Mercy Health Offers Holiday Travelers Tips for Staying Healthy

Dr. Aijaz Ahmed with Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital Primary Care.

‘Tis the season for traveling, with millions of people gearing up for family reunions, vacations, and festive getaways. Crowded airports, long flights, fluctuating weather, and busy schedules can make staying healthy a challenge, but there are some things you can do to protect your well-being this holiday season.
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"Gathering is one of our favorite things to do during the holidays – for holiday meals, parties, you name it. Unfortunately, those gatherings and our travel to get to them happen during peak flu season, increasing your exposure to viruses and other harmful bacteria,” warned Dr. Aijaz Ahmed with Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital Primary Care. “My best piece of advice is to maintain proper hygiene. It sounds simple, but it can really help reduce the risk of catching or spreading illnesses.”

A good hygiene routine includes washing your hands frequently. Having hand sanitizer with you on the go can also help when soap and water aren’t readily available. Using disinfecting wipes to clean high-touch surfaces like airplane tray tables can also help prevent the spread of germs that make you sick.
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To ensure your immune system is ready to fight off any unwelcome illnesses, make sure to stay hydrated. Air travel, in particular, can dehydrate the body, as the low humidity levels in airplane cabins can lead to dry skin, fatigue, and headaches. Travelers are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout their journey.

You’ll also want to remember to move. Long flights or car rides can leave travelers feeling stiff and fatigued, and in some cases, prolonged immobility can increase the risk of blood clots. Experts recommend moving frequently to keep blood circulating and reduce the risk of blood clots.

“Try to make a plan that allows you to stand up and stretch or walk around every two to three hours. Even moving around in your seat can help – things like ankle circles, knee raises, and shoulder rolls,” suggested Dr. Ahmed. “Compression socks can also help improve circulation on long flights or drives.”

Traveling across time zones can also leave you vulnerable by wreaking havoc on your sleep schedule.

“Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness,” explained Dr. Ahmed. “To minimize jet lag and improve overall well-being, travelers should prioritize rest during their trip.”

You can prevent jet lag by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before traveling to align with your destination’s time zone. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also help, as both contribute to dehydration and disrupt sleep patterns.

One of the most important parts of your trip actually happens before you leave. Proper packing can help prevent a lot of frustration by ensuring you have items readily available to help keep you feeling your best throughout the journey.

Recommended items for your travel health kit include:

• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Prescription medications (with proper documentation)
• First-aid supplies (band-aids, antiseptic cream, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Healthy snacks (nuts, protein bars, etc.)
  
  

“It’s not a bad idea to make a list of all your medical conditions, allergies, and medications that you can take with you everywhere you go, even if it’s just saved on your phone. That way if you do end up having to visit an urgent care or ER while out of town, you have that important information to share so the medical team can best take care of you.”
 
Getting a health checkup is also never a bad idea to ensure you’re in tip top shape before taking off or hitting the road. Just head to mercy.com for more information about primary care and walk-in care options that are available or to use our Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.
 
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Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health  one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland.  Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service, and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. To learn more, visit mercy.com.