In Touch
The next time you feel anxiety while travelling, or experience popping ears and sinus congestion from an altitude change, look for the relief available at your fingertips.
Giselle Jenereaux, a certified reflexologist and yoga instructor based in Burk’s Falls, Ont., gives some pointers.
Stress: Relax the hand, palm up, letting the fingers cup. Lightly rub the centre of the palm in a slow rotating motion. This technique targets the centre of the abdomen, where tension is held.
Sinus: With your palm facing you, use your index finger and thumb to rub each finger from the base to the tip. This technique stimulates the sinuses and gets the circulation moving.
Health Check
Wherever your travels lead you, protecting your health should be No. 1 on your to-do list.
According to Dr. Jay Keystone, the director of International Health Programs at the University of Toronto, travellers should identify the kind of vacation they are going on. If it’s a standard tropical vacation to the Caribbean, it is relatively low risk in tourist areas, and the traveller should visit a physician for health advice. If it’s a more exotic vacation, such as Africa or India, a visit to a travel clinic is in order.
“The three pillars of travel medicine are immunization, ways to manage malaria and ways to prevent traveller’s diarrhea,” says Dr. Keystone. “Any traveller going to a developing country should have Hepatitis A and B vaccines and an update of their routine Canadian immunizations, such as tetanus and diphtheria, which are needed every 10 years.”
Many travellers don’t realize that Hepatitis A can be contracted through food and water. Hepatitis B can be contracted through an unsterile syringe, which travellers may encounter if in an emergency in a developing country. Consult a physician at least one month before your departure.
Getting Your Sea Legs
Don’t let the fear of motion sickness deter you from going on a cruise. Smoother sailing can be achieved by
+ requesting a room close to the centre of the ship;
+ getting as much fresh air as possible; and
+ focusing on the horizon to keep your sense of balance.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, motion sickness will often subside after two to three days. Many CAA locations carry products to help alleviate motion sickness.
Flight Ability
Having a physical disability does not have to limit your travels.
A little extra preparation can ensure that your trips run smoothly. When booking a flight, ask as many questions as possible and make your needs known at that time. According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, carriers must ensure that reasonable arrangements are made when given at least 48 hours’ notice. Once these are affirmed, ask for written confirmation. Some airlines vary their levels of service depending on the size of the plane. Many airlines will assist wheelchair users in transferring to and from their seats. If travelling with a service animal, check the airline’s policy and always bring your animal’s training certification with you. Visually impaired passengers can ask the flight staff for briefing cards in large print or braille. Always check the airline’s special needs policy before booking your flight.
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