Don't let sickness ruin your holiday
You’ve spent the year saving for your holiday, your time off, your escape from normal life – to only find yourself ill, in bed.
Here we have the expert tips and some products that will help to ensure you have a happy and healthy holiday.
Dr Sebastian Winckler, from thehealthcounter.com says: “With the holiday season just around the corner, don’t forget to pack some essential first aid products in your suitcase.”
Here’s his advice:
Hay fever – Hay fever can be a summer holiday nightmare o antihistamines should be on standby. They come in table or cream for and are great for those who suffer from hay fever but are also useful for relieving itching and inflammation from insect bites and stings. Tablets are more effective than creams but some formulas can cause drowsiness so be sure to check which variant you are buying.
Insect bites – Hydrocortisone cream is useful in reducing the local inflammatory reaction to bites and stings. Do keep in mind that this is a steroid cream and prolonged use us not recommended and should not be used on the face. You can also try pen form products which you dab onto bits for instant relief, try Ben’s AfterBite, it effectively soothes insect bites and stings, as well as nettle stings.
Food poisoning – Whilst on holiday, you can help avoid food poisoning by only drinking bottled water, avoid ice and eat foods that are freshly cooked and piping hot. Also be very careful when eating any form of shellfish/fish. If you do become ill, it’s vital to keep hydrated so drink plenty of water. It’s worth remembering the classic advice ‘peel it, boil it, cook it, or forget it’ when it comes to eating abroad, particularly in warm, tropical climates.
Dr Winckler also recommends that your holiday first aid kit includes:
Calamine lotion, a holiday staple that includes active ingredient zinc oxide which has beneficial antiseptic properties that helps relieve itching skin and irritations; can also be used on sunburn.
Pack painkillers such as paracetamol for ordinary every day aches and pains, but also ibuprofen for more severe pain. Plasters of varying sizes for any cuts and scrapes. Some type of antiseptic cream or liquid for cleaning the skin’s surface.
And why not try these as well…
Over done the all-inclusive buffet?
New Setlers Mintees offers an innovative formulation which builds layers of powerful peppermint oil and refreshing spearmint around a soft, crumbly centre. This blend of flavours and textures creates a unique taste experience which helps to freshen breath, cleanse the palate and help avoid discomfort, making it the ultimate after-meal companion.
Setlers Mintees are priced £1.29 available from pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.
Injuries
Holiday antics including swimming in the sea, walking barefoot on sandy beaches and over indulging on the local beverages can put us at risk of sprains and strains so don’t forget to pack Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch. This ground-breaking new pain relief patch represents a significant breakthrough for the millions of Brits who experience muscular pain. Using the latest technology, the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch delivers two pain relieving ingredients directly to the affected area to provide long-lasting relief. Unlike painkilling tablets, Salonpas® is applied directly to the site of pain, where its two active ingredients are absorbed through the skin to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Simple and quick to apply, the patch does not need to be rubbed or massaged into the skin like creams or gels, can be worn for up to 12 hours and is suitable for both day and night-time use.
The Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch is available from Boots and pharmacies nationwide. For more information visit www.salonpas.co.uk / RRP: £6.99 (5) / £4.99 (3)
IBS / Upset stomach
Strange food, long flights and changing your daily routine can all play havoc on your digestive system. Buscopan IBS Relief is an antispasmodic treatment which quickly and effectively relives the pain and discomfort of IBS. It works differently to regular painkillers by targeting the root cause of pain and is gentle on the stomach, so it can be taken at the first signs of every flare-up, whether mild or severe.
Buscopan IBS Relief is available from pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. Visit www.ibs-relief.co.uk for more information / RRP £4.48 (20 tablets)
Rehydration
An upset stomach can be an unfortunate side effect of travelling abroad. Dioralyte Relief, available in blackcurrant and raspberry flavour, has the same fast acting rehydrating action of standard Dioralyte but also contains rice powder which helps to solidify stools, return bowel movements to normal and so reduce the duration of diarrhoea. Packing a few sachets of Dioralyte Relief in your suitcase means you won’t have to ruin your holiday if the problem occurs.
Dioralyte Relief costs £4.28 for six sachets - to help keep the body hydrated and stop diarrhoea in its tracks.
Travel sickness
Ginger is considered a tonic for the digestive tract, supporting digestion and toning the intestinal muscles. This action eases the transport of substances throughout the digestive tract, helping to lessen irritation to the intestinal walls. In humans, ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system to help reduce feelings of nausea. Ginger has been shown in a number of studies to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness associated with travel by boat and to a lesser extent by car. Ginger’s beneficial effect on motion sickness appears to be related to its direct action on the gastrointestinal tract, rather than on the central nervous system.
Holland & Barrett Ginger Root Capsules (550mg) priced at £8.39 for 100 capsules - Available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide or online at www.hollandandbarrett.com,
Jet lag
A long haul flight can leave you feeling slumped for days after you return. Boost your energy with a morning superfood smoothie with Sun Chrlorella.
Vitamin B12 is particularly important for the changing seasons, as it contributes to a normal energy yielding metabolism, and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Sun Chlorella ‘A’ is a natural whole food which contains an amazing quantity and variety of nutrients. In terms of vitamin B12 content alone, a daily dose of Sun Chlorella ‘A’ contains more vitamin B12 than a 32oz steak, and iron content equivalent to nine cups of spinach (270g). Even supermodels rely on the natural wholefood for an instant boost, with Rosie Huntington Whiteley claims that green juice containing chlorella is “a great way to start the day.”
Sun Chlorella is priced £21.95 for 300 tablets (a 20-30 day supply) available from www.SunChlorella.co.uk
Tagged in Health Travel Health travel tips