Vacation Wellness

8220;Long trips, especially those across time zones, can be risky for diabetics. Adjusting meal times and insulin dosage when your daily rhythm is knocked out by jet lag, variations in time, and the overall stress of travel, can be complicated. Getting the dosage wrong is dangerous,8221; says Dr Anoop Misra, head of department of diabetes and metabolism in Delhi8217;s Fortis Group of Hospitals. Here are some tips that will keep diabetes-related problems at bay:

8226; Monitor blood glucose and urinary Ketone levels during travel. Ask your doctor if slight changes in routine are safe.

8226; Start adjusting your routine with the time zone of your holiday destination.

8226; Order special meals for diabetics meals from your airline, well in advance.

8226; Pack extra amount of medication and sup-plies. Pack oral medications and a snack pack with crackers, cheese, peanut butter, juice and glucose tablets.

8226; Carry your prescriptions.

8226; Be warned against problems like dehydra-tion. That can cause the blood sugar to fall.

Heart of the matter

If your heart is a reason for worry, be sure to follow these precautions.

8226; Take a month8217;s rest after a heart attack, only then is it safe to travel. But if the attack is acute, extend the rest to six weeks. You should wait for three weeks after a surgery or an angioplasty before you travel by air.

8226; If you have a history of heart disease, go for a cardiac health test. Perform treadmill or stress tests to gauge your fitness.

8226; Hill stations at 80,000 to 90,000 feet may be a problem since the air will have less oxygen. A very cold environment can also cause heart at-tacks. Avoid climbing or walking for a long time. Seasides are also not very safe. Since there is so much humidity, sweat does not evaporate and there is no cooling of the body. This may result in a fall in blood pressure. So keep your medicines handy.

8226; Avoid fluid and electrolyte imbalance by drinking water and juices. Avoid alcohol since it can precipitate heart condition.

Parenting parents

8226; Don8217;t ever think your parents are too old for a great holiday. Just take care of the basics. To be-gin with, avoid places with extreme tempera-tures. Avoid sudden climbing. In case they complain of giddiness or weakness, rush to a local doctor. Be careful about injuries. The el-derly are more prone to falls. Keep pain-reliev-ers and balms handy.

8226; Keep their medicines and prescriptions handy. Take care of their diet; avoid excess salt intake and namkeen. Alcohol is forbidden.

Tips for a great trip

8226; Keep your medicines safe from excess heat and light. It may kill their potency.

8226; Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to help prevent sunburn and skin cancer, espe-cially in tropical climates.

8226; Pack a first-aid kit that includes sterile bandages, antibiotic ointments and an elastic bandage in case of sprains.

8226; Be warned against the infectious diseases that may be common in your destination just surf the Net and take the necessary precautions. If travelling within India, take steps to prevent diarrhoea, which is caused by bacteria and tox-ins found in contaminated water.

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