Tips for a Healthy Vacation

Summer is officially here! Yeah! Now what? Vacation time! We wait all year for a two week respite from the daily grind of our wonderful and enriching lives. Why again...do we take trips in the summer? When it is hot....oh right... children are on summer break. Can't winter or spring break be two weeks longer?

Anyhow... vacation time. Last year we went and spent a week at the Gulf Coast... I know, but hey, we reside in Texas and money was tight.

This year, money is not as tight and we are still going to the Gulf Coast for a week.

Last year my daughter and I became what we thought was deathly ill. We just knew we our insides were going to implode... but then no more misery. It was not the best vacation and yes, we both were better by the last day of our vacation.

This year we researched... well, my daughter has (all year really) and this is the list of how not to let our vacation make us sick she gave to me. Well... it is not verbatim her list... I would not plagiarize my own daughter! Nevertheless, it is the gist that we (yes, she wanted me to share this with what she lovingly calls "my readers") want you to know.

Tips for a healthy vacation- immunity power to the people!

Do you want to rest while your on vacation... because you are simply too tired to do much else? No! You want to have fun whilst on vacation! Relax and refresh yourself for the coming year of the daily grind! So.... Get enough sleep before you go on vacation. Without maintaining at least six hours... yes, six not four to five as probably most of us live on...is what is needed to make us less susceptible to viral illnesses and increases the chances for other illnesses such as fibromyalgia or arthritis to flare up. Like the Six Flags commercial... more flags- more fun. Think... more sleep... more fun.

Tips for a healthy vacation- reach out and touch someone...

Not really, touch someone... but CALL your doctor before you plan to go abroad this year. A simple query to your personal physician (or physician's assistant) will let you know what vaccines you need to have prior to traveling to a foreign country. It is not as simple as "just don't drink the water," but it is safer, more convenient, and far friendlier.

Tips for a healthy vacation- Take a hint from the new hit USA show, Royal Pains

Check out all hot tubs and whirlpools to see if they are in violation of health codes or in compliance. Pools, too! Underchlorinated water allows bacteria to breed. Next thing you know you will arise from said hot tub, whirlpool, or pool, only to discover your body is now covered in a dangerous skin rash. It is not funny... although it was in the fictional show aforementioned above. Check with the staff to ascertain the water's safely level before taking a dip.

Tips for a healthy vacation- Wipe your home away from home into a neutral zone

Bring antibacterial wipes with you on vacation. Once ensconced in your hotel room, before you even unpack or throw yourself on the bed... take out that little travel pack of wipes and wipe down the television remote, the telephone, the light switches, the door and faucet ( both the sink and the bathtub) handles.

My daughter is prepared... she has packed twelve travel wipe packets. No wonder she was always asking for them at Wal- Mart.

Enjoy your vacation this year... we sure hope to enjoy ours!!!!