Stay Healthy and Safe While on the Road This Lunar New Year, Advises International SOS

BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Holiday travels peak during festive periods. With the Lunar New Year around the corner, overseas assignees are making their way back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families while leisure travellers are departing for their holiday destinations. Some are also taking advantage of the long holiday to catch up with their loved ones based overseas.

With so many travellers on the road during the festive season, there is an increased chance that plans, schedules, and travels can go awry.

"When travelling in China or overseas during the Chinese New Year period, it's important to take adequate precautions and prepare yourself and your family, so as to prevent illness or injury during your holidays.  Some travel destinations may expose you to health risks and hazards; you should always seek the advice of a medical practitioner before you travel, to make sure that vaccinations are up to date and medications are in order," said Dr. Jon Craig, Chief Medical Officer, International SOS China.

To help you stay healthy and safe and as well as to avoid unnecessary travel disruption while on the road this Lunar New Year, International SOS advises travellers to look out for the following:

• Prescriptions: Without early preparation, travelling with medication can be an issue. If you rely on a medication to manage an ongoing condition, you must be prepared with extra supplies and back-up information about the drugs you are prescribed with. Physically carry the medication with you while passing through immigration. When travellers in Europe were grounded for days longer than anticipated due to the ash cloud, many ran low on critical medications and struggled to procure refills at unfamiliar local pharmacies. Carry a list of all your medications and their scientific names (brand names differ from country to country), as well as extra doses and copies of each prescription.

• Wear and tear: Even a smooth flight can leave you with aches and fatigue. Add unanticipated hours on the tarmac, long waits on uncomfortable airport furniture and radical time zone changes and the body can suffer. In some cases, risks of travel-triggered conditions like deep vein thrombosis (a result of long periods of sitting) may be increased. Make sure you stay hydrated and well fed during travel, avoid alcohol, and move about the cabin frequently as it is permitted. And if you suffer from a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, consult your doctor before any extended air travel.

• After you land: Flights often get delayed from time to time, resulting in arrival after nightfall. To minimize risk, arrange for ground transportation in advance of your arrival with input from your destination hotel, for example. Avoid spending more time than necessary in pick up and drop off zones in front of the airport, and at all times maintain a low profile by speaking discretely about your plans with companions, airport and hotel staff, wearing minimal jewellery, and staying away from bright colours and logos that would identify you as a tourist.
• Traffic accidents: Vehicle crashes are the number one hazard for travellers. Be careful when driving after a long flight, especially in areas where you are unfamiliar. Drowsiness coupled with a strange highway — or even driving on the "wrong" side of the road — is a recipe for disaster. Take a cab or have transportation arranged ahead of time. It should also be noted that traffic accidents are one of the most common reasons for a medical evacuation.

• Nutrition on the go: It's not always easy to maintain a healthy diet while travelling. There may also be a lack of healthy choices and unfamiliar food. It's important to stay hydrated. Aim to drink one and a half to two litres of water each day — more if you are in a hot and/or dry climate. Try to eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables per day to get the vitamins your body needs. Drink bottled water and eat only fruit you peel yourself, when unfamiliar with health and sanitation issues in your destination country.

• Sufficient cash, ensure travel documents are safe: For those travelling in crowded trains or buses, be aware of an associated increased risk of exposure to petty and opportunistic crime. Keep your travel documents, in particular, your passport, safe as embassies may be closed; you may not be able to obtain a temporary passport until they reopen and this may delay your return trip. Carry sufficient cash as some places may not accept cashless payments. Do not put cash in one location. Spread it between yourself and companions and/or luggage, because banks may not be open for you to withdraw money when you need it most.

About International SOS

International SOS (www.internationalsos.com) is the world's leading medical & security services company operating from over 700 sites in 76 countries with 10,000 employees, led by 1,100 physicians and 200 security specialists. Our global services include medical and risk planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response for travelers, expatriates and their dependents of over 70 percent of the Fortune 500 companies.