Traveling to a country with extreme weather conditions, such as biting snowy winter or scorching desert heat, requires special physical preparation to keep the body healthy and comfortable. Drastic changes in temperature and environment can pose major challenges to the body's systems, including the risk of dehydration, hypothermia or hyperthermia, fatigue, and respiratory disorders.
Therefore, it is important for travelers to prepare themselves thoroughly before leaving, so that they can enjoy their trip and activities at their destination without experiencing any disruptive health problems.
Tips for Maintaining Prime Physical Condition
As a specialist in aviation medicine, I would like to share some practical and effective tips that you can apply to maintain optimal physical condition, so that your trip is not only enjoyable but also safe for your health.
1. Do a Pre-Travel Consultation
Before leaving, take the time to have a consultation with an aviation medicine specialist. This consultation aims to ensure that your body is in prime condition, prepare your body for extreme weather, and if there are accompanying illnesses, ensure that it is safe when visiting areas with extreme weather.
So if possible, the best time to consult is 2 weeks before departure. By knowing your overall health condition and the precautions that can be taken, you can plan your trip more calmly and safely.
2. Do Weather Acclimatization Gradually
So that the body is not shocked by extreme temperature changes, it is better to start getting used to it gradually. If possible, adjust the room temperature at home to the weather conditions of the destination, for example, lower the AC temperature little by little to prepare for the cold, or vice versa, use a fan and light clothing to adapt to hot weather.
In addition, it is recommended to routinely do activities or exercise gradually in an environment with temperatures that are starting to approach the conditions of the destination. By doing this acclimatization a few days before departure, your body will be more prepared to face the challenges of the weather at the destination.
3. Prepare your body's endurance
Preparing your immune system before going on vacation to a country with a different climate is very important so that you can enjoy your trip comfortably and stay healthy. A strong and adaptive body will help you deal with changes in temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions that may be challenging, so that the risk of health problems can be minimized during the vacation.
Some preparations that can be made are consuming a balanced nutritious diet, exercising regularly 3-4 times a week, getting quality rest and sleep, managing stress well, and ensuring that the body's fluid status is met by consuming at least 2 liters of mineral water/day.
4. Prepare Personal Needs Properly and Appropriately
Before traveling to areas with different weather and geographical conditions, it is important to make sure that all your personal needs are well prepared. One of the main things is to choose the right clothes that are suitable for the climate and characteristics of the destination environment, whether it is cold snowy, scorching hot, or tropical humidity.
Appropriate clothing not only makes you feel comfortable, but also helps the body adapt better to temperature changes and prevents the risk of health problems due to extreme weather.
Also, don't forget to bring the necessary medicines during the trip. Prepare your regular medicines that you usually take so that they are not disturbed by treatment while at the destination.
No less important, also provide a simple first aid kit so that you can be calmer in facing unexpected situations and maintain your health during your vacation.
5. Update Travel Vaccinations
Before embarking on a particular destination adventure, it is essential to ensure that your vaccination status is up to date with your travel needs. Travel vaccinations are not just a formality or administrative requirement, but a crucial step to protect the body from various diseases that may be present or spread in the destination area.
Each region has a different risk of disease, and proper and appropriate vaccination can be an effective shield so that you are not easily attacked by infectious diseases during your trip. By preparing the right and appropriate vaccination, you are not only maintaining your own health, but also playing a role in preventing the spread of diseases across countries. This will make your vacation or trip run more smoothly, comfortably, and of course safely.
Preparing your physical condition before going on vacation to a place with extreme weather is not just about fitness, but also involves thorough preparation so that the body is able to adapt to the challenges of a different environment. Do not underestimate the importance of a health check and consultation with an aviation medicine specialist, who can provide specific guidance according to your travel needs. With thorough preparation and proper medical support, your trip will not only be more comfortable and safe, but also provide an unforgettable vacation experience. Hope it is useful!
Article written by dr. Andyka Banyu Sutrisno, Sp.KP (Aviation Medicine Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital)