A-Z of holiday health
Tesco magazine: July/August 2005
Be prepared for your great getaway. Words by Jo Hegerty
After-sun treatment is nearly as important as protection from the sun. It not only moisturises skin that’s been exposed to the elements, but will also soothe and cool it as well as helping to prevent it peeling. Try: Tesco Soothing Aftersun Lotion, £1·96/ 400ml (49p/100ml)
Bacteria thrive on food, moisture and warmth, so beware outdoor buffets that have been allowed to sit in the sun. Cooked food, including rice, should always be covered, kept hot or refrigerated before it gets to your plate.
Contact lens wearers don’t have to take out their lenses every night while travelling thanks to Bausch & Lomb PureVision lenses, £56* for six pairs, which can be worn continuously for up to 29 nights. They let eyes breathe, which protects them from the dry air in planes.
Dancing is great fun and can burn as many calories as brisk walking, swimming or riding a bike. And what better time to take it up than when you’re on holiday? Just half an hour on the dance floor can burn between 200 and 400 calories, so don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes.
E 111 forms give you access to some free or reduced-cost treatments in many European countries should you get ill or have an emergency. The forms are available from the Post Office. A separate form is needed for each member of the family.
Flight socks plus movement can help to prevent DVT when crammed into a seat for a long time. Rotate your feet, stretch and stand at least once an hour. Keep off caffeine and alcohol. Try: Tesco Multi Purpose Flight and Support Socks, £5·99*.
Ginger can work wonders on motion sickness – and that’s not just an old wives’ tale. Recent trials have proved its anti-nausea and anti- vomiting effects. Try: Bio-Health Ginger Root, £5·80for 60 capsules from www. nutricentre.com or 0800 912 1163.
Hayfever affects 25 percent of people aged 12 to 21 in the UK, but itchy eyes and a runny nose needn’t ruin your break. There are lots of helpful treatments available but a once-a-day formulation might make life easier. Try: Tesco Hayfever and Allergy Relief, £3·49 for 30 tablets
Insects love sweet smells, so don’t wear perfume. Use a repellent with DEET, ora natural alternative with lemon or eucalyptus oils. In the day apply sunscreen over repellent. Try:Tesco Insect Repellent Pump Spray, £3·29/100ml
Jet lag can be reduced by changing your watch to the time at your destination when you get on the plane and, when you arrive, adjusting your meals and activities to suit local time. Try to avoid night flights and aim to arrive at your destination as near to bedtime as possible.
Kit yourself out with all the first-aid essentials you might need, including antiseptic, aspirin and paracetamol, throat lozenges, cold and flu medication, and an after-sun formulation. Try:Tesco First Aid Kit, £3·98/small*; Germolene Antiseptic Cream, £1·27/30g (£4·23/100g)
Libidos often increase as the mercury rises, so if you’re trying to get pregnant, make the most of your holiday and include plenty of candle-lit dinners for two and romantic sunset walks.
Medicines: make sure you have enough of any regular medications to cover the whole time you are away. Ask your pharmacist for advice on storing it correctly in hot weather, or if there are any side effects caused by the sun. Always keep vital medicines in your carry-on luggage in case your suitcase goes astray.
Nausea can ruin holiday travel, so be prepared. Let fresh air into your vehicle, discourage the kids from reading if they’re prone to going green in the backseat, and keep some travel sickness tablets handy. Try: Joy-Rides*, £2·15for12 chewy tablets
Oxygen helps muscles and organs function properly. Altitude sickness occurs when the air we breathe has a lower 02 content leading to dizziness and nausea. If you are heading high into the hills on a trekking holiday, ascend slowly and don’t go any higher if you start to feel unwell.
Probiotics can help protect against E.coli bacteria and aid digestion in general. Taken daily, they can help restore the balance of friendly bacteria in your digestive system. Try: Travel Guard, £15·95 for15 capsules from www.nutricentre.com or 0800 912 1163
Quick breaks are essential if you can’t take a longer summer holiday. Even taking a long weekend in warm climes is a great stress buster, plus it can lower your risk of heart attack. Have a respite from your routine, however brief.
Rehydration is very important for anyone suffering from bouts of diarrhoea, or who’s generally dehydrated, especially children and the elderly. The best treatment is water, but in severe cases formulations that replace essential body salts can help. Try: Dioralyte*, £2·99 for six sachets
Slip, slop, slap– that’s how the Aussies save their skin from the sun. This means wearing protective clothing and slathering on loads of sun cream, and slapping on a hat. If possible try to stay out of the sun completely between 11am and 3pm.
Tesco’s useful Holiday Health* leaflet is packed with information and tips on how to make sure your holiday is not only happy but healthy and relaxing too. Pickup a copy today.
UVA rays age your skin. The new Tesco Finest Sun Protection range has five-star UVA protection. Apply it 15 minutes before going into the sun, then every one to two hours and always after bathing. Try: Finest Sun SpraySPF25, £7/200ml (£3·50/100ml
Vaccinations are an essential part of pre-trip planning, especially if you’re visiting somewhere exotic. The wonders of modern medicine can protect us from all sorts of nasty things, so be sure to consult your health professional in plentyof time before you set off.
Water and drinking plenty of it will help counter the effects of alcohol and too much sun, which conspire to dehydrate you. If you have any concerns about the local water supply then drink, and brush your teeth
Xerosis, otherwise known as dry skin, is made worse by cold weather, so, if you’re off to a hot climate you should see an improvement pretty quickly, provided you use a high protection factor sun cream.
You, you, you, that’s what your holiday should be about. Take it easy and don’t spend the whole time worrying about everyone else and whether they’re enjoying themselves, or about what’s happening at home. Schedule some ‘me’ time – have a massage or go for a long walk by yourself.
Zzzzzzs– make sure you take the opportunity to catch up on sleep while away. To enhance the quality of sleep, try to avoid large meals, sugary puddings, caffeine and excess alcohol for a few hours before hitting the sack.
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