healthy travel tips

Hello again, I am reposting this, as I do each year as the information remains valid and, if followed, may allow a more pleasant and healthy visit. While some are endowed with an iron constitution allowing them “to eat anything and never get sick” this is for those who may not be so blessed. On our last few trips to Mexico, the latest for three months a couple years ago, we enjoyed excellent health. Part of the reason for this, I believe is that a week prior to departing we took an acidophilus pill daily and continued to do so during our visit. The theory is that acidophilus is probiotic and develops healthy bacteria in your intestines, enabling one to resist the foreign bacteria one’s system is not used to. Along with normal precautions, its use enabled us to refrain from, not so enlightening conversations concerning the solidity of one's bowel movements. We also found charcoal capsules to be excellent relief for stomach or intestinal discomfort. The theory is that the charcoal filters out poisons. Once, in Puerto Escondido, my wife gave a couple to a young woman we had met who, one morning, had that look of "let me die now, lord", on her face and by late afternoon felt a rum and coke. would be "just fine now, thanks". A true testimonial! Anyway, these two items, acidophilius and charcoal capsules can be found at most health food stores. Hope this is helpful. Sending with our best wishes for your wonderful and safe time. Happy Holidays. In the past, others have kindly added other helpful suggestions for good health precautions. Please do so, again.

I haven't tried the acidophilus but have some of my own observations to add.

Travel sickness is not unusual when visiting new faraway places. But it seems to only take a visit or two to build up resistance to the local bugs. So if you get sick you can at least take comfort in knowing that resistance-building is underway and your next visits should be less problematic.

I've also found that a short 1-week visit will often result in the illness (if any) not becoming active until your return home, where you'll at least have your own bed and bathroom. :-)

Tom Penick "tomzap"
tom@tomzap.com

ten years never a problem , wash what you eat ,water is cheap . love puerto .

2 years ago, we were in Mexico 4 times one winter, all over the Tomzap Empire. First 3 trips I was not effected, running to bathroom, the corner store for yogurt. The 4th trip, I am convinced my 14 yr. old daughter and I got the bug from the pool at the house we rented in Bucerias for 3 weeks. I have never been so ill, wanting to die, at times. My daughter actually collapsed, and I didn't have the strength to catch her, so we both ended up in a heap. My wife soaked her legs in the pool, but never got a mouthful, as my daughter and I did. I was actually getting alarmed. The landlord came by one afternoon, and took my wife to the local Pharmacia, and bought TREDA. He told me, within 6 hours, you won't be perfect, but should be able to keep toast and milk down. Nothing stayed put, and it is awful.
Needless to say, I have a bottle of TREDA with me, whenever I travel. Must buy a susitcase full, next trip.
Tip, Don't trust swimming pools, even though they appear pristine. Don't trust any beach, especailly Barra, Melaque, Tenactita, Manzanilla, either. In other words keep your gob shut.
One more thing, we always soak our fresh fruit and veggies in about 4 drops of Iodine, in 2 quarts of water, then a bottled water rinse. This is why I am convinced it was the pool.
Horrible illness, dehydrating, but nothing stays in or down. SO for those that say they have never been ill, I say, BUNK, or they see Mexico sitting in a bar, treating the mouthpiece on their Pacifico with a limon rubbed all over the mouthpiece. Bunk is the key word!