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Scotia Insurance

Tue Mar 10 2020 04:00:00 GMT+0000

From the flight overseas to the dinner menu at the resort, leaving Canada can introduce the eager traveler to new health hazards. Take the worry out of travel by learning a few essential tips on how you can stay healthy while abroad.

Stay healthy en route.

  • Make sure you allow yourself to stand up and/or walk for several minutes every hour or so if you are on a long flight in order to avoid circulatory problems in your legs.
  • You can do simple leg exercises to keep your blood flowing (i.e. pointing your toes toward the floor then the ceiling and moving your feet around in circles).
  • If you have a history of blood clots, make sure to ask your healthcare professional if you should consider wearing compression stockings during the flight.
  • Always drink plenty of liquids and avoid too much alcohol.

Know what you’re consuming. 

  • One of the most common complaints while travelling is diarrhea, otherwise known as turista. This is usually caused by waterborne organisms that are consumed by drinking the local water or eating food prepared with the local water.
  • To avoid turista, make sure your food is always cooked, boiled, or peeled.
  • Never drink local water unless it is purified or commercially bottled.
  • Avoid ice, salads, re-heated foods, uncooked shellfish, fruit that is not peeled, and food from street vendors.
  • Always wash your hands with soap to prevent bacteria.

Not your average mosquito. 

  • If you are going to a country where malaria is common, it is important to take the necessary precautions to not get bitten by mosquitos.
  • Regardless of whether you are an adventurous traveler or an ordinary traveler, there are simple precautions that are good for any traveler to keep in mind:
    • apply insect repellent with DEET
    • sleep under a mosquito net if you are not sleeping in a screened or air-conditioned room
    • wear long sleeves and long pants when possible, especially after dusk when mosquitos are most active.
  • Remember that not all water is safe to swim in, especially waters in South America, Africa, and Asia where it is more likely to find an infested parasite that can cause chronic diseases such as schistosomiasis – stick to chlorine pools and salt water.

Eat Smart. 

  • Eating healthy is a good idea whether you are on vacation or not, as you feel better and have more energy on a balanced diet.
  • If you are eating from a buffet make sure to take a look at all the food options and select the ones that have lots of nutrients and fewer calories.
  • Exercise portion control. Take a little and if you’re still hungry you can always get more
  • Exercise portion control. Take a little and if you’re still hungry you can always get more
  • Balance your food intake: if you eat unhealthy one day, make sure to eat lightly the next.

ScotiaLife Travel Insurance allows you to select the coverage that best suits you and your travel plans. Depending on your age and travel details, we offer comprehensive products that best suit your needs, contact us today at 1.877.421.0157 to ensure you are protected!