Top 10 Tips For Staying Well on Spring Break

Michelle Reesman, RN, Executive Director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many Spring Break travelers leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. “Younger travelers may feel invincible, but they still need to put the same kind of preparation into their health and safety as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans. Too many otherwise wonderful trips are spoiled when these simple rules are ignored” Reesman advises.

1. Getting sick while you travel is no fun. Prepare for a safe and healthy trip by getting advice from a travel health professional before international travel. The professional will give you the most up-to-date recommendations for malaria, anti-diarrheal medication and immunizations for your trip.
2. Protect yourself from insect bites. Use insect repellants with 20-35% DEET on all exposed areas of skin. If not staying in an air-conditioned room, use a bed net. The insect repellant “permethrin” can be sprayed on clothing and bed nets.
3. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 – as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
4. Don’t drink tap water or drinks made with ice. And brush your teeth with bottled water. Bottled water is plentiful in most areas around the world.
5. Eat only hot, well-cooked, foods. If you eat fresh fruit and veggies, make sure you can peel the skins yourself. Bananas and oranges are examples.
6. Swim in well-chlorinated pools and salt water. Avoid swimming or wading in rivers, lakes and ponds, which can contain parasites.
7. Be aware of local laws. Some countries have severe penalties for illegal drugs and excessive use of alcohol.
8. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and injury among travelers. Wear a seatbelt in the car and a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Travel only during daylight hours.
9. Take along a basic first-aid kit. Include medications such as ibuprofen for pain relief.  Discuss the options for treatment of travelers’ diarrhea with a travel health specialist.
10. Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms bought in the United States.

Have fun, Reesman advises. Spring Break only comes around once a year!

Michelle Reesman, RN is the Executive Director and Co-Owner of Passport Health Colorado. She holds a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine and counsels thousands of travelers every year who are venturing to all corners of the globe.  Passport Health Colorado, with offices in Glendale/Cherry Creek, Lakewood, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, and now Fort Collins, offers immunizations, medications and destination specific international wellness information. For more information, visit PassportHealthCO.com.

Advertisement