Tip of the Month July 2008

How to keep healthy on holiday

The holiday season has arrived! Our two weeks of rest, relaxation and recharging that we have worked so hard for throughout the year is such an important element of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. However, too frequently these important holidays can get ruined by stomach problems, sunstroke, heat stroke and other various ‘holiday’ illnesses. To help you avoid some of the main pitfalls and get the most out of your summer break, try to follow some of these simple tips.

1. Drink plenty of water – to avoid dehydration and all the problems that come with it, try to drink at least 2-3 litres of water a day. For speedy re-hydration drink room temperature water as your stomach will absorb the water more rapidly. It is also vital that you drink safe water, so if you are unsure of the quality of the drinking water only consume bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
   
2. Avoid midday sun – sunbathing in midday sun, not only greatly increases the risk of sunburn, but also increases your chances of getting heat stroke and sunstroke. Try to organise your day so you are catching the suns rays primarily in the early morning and late afternoon.
   
3. Steer clear of daytime alcohol – drinking in the sun is a very easy way to become dehydrated and get sunstroke. If possible try not to drink alcohol until late afternoon or evening, however if you cannot resist the temptation make sure you drink only in the shade and also consume lots of water.
   
4. Avoid eating raw fruit and vegetables that you cannot peel yourself – in some countries especially those outside Europe fruit and vegetables might not be washed as thoroughly as at home. Salads and fruit salads are extremely high risk foods if you are susceptible to stomach bugs. Therefore, even if you are slightly uncertain about where you are eating chose only foods that have been thoroughly cooked.
   
5. Make sure your food is piping hot – bacteria breeds in warm conditions, therefore if restaurant food is warm but not piping hot bugs can be viciously active in it. A common victim is rice. Frequently, restaurants will cook up a large batch of rice in the morning then reheat what they need for each lunchtime or evening meal. If they do not reheat the rice to a hot enough temperature there is a high chance that you could get ill. Therefore, if you do not think your dinner is hot enough, send it back to be warmed up!

Previous Tips of the Month

• Caffeine – The good, the bad and the ugly!
• Test your knowledge – Posture
• How to keep yourself going
• The Psychological Benefit’s of Exercise
• The Glycemic Index