Doctor: 5 ways to help protect your health during spring travel

By Dr. Amit Arwindekar, Medical Director, UnitedHealthcare Global

With spring break coming up soon, many Arizona residents may be planning a vacation to visit with family and friends in other parts of the country or to explore an international destination.

While spring travel can be an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones or visit a new place, it can also bring challenges.

Any number of reasons can lead to packed airports, and bad weather can cause frustrating delays and cancellations. Moreover, nearly one in 10 international travelers require medical attention while traveling abroad. All this highlights the importance of pre-trip preparation.

Here are five tips to consider to help reduce stress and reduce the risk of health issues when you’re outdoors:

Think ahead about possible health problems. Consider a health checkup with your primary care physician before departure to discuss travel plans, including the need for vaccinations. Packing a portable health kit can also be useful, so consider including things like anti-inflammatory pain relievers, first aid supplies, earplugs, sunscreen and sunscreen, motion-pain medications, and insect repellent.

Filling of medicines. Before any trip, it is a good idea to stock up on medications and pack extra in case of travel delays. Some pharmacies may have limited hours during high holidays, making refills more difficult. When traveling by plane, always pack medications in carry-on bags to help ensure their arrival. For international travel, be sure to check each country’s prescription drug restrictions.

Reduce jet lag. Those taking to the air may experience jet lag. To avoid this, take plenty of rest before your trip and drink plenty of water before, during and after the flight to reduce the dehydration caused by the cabin air. Then make it a point to get plenty of sunlight during the day, which will help adjust your body’s internal clock and help you rest better at night. Proper sleep helps to strengthen the immune system, better control appetite and recover from injuries.

Be active. Research shows that exercise is a great choice to help reduce stress and improve mood. Incorporating exercise into a tour is one strategy to stay active, as many places offer hiking or biking tours that are relatively affordable, informative, and fun. Using a fitness app can help you access thousands of workouts, from high-intensity interval training to yoga and meditation.

Get protection. Before you travel, take the time to review your health insurance plan and make sure what it covers. Some health plans only offer in-network access to local health care professionals, and most insurance policies — including Original Medicare — don’t go overseas or cross-border. For added protection abroad, travel medical plans can cover the cost of medical care and provide additional services. These may include interpreting in a foreign language, referral to appropriate facilities or discharge to other facilities, and coordinated care with local health providers.

Whether for work or for fun, keeping these tips in mind can help you avoid health problems, enhance safety, and prevent unexpected problems.