

6 ways to make your holiday even healthier

Avoid getting sick while abroad

Laughing female friends riding bicycles at holiday resort
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Seeking medical attention on holiday is something none of us want to go through, and aside from the fact it could ruin your trip away, it can also be an unnecessary expense all of us would rather avoid. So if you're jetting off in search of some summer sun we've put together a handy list of holiday health hacks to make sure there are no nasty surprises on your trip away.

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1. Ease the pressure

Air pressure changes in your ears while flying and although most people don't have too much trouble when their ears 'pop', for some it can create severe pain and even hearing loss.

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers Audiologists, explains: "The popping sensation is a result of a difference in pressure between the inner ear and the outside environment causing the ear drum to swell outward or be sucked inward (depending on whether pressure is rising or falling). This only becomes a problem when pressure changes quickly, so pressure inside and outside the ear don't have time to equalise, for instance during take-off and landing.

"A simple solution to the pain, popping and muffled hearing associated with changes in pressure is to introduce as much air as possible to the ear via swallowing or yawning. Sucking on a hard boiled sweet, chewing gum or drinking through a straw during take-off and landing all help. To avoid as much discomfort as possible it is also recommended that you don't sleep during take-off or landing and stay hydrated."

2. Avoid ice in your drinks

The most common cause of traveller's diarrhoea is local drinking water. Although many people are aware they shouldn't drink it, they often forget that putting ice in their drinks could also cause them to become ill while on holiday. Adopt a no ice policy while you're away or make your own ice cubes from bottled water if you just can't bear the thought of a warm drink.

3. Keep food poisoning at bay

There's always one who likes to experiment with their food while on holiday, and why not? Holidays are for new adventures after all. But for some, trying new foods while abroad doesn't always end well.

Seven Seas consultant dietitian Helen Bond explains: "Everyone loves a good barbie, but barbecues can create the perfect storm for food poisoning: raw, undercooked meat and fish under hot summer sunshine and a cook who may be drinking and grilling at the same time.

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"For a healthier, safer barbecue avoid cross contamination between raw and cooked ingredients by keeping them completely separate, and washing your hands and utensils after handling different foods. It's really important to cook meat right through, making sure it isn't pink in the middle, and that the juices run clear – charred on the outside doesn't mean cooked on the inside! To reduce this risk, why not part-cook food in the oven first before giving it a final 'chargrilled taste' finish on the barbecue. And don't leave food that you would store in the fridge standing around in the warm, before cooking or serving."

4. Stay splash resistant

Summer holidays wouldn't be complete without a dip in the pool or a swim in the sea. For most a little water in their ears won't be a problem or cause too much discomfort but for those that are susceptible to ear infections or 'swimmer's ear', extra care may be worthwhile.

Harrison, says: "Swimmers ear is an inflammation of the external ear canal that can often lead to an infection. It occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear, most often as a result of swimming.

"To avoid swimmers ear you should dry your ears thoroughly, or consider wearing ear plugs when swimming to avoid the risk of trapped water in your ears."

5. Pick the right broadspectrum sunscreen

It might seem like an obvious holiday essential to pack, but do you know which sunscreen is right for your skin? Our handy guide will help you choose the right cream for you so that you don't have to sit in the shade. From the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, to a lotion for sporty types, we've got you covered.

To avoid heatstroke - a painful condition - Doctify GP Dr Carolyn Barshall advises to stay indoors during the hottest hours of day in extreme temperatures – that's usually between 10m to 4pm. "If you do have to go outside, wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. And try not to exercise until the cooler times of the day. Drink plenty of water before starting an activity and drink extra water all day." She also recommends avoiding alcohol and wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabric.

6. Remove contact lenses

Dr Nigel Best, Specsavers clinical spokesperson, warns: "Do not swim in your contact lenses as there is a risk of serious infection if you wear your contacts while swimming in a pool or the sea. It's important to always wash your hands with non-cosmetic soap before handling contact lenses, never to use tap water to rinse your contact lenses, and never to put contact lenses in your mouth. Microorganisms can also live in distilled water, risking infection or sight damage."

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