2010-07-17 2262
The primary concern for maintaining good health during a journey is to pay constant attention to food hygiene and prevent "diseases entering through the mouth." When it comes to food during travel, it is best to follow the principles of "cooked thoroughly, boiled hot, and peeled," to avoid consuming contaminated food containing bacteria or toxins. Zhang Jianxin, the director of the Health Education Institute at the Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, reminds travelers to focus on the following aspects:
1. Pay attention to water hygiene. Ideally, drink boiled water or purified tap water during the journey. Alternatively, drink water from mountain springs or deep wells. It is important not to consume water from rivers, lakes, ponds, or reservoirs directly. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed or peeled because they may not only be contaminated by pesticides but also by bacteria or parasites during picking and selling processes.
2. Be cautious with each meal and avoid eating indiscriminately when hungry. It is generally safe to eat at mid-range and high-end restaurants. Exercise selectivity when dining at food stalls or street vendors. Learn to identify whether the hygiene conditions of a food establishment are satisfactory. The criteria for a qualified establishment generally include having a hygiene permit, clean water source, disinfection equipment, fresh food ingredients, absence of mosquitoes and flies, dust prevention measures, clean surroundings, and ensuring that the cashier does not handle food and keeps a certain distance from it. Practice moderation in food consumption during travel by being aware that the lack of physical activity during transportation can lead to a prolonged digestion process and slower metabolism. Excessive eating can burden the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Disease prevention and health care are essential. Director Zhang advises the general public that during the long holiday period, the most common illnesses during travel are colds and diarrhea, often caused by significant temperature changes between day and night. In addition to appropriate clothing adjustments and ensuring warmth, it is crucial not to overexert oneself and to prioritize rest. It is recommended to carry some cold medicine while traveling. Travelers should also be highly conscious of food hygiene to avoid gastroenteritis. Having some medications such as berberine compound on hand is usually sufficient.
4. Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart disease should be mindful of their limitations and remember dietary restrictions. Hypertensive patients should avoid heavy meals and opt for lighter options when dining out. Additionally, it is advisable to carry fast-acting medications such as Nifedipine to control sudden blood pressure spikes. Patients with coronary heart disease or asthma may benefit from choosing coastal destinations due to better air quality. However, individuals with allergies are advised to consume seafood in moderation and not forget to bring their regular inhalers.
5. Diabetic patients are encouraged to travel, as appropriate tourism can be beneficial in managing their condition. However, it is important to note that after intense activities such as hiking, blood sugar levels may decrease. In such cases, it is advisable to reduce the dosage of antidiabetic medications. Furthermore, there are infectious diseases in various countries and regions that travelers may be unfamiliar with. One of the best ways to prevent infectious diseases when traveling abroad is to receive appropriate vaccinations and avoid contact with animals or mosquito bites. Diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, rabies, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis are transmitted by animals or mosquito bites.
6. Be prepared with a small first aid kit. Director Zhang also advises travelers to bring some commonly used medications based on their personal health conditions. The following categories of medications are recommended for the general population:
· Respiratory system medications: Cold and flu medicines for symptoms such as cold, fever, and headache, as well as herbal pills for acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and sore throat.
· Digestive system
· Topical medications: Adhesive bandages for minor wounds, purple medicine for skin and mucosal infections and ulcers, and red flower oil for injuries or sprains. Ofloxacin and Virazole eye drops are useful for preventing various eye conditions.
· Other medications: Xisimin for diseases like rubella and pollen allergies, Muxining for motion sickness during car or boat rides, and toothache pills, compound novobiocin, or cefradine capsules for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory purposes. Patients with asthma or coronary heart disease should carry medications like Xichuanling and nitroglycerin. Furthermore, all medications should be kept dry and labeled with their names and usage instructions. (Source: Three Gorges Evening News)