Don’t take a vacation from your health

Going on a vacation is a fun and relaxing way to take a well-deserved break. But time off from your daily routine could lead to healthy habits falling off your radar. The good news is that with a little bit of planning, you can enjoy your vacation and keep your health in check.  

“An easy way to maintain your healthy habits on the go is to pack your must-have health essentials,” says Dr. Edmund Fernandez, a family medicine physician at Aurora Health Care. 

Some first aid items to put on your packing list include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Heartburn medications
• Bandages 
• Seasonal allergy medications
• Gel pads for blister prevention and/or treatment 
• Cough drops 
• Mild laxative 

Other items include sunscreen, bug spray, prescription medications and any supplies you use to manage health conditions. 

“Unfortunately, you can’t take a vacation from managing chronic diseases. I recommend packing extra days worth of prescription medications and other health care items that way you’ll be covered in case you experience any travel delays,” says Dr. Fernandez. 

Traveling may also mean long drives and unpredictable food stops that lead to skipped meals or overindulging. Packing healthy snacks that combine protein and fiber, and a reusable water bottle can help fill in the gaps between meals.  

These prolonged periods of sitting during travel can also take a toll on your body. “Try making movement part of the adventure by taking quick walks at rest stops or standing up to stretch during a flight,” says Dr. Fernandez. 

Once you arrive at your destination, Dr. Fernandez suggests keeping the movement breaks going by taking a dip in the hotel pool or walking along a nearby trail. You also can pack resistance bands, a yoga mat and gliding discs so you can fit in a workout in your room.  

A break from the regular routine can also impact your sleep schedule. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule and follow your normal bedtime routine. 

“If you tend to have trouble sleeping when away from home, consider packing a sleep travel kit with items to help you get a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Fernandez. 

A sleep travel kit includes items like a sleep mask, your own pillow and a bedtime beverage, like nighttime tea.

“While it can be tempting to cram a lot into your itinerary, be sure to schedule breaks throughout the day for movement, healthy eating and stress relief. Also, make time to manage any health conditions as you would at home,” says Dr. Fernandez. 

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