Staying Healthy on the Road: 2004
Staying or getting healthy on the road is a key to a happy European trip. Any tips on health and finding good/affordable medical care in Europe?
Staying Healthy on plane flights
I'm just chiming in here about avoiding the "coldies' from your air trip...I have reliably used the classic echinacea/goldenseal combo to stave off any cold/flu at its very first sign. A dropperful of tincture under the tongue, hold 5 minutes, swallow. Repeat 3-4 times a day.Works every time for me. (Thanks again James Balch.)
Jonas <email>
Toronto, CANADA Thu 12/09/2004
knee pain
On a recent trip to Italy we did lots of walking and climbing towers,etc. I was determined to not let knee pain spoils any of our sightseeing. Each day before starting out for the long day I took one Motrin and it totally prevented the slightest twinge.
Nancy
Ga USA Thu 11/04/2004
Don't carry Rx meds in plastic bags!
Beware of the advice to put Rx meds into plastic bags with the original label attached. This is not enough. You need the original containers even if it is a bother. Also make sure to take along double the amount of meds that you can's live without and have a friend carry them for you or carry them in a different bag from your main bag.
Ellen Kurtzman <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Wed 08/11/2004
staying well in paris
you can go to a pharmacist in paris and get most medicines you need by describing your symptoms or as in my case showing the pharmacist the empty medicine bottle or inhaler you are taking.
many times the pharmacist can give you medicines that in US you need prescription for. Example was able to get asthma inhalers,ventolin
and last year when husband caught a cold was able to get wonderful cough syrup and cold pills that really worked at pharmacist.
They also had great things for tired feet and homopathic gels that really did work for blisters and tired feet.
That rememdy about neosporin is all bunk....it is a topical antiseptic for treating burns and scrapes and does nothing for prevention of colds. Wear a mask if you are really wanting to keep the germs at bay, you may look silly but you will stay healthy.
Also dont drink on a long flight
just water, no juice, no cola, esp
no alcohol you will adapt better to the time change.
I always just stay up till midnight no matter when we arrive and then we sleep which is our normal time and get up about 10 am the next am
never had jet lag yet.
S
San Francisco, Ca USA Thu 05/13/2004
Staying Well
I have had some sort of respiratory illness almost every time I've travelled to Europe, except this last trip. I take lots of vitamins, minerals, etc. when at home, so decided to take most of that with me this time. I count out the pills into small baggies and faithfully take them. I did not get sick this time. I think the vit. C and acidophilus were most helpful, but who knows? I had one RX med and carried that in a baggie along with the RX label off the original container. I have never had my pills inspected at the airport. I write on the outside of each bag what is in it. If I took the original containers, I wouldn't have room for anything else in my carry-on. BTW most over-the counter remedies are available in Europe, but since they are often labelled differently, it may require some research to find what you want there. In Europe, Lemsip and generics with the same ingrediants is popular for treating respiratory ails.
Swan
Calistoga, CA USA Wed 05/05/2004
Emergen- C
I always bring several packets of Emergen- C. It's a powdered vitamin/energy supplement loaded with vitamin C. Whenever I feel the slightest hint of a cold, I mix one packet in a cup of water. I buy mine at Trader Joes, but you can probably find it in many drugstores. It's easy to carry, comes in several flavors, and keeps the germs at bay.
Zaida <email>
USA Thu 04/01/2004
Staying Well
We focused on staying well hydrated,and each of us carried alcohol gel in our backpacks, which we used many times throughout the day...especially after touching handrails or using the WC's. Also chewed a few Pepto-Bismol tabs each a.m before starting the day. Never had the slightest touch of illness.
Mike and Teddie
Austin, Tx USA Tue 03/30/2004