The Travel Clinic: General advice to business travellers
Business travel usually refers to those going on short trips and usually (but not always so) involves staying in good standard accommodation. Good preparation for a business trip leads to less stress, is better for your health, and it is also a sign of an organised and alert mind.
The businessperson who is able to think ahead and prepare well for a trip benefits both themselves and the company they represent positively. Allow yourself time to adjust on reaching your destination, especially if you are flying across time zones.
If you travel frequently, it is advisable to have a regular checkup. Checking your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels is always good practice.
Allow plenty of time to prepare
Make a schedule of the intended trip. It helps to have a checklist in your scheduler of items needed for the trip. Start as early as possible.(Dont forget your toothbrush). With proper pre-travel planning, you will be mentally and pyschologically prepared to deal with stresses of frequent travel.
Have your Flight plans and all necessary details in writing (seperate from your phone organizer) eg hotel address and booking code, important phone numbers etc. Get information on the area you are visiting, for example Brazil were there are recurring outbreaks of Dengue fever which you can protect yourself from with the proper advice.
Getting your visa early and awareness of local laws and culture is usually helpful. Plan to visit your family Doctor or Travel Clinic nearby to discuss your travel health needs. If vaccinations are compulsory for your destination, your vaccine card should be attached to your passport if possible so as not to loose it. (Rubber band or staple)
Dealing with Fears
Any fears you might have in regard to travel, at your destination, on route or with regards to loved ones being left behind ideally should be sorted out at home in a relaxed and calm environment.
Stomach Upsets and Diarrhea
These are very common. Contaminated food and water is a major cause of illness and care is especially important when eating out and in countries where local hygiene is poor but also be carefull in developed countries were you can also get diorrehea eg the Noroviruse (Winter Viruse). Certain spices or oils in food as well as alcohol can also lead to stomach upsets. You should consider taking an anti-diarrhoeal preparation with you.
Sunburn
This is possible for fair skinned Nigerians and is preventable. Limit your exposure and cover up especially aroud noon when the sun is at its greatest intensity. Suncream may be neccesary in some cases depending on activity.
Accidents
Unfamiliar surroundings and alcohol consumption often result in accidents. Sharp objects and discarded glass on beaches can injure your feet. Take special care crossing roads and beware of sea currents when at the beach.
Jet Lag and Tiredness
A recent study in the USA indicated that performance can be lowered by as much as 20 percent when travelling across time zones. Rest before travel is necessary for optimum performance and limiting activities on arrival will help. These problems may be underestimated and affect business efficacy. Some medications exist that can aid you if necessary. Consult your Doctor. If on regular medication, such as diabetic drugs, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local time. Exercise has been proven to improve productivity, so get active on arrival as soon as possible. If your need also take short naps. It will help refresh you.
Loneliness
Cultural differences, family problems at home or losing touch with head office can cause anxiety. Many of these difficulties can be overcome with experience and sympathetic support from family and friends. Personnel and occupational health departments should take this into account.
Unsafe sex
Casual sex and failure to use a condom with new partners, particularly with professional sex workers, puts you at risk of serious infections including HIV/AIDS.
Culture Shock
This is a very real problem even for short-term travellers. Family or social problems at home and psychological problems, including alcoholism make adapting to a new and different culture difficult. Maintaining contact with family and friends may also be complicated because time differences between continents may cause communication difficulties. A situation that is exciting and welcome to one person may be daunting to another. Problems encountered may include adjusting to a different climate, religious and cultural differences, changes in living standards and different social amenities. Other problems such as language differences, coming to terms with poverty and begging, and compulsory movement restrictions for safety or political reasons. Being patient rather than critical is helpfull.
To be continued next week Friday.
Ade Alakija, medical director Q-Life Family Clinic,
Plot 155A Prince Ade Odedina St,
Victoria Island, Lagos,
Nigeria. 101244
Tel: 234-1-6290365, 234-8099742000
Private Tel: +234 (0) 8022525452
Email: adealakija@hotmail.com
Website: www.qlifefamilyclinic.com
Dr. Ade Alakija