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Five Ways to Stay Healthy During Summer and Holiday Travels

By Elisa Posniack- Macaroni Kid NW Bergen County NJ Publisher June 19, 2023

1.  Shared items
 Sure, Sharing is caring. It is also carrying, Carrying germs from surface to face and mouth. We teach our children to share, however, in the case of airline pillows and blankets it is best to use your own and/or brand new bedding that has been sealed and or sanitized using essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus. If the fabric will be effected by the essential oils, you can place dried herbs into a sachet and rub over the pillow and blanket. Some essential oils also act as nerve calmers, naturally.

2.  Hand Washing
It is important to wash your hands frequently.  If you can’t wash your hands throughout the day, avoid rubbing your eyes or nose. You can make a homemade hand cleaner just using a few ingredients. Mix 2 parts distilled water to 1 part white vinegar. Add a few drops of either eucalyptus and/or graperuit or orange essential oil. The essential oils with counter the scent of the vinegar without taking away its disnfecting proprertied. Add to a travel size spray bottle(s) for quick, safe hand cleaning anytime.

3.  Dehydration
Airplane travel increases susceptibility to illnesses due to the cabin’s dry air accommodating the growth of viruses that thrive on low humidity. Travelers often refrain from drinking liquids to avoid frequent bathroom trips. Yet it’s important to keep your mucus membranes moist. When they’re dry, they can’t keep germs at bay. Drink at least eight ounces of water for every hour in the air. Spritzing your face with water helps keep your skin moist.

4.  Anxiety and Stress
There’s no doubt that travel, especially around the summer holidays, can be fun and stressful at the same time. Research has shown that stress can increase your susceptibility to illness. Try to reduce stress by being flexible and prepared. Build extra time into your schedule for calming activities such as yoga, meditation and even hiking! Also, be sure to get a full night’s sleep to keep your body’s natural defenses at optimum levels.

5.  Poor Eating Habits
It is easy to overeat while visiting relatives during your summer travels or during a special night out on the town. Children may also actually not eat enough, when faced with unusual food choices or may skip a meal altogether due to motion sickness or the anxiety of traveling. Late night eating can also lead to digestive and sleep problems. Make an effort to maintain good eating habits as much as possible when traveling.