WHAT NOT TO DO ON YOUR NEXT VACATION
by Jodi Rarey, OSCA Director of Public and Legislative Affairs
Every summer millions of Americans take to the highways and airways
seeking a restful vacation, but for many the experience may be
exhausting, the Ohio State Chiropractic Association says. "During
vacations, most people travel too far, run too hard, eat too much
and play too vigorously, which may cause an upset stomach, a
strained back, headaches and other body pains," the Association
states.
Chiropractic physicians, as well as other primary care physicians,
realize that during vacation, many people tend to forgo good health
habits, which may lead to aches, pains and fatigue. To keep people
healthy during the vacation season, the Ohio State Chiropractic
Association and your chiropractic physicians have compiled a list
of vacation don'ts.
- Don't cram too much into your vacation. While a heavy schedule
of activities may seem like fun in the planning, a fatiguing
schedule can be dangerous to your health and well being.
- Don't try to drive too far in a single day. Take your time,
allowing normal food and rest stops.
- Don't neglect your diet. Try to maintain a regular schedule of
meals. When faced with time changes, eat the same kinds of foods
your normally do. Don't skip meals; don't over eat.
- Don't rush. Allow ample time to pack and get to the airport.
Start early if you are traveling by car.
- Don't miss your sleep. Get as much, and even more, sleep
during your vacation.
- Don't try to do things that you are not in physical shape to
do. For example, don't try to spend a day playing tennis or hiking
across a mountain if you haven't done these activities in years.
- Don't take too much luggage. Carry only what you can
conveniently handle. If you need help, get it.
- Don't be the "work horse" for the whole family. Let everybody
pitch in with the various tasks to be done.
- Don't get too much sun. Many vacations have been ruined
because of severe sunburn or heat exhaustion.
Lastly, the Association warns about the hazards of sitting in the
same position for a long period of time.
"If you are traveling by air, try to elevate your feet, or get up
and walk down the aisle periodically. If you are traveling by car,
use a pillow to support the spine, which helps to decrease fatigue
and back ache."
According to the Ohio State Chiropractic Association, if you adopt
some of these fatigue-fighting measures, you will have more energy
and enthusiasm during your next vacation. For more information,
contact your local chiropractic physician today.
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