Health Tips for Holidaymakers

Sunburn, stomach upsets, dehydration, hay fever, insect bites and even a summer cold can ruin your longed-for holiday abroad but a little forward planning and a few precautionary steps will help you avoid these common upsets, say Irish pharmacists.

Donegal-based pharmacist Rory O’Donnell advises that holidaymakers pack some basic over-the-counter medicines to treat minor ailments as most people are more likely to suffer minor ailments when abroad.

Tips for keeping well on holiday:

• Medication: If you are taking medication, ensure you bring enough to last the holiday. Bring some non-prescription medicines to treat minor health problems with you. Store medicines in a cool, dry place.

• Flying: Changes in the air pressure on planes can exacerbate sinus problems and discomfort in the ears during and after flying. Taking a decongestant on the day of travel can reduce or avoid this problem. Do not take decongestants if you have high blood pressure. Flight socks can reduce the chances of developing deep vein thrombosis.
• Motion sickness: There is a range of non-prescription medications available that can help when taken prior to the journey.
  
• Check if you need any vaccinations before you travel to your destination. 

• Dehydration can occur very quickly in the sun, especially in children and older people, so drink plenty of water. Be aware that drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks in the heat can speed up dehydration.

• Be sun smart: Stay out of the sun between 12noon and 3pm. Wear a hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt as well as sun-cream of factor 20 or higher. Children should be covered in a complete sun block and be kept in the shade to sleep or play.

• Don’t drink tap water or take ice cubes in your drinks as changes in the water may bring on an upset stomach. When it comes to food the general rule is peel it, boil it or don’t eat it.

• If you suffer a severe reaction to an insect bite or sting go immediately to a doctor or A&E department.  Remove the sting from the skin as soon as you can and thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. A cool compress or calamine lotion can help cool down the affected area. Apply some antiseptic cream to avoid infection.

• Help avoid hay fever symptoms by keeping doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak; wear sunglasses; apply a little Vaseline inside the nose. Your pharmacist can also recommend an antihistamine if appropriate.

For more go to www.ipu.ie

Posted Thursday 3rd Julyl 2008