“To travel is to live,” says Hans Christian Andersen, the famed author of the popular fairy tales “The Little Mermaid “and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In his time, travel was reserved for the illustrious lines of royal blood and intellectuals. It was languorous, slow, and though it was not as luxurious as it is now, it was meant to be a source of pleasure and knowledge.
With great technological advancements come many benefits, along with certain disadvantages that a traveler can only wish they can avoid. Have you gone on a vacation and came back more tired than when you left? Did you get sick during your brief stint to an exotic and cheap destination? Short trips are often unhealthy as travelers don’t have the luxury of time to settle into a healthy routine.
One ingenious way of addressing this travel dilemma is by modern technologies. There are a horde of options out there. Be warned though as some are unreasonably overpriced and overestimated. Some may just take up more space in your heavy luggage than actually solve your problems.
If you don’t mind spending on some really useful travel gadgets, make sure that you are getting your money’s worth when you get your credit card swiped for such items. Check out these 5 Must-Haves for Healthy Travel recommended by Melanie Haiken in the blog published in Forbes – Pharma & Health Care Section.
“… But here, just in time for the winter travel season – and flu season – are five travel aids that really do something unique to keep you healthy on the road and en route.
- SteriPen Water Purifier
… The SteriPen, …. Rechargeable from any outlet, it purifies a half-liter of water in under a minute. (Killing 99 percent of bacteria and protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium, according to research testing.)
Small enough to keep in your purse or pocket, it’s also unobtrusive enough that you can use it in restaurants without calling attention to what you’re doing. While Steripen hasn’t been around long, but it’s already recommended by experts…
- Saline Nasal Spray
… Get above 30,000 feet and there’s not a lot of moisture in the air. Add the effects of the cabin’s recirculation system and you’ve got desert-like conditions. Unfortunately, when the tissues of your nose and mouth dry out, it sabotages the body’s defenses against cold and flu germs. the body’s natural defense system…
… Use saline nasal spray before you board, doctors say, and at least once in-flight on longer trips. If you are already suffering from allergies or a flu or cold, take a decongestant about half an hour before take-off, recommends the Centers for Disease Control.
- Good to Go
… What I like about Good to Go is that it’s specifically formulated to address traveler’s constipation without the risk of going too far and doing the opposite, equally problematic while away from home. A day’s regimen includes separate capsules for morning and evening, formulated with different combinations of fiber, magnesium and chia seed powder. Additional plant-based bowel stimulants in the PM formula set you up for an efficient morning bathroom trip before you head out for your day.
Haiken also recommended Pressure-Venting Ear Plugs and DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide)-Based Insect Repellent.
The ear plugs can relieve the pain in the inner ear as your plane ascends and stays at high altitude. There are two brands you can choose from. One brand (E.A.R.) is endorsed by the American Tinnitis Association that’s made of breathable foam allowing a steady seeping of air. The other brand (Ear Planes) is made of silicone and responds to pressure changes. It was manufactured by the House ear Institute and tested by the U.S. Navy.
If you can’t resist travelling to an exotic destination that’s both cheap and exotic, gear up on insect repellents to protect yourself against a large number and kinds of tropical disease-carrying insects. You have heard of malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, Lyme disease, babesiosis, and many other diseases you would want to avoid. Protect yourself with a DEET-based repellent that’s effective against both mosquitoes and ticks. Why DEET?
The watchdog Environmental Working Group – usually the one issuing toxicity warnings – picked DEET as the best repellent after a very thorough testing and evaluation program in 2013.
Remember, an-insect repellent it is not absolutely water-proof despite what the label says; so reapply after swimming, fishing, hiking under the rain, sailing or even after washing clothes or dishes. “The CDC says formulations with under 10 percent of their active ingredient may last as little as an hour.” So, it is good to get stronger formulations – 50% is recommended. The efficacy doesn’t get better higher than that, but it can be more expensive.
Despite the risks and odds of travel, it makes you live, learn and experience a great deal. Great technologies can arm you to the teeth, just be discriminating so you don’t end up buying useless stuff. Go for those that can boost and protect your health to be able to build memories and relish travel.