Every year a large number of people travel the world because of various reasons. Not to mention that this number is increasing day by day. Besides exploring new places, it is important for travelers to comprehend that they are constantly exposed to nearly thousands of infectious risks which may occur while they travel. A few of the primary risk factors include poor water quality, unsuitable temperature, high humidity, and exposure to multi-resistant microorganisms.
Common health diseases prone to world travelers
For a better understanding, let us see what the World Health Organisation states to be the most common health problems linked with traveling –
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Malaria
- Enterotoxin E. coli diarrhea
- Influenza
- Acute febrile respiratory tract infections
There are some less infectious medical issues for travelers also that may also arise as a risk in certain areas. Below we have made a list of them as well so that you can be prepared whenever you are exposed to any of them –
- Hepatitis (A, B, and C)
- Animal bites with rabies
- Gonorrhea
- HIV infection
- Typhoid and paratyphoid fever
- Cholera’
- Dengue fever
- Yellow fever
- Legionella infection
- Meningococcal disease
- Prion diseases
- Tuberculosis
- Poliomyelitis
- SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)
Tips for world travelers to avoid medical issues
Since there are so many diseases that you are exposed to while traveling the world – what is the right approach to avoid these medical issues and being negatively impacted by the potential hazards of traveling?
Below we have made a list of some tips and tricks that are incredibly effective in keeping you away from diseases in most scenarios. Follow them whenever you can to have a healthy venture while exploring the world
Go for healthy eating
This may sound tempting to head to any hotel or restaurant and reward yourself with a steak dinner after a long tiring day out in the sun. Well, we suggest that you never do that!
Studies have shown that restaurant foods are mostly high in fat and contain a lot of calories compared to those prepared at home. Unhealthy eating while traveling the world along with the stress of being in some other country is a risky combination. So, it is important for you to stop your cravings for more calorie foods and beverages.
But what should you do if not eat out in a restaurant?
You have to understand that we are not stopping you from eating in a restaurant, but the first thing you need to do is review the menu before going to the restaurant and combat the risk of unhealthy eating. When you check out the menu before stepping into the eatery, you will have the time to consider the options and then check whether they are healthy for you or not.
Also, if you are staying in a hotel, then make your reservation in a room with a mini-refrigerator to stock up on healthy food from local groceries. This way you will not have to go out and have all meals out.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking water
The best thing you can do while traveling the world is to keep yourself indulged in drinking considerable amounts of water. This is perhaps the best tip if you want to avoid most of the medical issues for world travelers.
It is fine to grab a bottle of beer or a glass of wine occasionally; however, nothing can replace the significance of water while traveling. This will not only keep your body hydrated but is also beneficial for eliminating unhealthy toxins from your body, including the extra salt that you consumed in your fast food meals as well as the environmental particles that your body absorbed.
Besides this, make sure you drink water before meals as it will help you feel fuller, reducing the risk of overindulging in unhealthy food.
Try not to skip out on your exercise
Keep following your regular exercising regimen, even if it is hard for you to do while you are on the road. This is the only thing that can help you stay fit while being juggled between jet lag, stress, and high-calorie meals.
Also, it is indeed not your choice to gain weight and increase health risks such as cardiovascular disease!
So, the good news is that you do not need to skip exercise altogether. There are several ways by which you can exercise while you are on your tour across the world. For instance, you can look for accommodation services where you have access to fitness facilities. Also, if there is no such provision, then just do some simple exercises in your room such as crunches, sit-ups, lunges, and squats. All these practices will keep your metabolism working at the best pace, along with keeping energy high.
In simple words, we can consider that no matter what type of exercise you do, the most important thing is that you are doing something and moving your body.
The Bottom Line
Travelling is one of the things that some people just cannot live without. However, it is vital to consider that there are several medical issues for world travelers because of the unhealthy lifestyle they need to follow while they are on the move.
This is where the significance of proper preparation prior to your travel and during your venture comes into play. From keeping your body hydrated to looking for healthy eating options, you need to look after your body in the best possible way. Also, if possible, then seek help from specialized healthcare professionals and gather relevant information with appropriate vaccinations and medications.
The result of these considerations before and during your travel will help you avoid various medical complications and ensure you have an enjoyable time while exploring the world.
