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It looks like the travel industry is beginning to recover post pandemic, with people anxious to enjoy loosened restrictions and making spring and summer vacation plans. But whatever trip you’re taking, whether across the state or across the globe, don’t let your health take a back seat.
“If you’re traveling anywhere, but especially out of the country, and especially if you have chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, you have to be prepared,” advises Millennium Physician Group Family Medicine Physician Andres Santayana, M.D. “Make sure you take extra of your prescription medications. This is where your primary-care provider can work with you to make sure you get early or additional refills.”
Dr. Santayana also advises if you’re traveling internationally, to check the Centers for Disease Control’s International Travel webpage (CDC.gov) for specific requirements and recommendations for your destination. The CDC website also offers a complete guide for packing and prepping for the healthiest travel possible.
“When it comes to your medications, I always say it should be in your carry-on, but I also suggest maybe even trying to split it up and have it in two separate spots,” says Dr. Santayana. “So if one gets lost, you still have what you need.”
Once you’re properly prepared for your next expedition, enjoy the added bonus that there are actually scientifically-proven benefits of travel. In fact, a recent study found women who vacation at least twice a year had a lower risk of a heart attack compared to those who only traveled once every six years. The same study also concluded that men who don’t take vacations at least once a year increased their risk of heart disease by 30%.
“I can imagine a lot of it has to do with the mental health benefits,” says Dr. Santayana. “For a lot of people travel means time off from the stresses of everyday life. The fact that travel is opening back up, we can take vacations and enjoy the added health benefits of some much-deserved time off.”
