Business Travel Health

Business Travel is an important aspect of our twenty first century lifestyle. More and more business associates are venturing abroad to visit like-minded professionals all over the world. Not only does it usually help with business contacts and profits, but it is also a good opportunity for the traveller to experience different corners of the globe they may not normally travel to.

From the corporate Business Traveller to the low budget sole trader, health shows no respect for status or expensive accounts! All business travellers should ensure their health is at it’s peak and take precautions when travelling abroad.

Make sure all vaccinations are planned and pre arranged well before the due date, the stress of leaving these to the last minute will mean you won’t be free to enjoy the build up to your holiday. Speak with your GP about your destination, and book any immunisations or follow up boosters that you may require. Try to avoid taking young children to areas where serious diseases are endemic. This means where they are constantly present, at low levels, as children are much more susceptible to picking up illnesses.

Jet lag is more commonly found after long haul flights, normally over 6 hours, and where the destination has a differing time zone to the departure country.

Reducing Jet Lag

Make sure you have plenty of sleep before your departure to compensate for any lack of sleep the body may experience once you arrive. You should also try to relax and unwind as much as possible during your journey, perhaps have a nap if possible. It would be beneficial if you can plan your landing time so it is close to bed time, so that once you land and check in, you can head straight to bed to adjust and recuperate. By the next day, you should be feeling much better and refreshed. If you are able to plan your itinerary like this, allow time upon arrival for adjustment. For example, don’t make any important plans immediately after landing. If you must keep an appointment while away, make sure you give yourself at least two full days to recover. For those with important schedules and meetings it would be worth discussing with your doctor the possible benefits of a mild sleeping tablet for 2-3 days whilst you adjust.

Some people also advise changing your watch or phone times to destination time when you get onto the plane. However, make sure you do not do this if you need to take medication at regular intervals as you may become confused. Exposure to natural light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust, as is eating local meals and gentle activity after landing.