June 14, 2018 | Are you one of the millions of Americans who will be traveling our country this summer? Making plans for a trip is important, particularly with vacation days becoming fewer and fewer. The U.S. Travel Association reports that Americans used 17.2 percent of their allotted vacation days in 2017, a dip compared to the 1990s, when Americans used an average of 20 of their allotted vacation days. If you are planning to have some fun in the sun this summer, be sure that your trip is a healthy one. Here’s something to consider. Dehydration happens when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. So avoid getting dehydrated. For instance, when you spend a late afternoon at the beach, bring water and drink even before you feel thirsty. And remember to eat healthy. If you’re at a buffet, you can follow the dietary guidelines, for instance, by first filling your plate with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and then adding the protein source.

June 14, 2018 | If you’re going to be traveling this summer, be sure to know what medications you’ll need while on vacation and make sure that you have enough to last the trip. Also, review the instructions for taking medications. Look for warnings about interactions your medicines might have with certain foods or drinks and any other side effects. For instance, some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider about concerns or questions you have about your medications before you go. Don’t skip doses, don’t share medication, and don’t take more than the suggested dose. Be sure to keep your medicine with you when traveling. If you’re flying, you don’t want to land in Aruba and have your prescriptions land in Atlanta. And keep a detailed list of what you’re taking and note the phone number of your health-care provider. If you need to seek medical care while you’re away, this information will be helpful.

June 14, 2018 | Do you wear contact lenses? If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, be sure you have the supplies you need to last the trip. To avoid problems such as eye infections and corneal ulcers, make sure your contacts are prescribed by an eye care professional. Skip colored or decorative lenses sold in beauty supply stores or at the boardwalk, since they can damage your eyes. Wash your hands before touching lenses, and use sterile solution. Never expose your lenses to saliva or non-sterile water, including that from the tap, bottle, or ocean. Non-sterile water can put you at risk for an eye infection. So remove your contacts before swimming or getting in the hot tub and follow your eye care professional’s care instructions. And remember to bring glasses in case your eyes become irritated. If your vision changes, your eyes get red, you have lots of tears, or your eyes hurt or feel itchy, take out your contact lenses and seek medical attention.

June 14, 2018 | Most Americans like to purchase souvenirs while they are on vacation, whether it’s a piece of jewelry, some artwork or just a T-shirt. Some Americans like to get a more permanent reminder of their summer vacation. Tattoo and henna shops are often found on boardwalks and other areas around the beach. Whether you consider something non-permanent, like henna, or an actual tattoo, think before you ink. Getting a tattoo can put you at risk for serious infections like HIV or hepatitis if you are exposed to unclean tools, practices, or products. And tattoo inks can cause allergic or otherwise bad reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any inks for injecting into the skin and, as a general matter, does not actively regulate tattoo parlors. The FDA also hasn’t approved henna or hair dye for skin use, and some people have reported serious problems after using henna, including allergic reactions such as rashes and scarring.

June 14, 2018 | It’s important to realize that there’s no such thing as a “healthy” tan. When you’re exposed to sunlight, an increase in your skin pigment, or melanin, can be a sign of damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles and dark spots among other problems, and tanning puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. Plus, sunlight reflecting off of sand or water increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems. So if you’re going to be outside when you go on vacation this summer, here’s how to be sun safe. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Beware of spray tans and bronzers as such products are not UV protective. And limit the time your skin is exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always wear sunglasses labeled with a UVA/UVB rating of 100 percent to get the most UV protection. And be sure to wear protective clothing that covers any skin exposed to the sun.