'MO - November 2008 - (Page 15)

your health matters GAY CIT Y HEALTH PROJECT 10 Tips for Safe & Healthy Travel Autumn in the Northwest: There’s a chill in the air and the sun isn’t around quite as much as we would like. While many of us love our corner of the country, as the days grow shorter our thoughts turn to vacationing, and we begin making travel plans. As you book hotels, buy airline tickets, and choose your sightseeing destinations, remember to make health and safety part of your travel planning. Here are our top ten tips: 10. Geography 101—Lean about the health issues associated with your destination. When traveling outside the United States, you may need vaccines or medications if you’ll be visiting a country that has high incidences of certain diseases, such as malaria, typhoid, or Hepatitis A and B. This is particularly important for people living with HIV. To learn more about international travel and health, check out the CDC’s Survival Guide to Safe & Healthy Travel at www.cdc. gov/travel. 9. Have a dose of your own medicine— Be sure to pack any prescription medications you may need during your trip, and that they are clearly labeled. Pack medicine in carry-on bags, in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. You may also want to carry a copy of your prescription as well, in case you are stopped by security or customs and need to explain what drugs you have. 8. Carry the perfect handbag—While fashion is certainly important, be sure to consider utility and safety for your trip. A small “man purse” or fanny-pack with a secure closure can store your camera, passport, and credit cards during your trip. By wearing the shoulder strap diagonally across your body, and keeping the opening of the bag toward your body, you reduce the chance that it will be stolen or opened. 7. One word: Moisturize!—Not only is that recycled air from your four-hour ﬂight going to dry out your skin, but if you’re headed to a sunny destination, sunscreen is a must! Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. moseattle.com 6. Get back to basics—Mom was right when she said, “take your vitamins and drink lots of water.” A quality multi-vitamin can supplement your nutritional needs during your travels, when eating healthy is sometimes challenging. The “8 by 8” rule is an easy guide for consuming water. Aim for eight ounces of water at least eight times day. Staying hydrated is particularly important if you will be drinking alcohol. Speaking of which … 5. Consider the cocktails—Drinks on the airplane, drinks in the casino, drinks at the poolside, and drinks in the hotel mini-bar. It’s easy to over do it! Remember to pace yourself, eat something so you are not drinking on an empty stomach, and certainly never drive if you’ve had too many. 4. Stay safe—Before you go out on the town, familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Stay alert when you’re out, and consider sticking with a buddy. Identify a contact in your cell phone address book with the acronym “ICE” before the person’s name. That stands for “In Case of Emergency,” and most emergency response workers will check your phone for it if something were to happen to you. 3. Wrap it—What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas … unless it’s a sexually transmitted disease. Let’s face it, sometimes travel gives us an excuse to let loose. But that doesn’t mean we have to put ourselves at risk. Pack those condoms and lube in advance so you’re ready if an opportunity presents itself! 2. Turn the cell phone off—Technology makes it easy to stay in touch with work and family, but if you’re on vacation, consider limiting your contact and really de-stressing. And don’t over-book those sightseeing trips and excursions … everyday life is scheduled enough. Vacation is your time to relax! 1. Wash your hands—It’s probably the simplest way to reduce your chances of getting that post-travel ﬂu or cold. A travel-sized antibacterial hand sanitizer is a simple way to eliminate germs. 15 issue 21 | november 2008 http://www.seattlemeds.com http://www.cdc.gov/travel http://www.cdc.gov/travel http://www.moseattle.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of 'MO - November 2008

'MO - November 2008 Contents Letter from the Editor Voices Elections '08: What Really Happened Instant Activist Pet Project Legally Speaking: Estate Planning 'mo-BIZ: Thinking Cap Communications & Design, Inc. Whistler-Blackcomb's Peak 2 Peak Gondola Form & Function: Stay Up on the Downhill: Glutes & Legs Gay City Health Project: 10 Tips for Safe and Healthy Travel Head for the Hills: The Top 4 Gay Ski Weeks in North America Book Review: Waiter Rant Book Review: The Transgender Child Capitol Hill Guide Live Event Preview: Teatro ZinZanni's A Rosa de Rio Live Event Preview: Jennifer Holliday and the Seattle Men's Chorus DVD Review: Kiss the Bride SceneOut: People@Places 'mo-Single Q&A

'MO - November 2008

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