You’ve finally taken the plunge and gone on that long-awaited trip. Whether it’s a backpacking excursion through Patagonia or traveling Europe for three weeks, you’ve come back feeling refreshed and relaxed. Now that you’re home, it’s time to jump back into your work and life routine—but not so fast! Just because you feel great now doesn’t mean you can neglect your health. In fact, now is the perfect time to take extra steps to ensure you stay healthy after your vacation. Here are a few things you can do:
Get a Physical
You might feel perfectly fine, but it’s always a good idea to get a physical after any extended period away from home. If you were abroad, tell your doctor where you traveled. They will then be able to test you for any diseases or illnesses that are common in that area.
But even if you didn’t travel internationally, it’s still a good idea to get a physical once you’re back. This practice will help you ensure that nagging pains or aches aren’t symptoms of something more serious. Especially with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to get a check-up to ensure you are healthy and safe.
So, it’s best to book an appointment with your doctor after you get back home. This way, you can be sure you’re in the best health possible.
Do an Ultrasound
If you went on a trip that involved a lot of physical activity—like hiking, biking, or climbing—then it’s worth getting an ultrasound. The ultrasound will help determine whether or not you have any blood clots from sitting on long flights or being inactive for extended periods. While this isn’t a common problem, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Many clinics offer private ultrasound scanning, which is an affordable and convenient way to get an ultrasound without having to make a doctor’s appointment. It can be beneficial if you don’t have a regular doctor or want to keep your medical records private.
Nonetheless, getting an ultrasound will provide you the peace of mind that there’s nothing wrong internally. Make sure you consider this option if it applies to your circumstances.
Gradually Re-Introduce Exercise
If you had a physically active vacation, it’s likely that you’ve let your exercise routine slide. You may have been too tired, busy, or simply uninterested in working out while away. That’s okay—but now that you’re back, it’s essential to re-introduce exercise into your daily life slowly.
Try easing back in with light cardio, like walking, swimming, or biking. Aim for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week, and gradually build up your strength and intensity as you feel more energized. This will help your body adjust to exercise without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
And if you didn’t get a chance to exercise while on vacation? Start with 10-minute chunks of walking every day and progress from there. In doing so, you’ll be able to get back into a healthy routine without having to push yourself too hard.
Be Wary of Unusual Symptoms
If you experience any unusual symptoms after your vacation, don’t ignore them. It could be something as simple as jet lag or food poisoning from a dodgy restaurant. But it could also be something more serious, like an infection or virus you picked up abroad.
If you start to feel off, visit your doctor and explain your symptoms. They will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and advice on how to treat it best. It’s also important to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol. Doing these things can help you get back to good health in no time.
Visit Your Dentist
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential nonetheless. After all, your mouth is full of bacteria—some of which are good and some of which are bad. If you neglect your oral hygiene while on vacation, harmful bacteria can take over, leading to cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
As soon as you get back from your trip, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist so he or she can give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning. The dentist may even suggest an antibacterial rinse to help clear away any remaining bacteria.
You can also take extra steps to prevent future issues. For instance, brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash regularly. Doing these things will help keep your mouth fresh and healthy.
Ultimately, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you’re healthy after your vacation. The tips outlined above will help you get back on the right track and prevent any health issues from popping up in the future. Although there are many more ways you can stay healthy, following these steps is a great start. By taking care of your health now, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits for years to come.
