Whether you’re traveling home for Eid-ul-Fitr next week or heading off on your next adventure to finish Ramadan in a tourist destination where the Eid vibe is high, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety during travel. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel Mumbai shared, “One of the simplest yet often overlooked tips is to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and other health problems, so be sure to carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids. Also, don’t forget to pack a small first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
With the rise of global travel, it is essential to take proper precautions to prevent illnesses such as food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea. Dr. Manjusha Agarwal advised, “When dining out, choose freshly prepared foods and avoid street vendors with questionable hygiene practices. Be careful of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap is not available. Avoid touching your face to reduce the risk of transmitting germs. Keep important documents in a safe place and beware of fraud or pickpocketing. Finally, don’t forget about mental health – practice mindfulness or meditation techniques in times of stress or anxiety while on the go. Prioritizing both physical and mental well-being will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without compromising your health.”
Dr Nidhi M Kamath, general consultant at Ramakrishna Hospitals Jayanagar in Bangalore said, “During the holy month of Ramadan most of our diabetic patients would like to fast according to their religious beliefs, it is also a month when most of them would wanted to meet and greet a lot of people, which involved traveling and organizing elaborate meals. Go for a full health check-up 3 months before the holy month to understand their health status, they should also maintain strict blood sugar control at least 3 months before the fasting period, for optimal good health during the month and to qualify for fasting . Patients are also sensitive to major changes in the timing of the anti-diabetic drugs they take, insulins are also determined according to the timing of meals.
Warning them not to overeat during the feeding period, ie. early morning and evening, Dr Nidhi said: “Because they cannot eat small meals throughout the day, they should be advised to choose complex carbohydrates such as brown rice or millet during the eating window, they should be asked include protein-rich meals and lower-fat foods during the eating window to maintain stable blood sugar levels and correspondingly adequate satiety, avoiding both high peaks and dips in blood sugar levels during the window of starvation. While travelling, you should remember to carry your usual medicines, insulin should be carried in a suitable cold chain to avoid its degradation. It is recommended that you meet with your GP before traveling and find out the timing of administration of short-acting and long-acting insulin, especially when patients are traveling abroad, to adjust to new time zones. Since Ramadan is in the summer season this year, hydration with water and foods rich in water content should be consumed.
We wish our readers a healthy and happy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr!
