


• If you have access to a first aid kit, apply pressure to any bleeding wounds and use an adhesive bandage to cover them.


• If you have access to medication, take it as prescribed by a medical professional.


• If you have a medical condition that requires regular medication, bring enough supplies with you to last for the duration of your trip.


• If you are experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing, perform CPR if necessary.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 228 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781620084328