When you travel during the Christmas season, don’t leave health habits behind. Travel can be freeing, with a different routine, different places, and Dr. Samuel Stanley says it’s alright to lose your inhibitions, but you shouldn’t forget your routine health and safety habits.
Stanley is a medical researcher at Washington University in St. Louis. He has one piece of advice that he acknowledges if hard for people to follow: relax. Stanley says travelers need to understand they must be flexible, because delays happen, problems arise, and plans don’t go as, well, planned.
Many people worry about germs, especially as they wait in long lines with other Christmas shoppers. They hear the coughs and sneezes and become concerned about colds. Stanley recommends washing your hands regularly. He says most viruses are passed along by contact, not through the air. Stanley also recommends getting a flu shot, which he says has been proven effective.
Common health habits need to be followed even in uncommon surroundings, such as hand washing. Also recommended by Stanley; if in doubt drink bottled water, don’t drink and drive, and wear your seat belts.