Last week doctors classified a new headache – “aeroplane headache”. According to their research a small number of fliers experience severe pain on one side of the head and behind one eye during some – but crucially not all – take offs and landings.
Doctors haven’t yet been able to figure out what triggers the headaches. Researchers believe changes in the sinus cavities could be the cause. This seems like a reasonable explanation to us – passengers with blocked sinuses from colds often experience severe pain during take offs and landings.
We have a lot of sympathy for sufferers of these aeroplane headaches. Think about it – imagine experiencing unbearable amounts of pain on a flight and having no way of controlling the causes (or getting relief from) it. It’s not as if they can politely ask the captain to stop landing the plane!
This news got us thinking about travel ailments. More specifically, those common travel ailments that we can all take precautions to avoid. So here’s our quick guide to keeping healthy while on the road.
Sunburn
An astonishing number of adults think getting burned is all part of the travel experience. Sensibly protecting your skin not only reduces your chances of getting skin cancer, but also ensures you look better. A win-win situation if there ever was one!
- Limit your time in the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Use and regularly re-apply factor 15+ sunscreen
- Choose sunscreen that is both “broad spectrum” and waterproof.
Upset stomach
Many of us suffer from a stomach upset at one point during our travels. Short of never leaving home in the first place, there’s no foolproof plan to avoiding this most common travel ailment – but there are several simple things you can do that will help keep the dreaded diarrhoea away.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water after using the toilet
- Drink water from sealed bottles
- Avoid salads and only eat cooked vegetables
- Avoid freshly cut fruit
- Check that local water is potable
Malaria
Malaria remains a killer disease in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Respect the disease and take precautions where possible.
- Before travelling, check if your destination is high risk
- Where necessary, have your doctor prescribe anti-malarial tablets.
- Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers after sunset
- Use mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET (be careful though, as DEET can be damaging to your clothes)
STIs
The advice to everyone is simple – practice safe sex.
- Buy condoms at home, where standards of production are ensured
- Where possible, store them in a cool, dry place where they can’t be damaged by heat
- Remember that oil-based products such as suntan lotion and lipstick damage condoms
- Drink alcohol sensibly – be sure to drink lots of water in hot climates
Sleeplessness
Travelling often wreaks havoc with sleeping patterns, making it difficult for some travellers to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
- Cut down on caffeine, alcohol and sugar
- Eat foods that are rich in sleep-inducing essential amino acids, such as legumes and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, almonds, cashews and whole grains
- Try homeopathic remedies, such as Aconite, Calc carb, Ignatia (always read the label)
- Get physical and spiritual during the day – try yoga or Reiki
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Iwishmynamewasmarsha)
