TAKE YOUR HEALTH ON VACATION! This is the slogan of the information and education campaign prepared by the Health Promotion Foundation and the Your Doctor network. Practical advice from family medicine specialist Dr. Marcin Roszkowski can be found in a series of podcasts and articles that help prepare for a safe and healthy vacation and plan a vacation trip well.
FIRST AID KIT – MEET YOUR NEEDS
A first aid kit should be tailored to the individual needs of travelers. Healthy people should take medications that may be useful in the event of infections or cuts. People taking medications on a regular basis should remember to take an appropriate supply. For people with asthma and other ailments that require immediate treatment, it is worth packing additional preparations.
WITH A FIRST AID KIT TO THE DESTINATION… OF TRAVEL
A first aid kit should be packed with the place you are going and the potential health hazards that may occur there in mind. If you are going to the seaside, you should remember about skin protection products. If you are going on a mountain hike, you cannot forget about dressings in case of potential injuries. In both cases, the first aid kit must contain medicines for infections and digestive problems.
MOTION SICKNESS – HOW TO COPE?
When going on a trip, especially with a child, it is worth remembering the possibility of motion sickness. This disease manifests itself in nausea, dizziness and other discomforts while driving. Dr. Marcin Roszkowski emphasizes that every child can suffer from motion sickness, especially on winding roads. It is therefore worth taking care of the appropriate protection of the child in a car seat, which will allow him to observe the changing landscape.
YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DEstination – AVOID OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN
As Dr. Marcin Roszkowski emphasizes, no amount of solar radiation is completely safe for our skin. That is why it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during the hours of peak radiation, i.e. between 10:00 and 16:00. Remember that not only the beach, but also other places, such as parks or terraces, can be exposed to strong solar radiation.
LIMIT SUNBATHING
To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D in the body, exposing your head and shoulders to the sun for about 30 minutes a day during the spring and summer months should be enough. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different and everyone should individually adjust their sun exposure time to their health and skin type. People with fair skin should be especially careful and limit their time in the sun.
RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF SUNBURN
If, despite all your caution, you do end up with a sunburn, it is important to recognise the symptoms and take appropriate action. Symptoms of a sunburn can include redness, pain, swelling and excessive heat. In this case, you should get into the shade as soon as possible and avoid the sun for a few days. Soothing products such as aloe vera or vitamin preparations can be applied to the irritated skin to help it regenerate.
BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TANNING
Dr. Roszkowski warns about the long-term effects of tanning and the health risks associated with it. Even one serious sunburn can statistically increase the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma and various forms of skin cancer. That is why it is important to monitor the condition of your skin on an ongoing basis and pay attention to any changes in moles or skin spots, which may be a signal of cancer development.
CHECK YOUR SKIN CONDITION REGULARLY
Regular skin examinations are key to early detection of cancer. Potentially cancerous lesions have uneven edges, are larger, may be raised, scaly, bleed, or have several different colors. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dermatologist immediately for a thorough skin examination and possibly additional diagnostic tests.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM INSECTS AND ARACHNIDS
A tick bite may involve certain risks, but as Dr. Marcin Roszkowski emphasizes, statistically speaking, the threat is relatively small. However, some species of ticks, such as Ixodes, can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Therefore, it is very important to observe the skin after outdoor walks. If we find a tick that has managed to bite into the skin, let's not panic.
SAFE TICK REMOVAL
If we want to remove a tick, we should do it safely. Specialists recommend using a simple tool that will allow us to grasp the tick around the mouthparts or pry it up and gently but firmly pull it out. It is important not to press the tick, burn it or pour any substances on it. You can use tools such as tweezers with thin tips, a special card available in pharmacies or loops that can be placed on the tick and freely pulled out without the risk of damaging the skin.
OBSERVE YOUR BODY'S REACTIONS AFTER BEING BITED
After removing the tick, it is a good idea to take a photo of it so that you can later determine what species it was. If a rash appears on the skin at the site of the bite, you should see a doctor. After about 7 days from the bite, a characteristic red circle with a diameter of at least 5 centimeters may appear, which may indicate a Lyme disease infection. In such a case, it is necessary to consult a doctor, who will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
MINIMIZE THE RISK OF TICK BITES
To minimize the risk of tick bites, it is worth avoiding areas where ticks are active, especially in the morning and afternoon, as well as tall grasses and shrubs. After walking in such an area, it is worth examining the skin thoroughly and using appropriate clothing with long sleeves and legs. Additionally, you can use repellents containing DEET, for example.
WATCH OUT FOR WASPS, BEES AND HORNETS!
In most cases, Hymenoptera stings do not pose a serious threat to health and life. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the sting. In such a situation, it is important to calm yourself and the person stung and give oral painkillers. Applying a cold compress can also help relieve symptoms. In most cases, the swelling and pain subside within a few hours.
TREATMENT IN CASE OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS
There is a group of people who may have a more severe reaction to a sting. About 10% of people may experience more swelling after being stung, which sometimes lasts up to 10 days. In some cases, an anaphylactic reaction may occur. This is a particularly violent reaction of the body that can lead to shock, loss of consciousness, and even cardiac arrest.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
In case of severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, ears, lips, wheezing in the lungs, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness or loss of consciousness, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible. It is recommended to call the emergency number (999 or 112) and seek advice or call for medical help.
PRECAUTIONS AND TREATMENT OF HYMONOPTERA VENOM ALLERGY
Each Hymenoptera sting is individual, so it is important to be aware of your own reaction to such an event. People who are severely allergic to bee or wasp venom should carry appropriate medication, such as adrenaline in a special applicator. It is a rescue drug in the event of an allergic reaction. In such a situation, after the sting, the preparation can be self-administered, for example, by injecting it into the thigh muscle.
E-VISIT FOR A QUIET HOLIDAY
Remember that health and safety during the holidays are extremely important, so it is worth being prepared and knowing the appropriate precautions in case of dangerous situations. If you have concerns and doubts - consult a doctor! Do not hesitate to use the teleconsultation. E-visit in mode YOUR DOCTOR EXPRESS it's a good way to get a quick consultation.
Proper preparation and taking care of your health will allow you to enjoy every vacation trip. All episodes of the series TAKE YOUR HEALTH ON HOLIDAY are available on the website www.twojlekarz.net in the tab PODCAST.