How to Stay Healthy Traveling During Winter

I've traveled during the winter months often and find that a number of health problems can occur. By following these simple tips, you may find your travel experiences much more delightful because you are feeling your best.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #1 : Dry Out Those Ears and Protect Your Nose

If you're like me and like to swim, you might find swimmer's ear leads to sinus infections. When I swam daily on swim team, we were taught to dry out the ear with a Q-tip with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, then restore the moisture with a drop of baby oil or body lotion. Excessive particulate in the air from fireplaces etc. can irritate the nose causing nose bleeds. Alleviate the wear and tear on your nose with a bit of antibiotic cream if there are sores, or body lotion if not.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #2 : Prevent Cold Weather Muscle Injuries

If you ski, hike, snowshoe, run, play basketball or some other sport as part of your travels, be sure to warm up your muscles prior, especially when going outside into the colder air. Stress from poor circulation can make it easier to injure your muscles-use yoga stretches and five minutes of general aerobics to get you ready to go outside. Afterward, pamper your muscles with a hot tub after stretching once more.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #3 : Use a Handkerchief

When I grew up, we were advised to use paper tissues instead of handkerchiefs so that the disease causing fluids would be sent down the sewer system as quickly as possible. However, while outdoors in winter, a handkerchief can sop up those same fluids without the bulk and environmental mess of tissues. Be sure to remove them from your pockets, change often and wash.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #4 : Watch Your Diet

Take a daily vitamin to compensate for the lack of fresh greens in your diet. Pay the extra two dollars to get a salad or side of vegetables at the restaurant, your body will thank you. Stop for a supply of fresh grapefruit or oranges because Vitamin C does help. Drink hot water with fruit juice or herbal teas like mint to keep the inner body warm without getting too much caffeine.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #5 : Use The Health Club Facility but Wipe Down

Most health club facilities have a general purpose cleaner for wiping down the equipment prior to use. Since winter time is flu season, be sure to protect your health by avoiding the germs.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #6: Protect Your Skin from Sunburn and Windburn

Wind burn is as damaging to your skin as sunburn. Both are possible when you get out on the snow and light reflection is more intense. Use an SPF rate product. If you're traveling to the beach, it might be smart to use a tanning booth to build up your skin's sensitivity to light prior to going, but be aware of the UV dose you get and use tanning booth tanning products.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #7: Carry Emergency Supply Equipment in Your Vehicle

Emergency supply equipment includes an emergency blanket, candle, food and water and snow protection such as gloves, hats and face masks. These are helpful if trapped in a snow storm. They might save your life. Car wheel chains are also wise to carry.

Healthy Winter Travel Tip #8 : Dress in Layers to Protect Yourself From the Elements

Use a layered approach to dressing including vests, long underwear, light and heavy socks, hats, gloves. Use a chemical hand warmer to protect against frostbite. Change your socks if they become damp.

Whatever your travel plans are this winter, be sure to protect your health because you'll have much more fun.