Planning a Holiday Cruise--Health Tips

Health Check

Before going on the high seas it's a good idea to consult with your physician about any persistent medical problem you've been treating. Your health care advisor may feel that your immune system is not strong enough to present a solid line of defense against possible cruise ship pathogens. He may advise not taking the trip or he may offer a pre-cruise regimen designed to bolster your immune system.

For years experienced travelers have sworn that taking daily doses of Pepto-Bismol for weeks prior to travel has proven effective against mild digestive disorders. Once again, consult your physician.

You Only Think You Know How To Wash Your Hands

Once aboard your cruise ship you can lower the risk of becoming infected and spreading an infection by simply washing your hands several times throughout the day. Most people wash their hands before eating, but how many think to wash their hands before sitting at the bar for that afternoon cocktail? Most people wash their hands after using the bathroom but how many wash their hands before brushing their teeth?.

After a busy day on deck wash your hands when you get back to your cabin. Also, wash your hands before and after engaging in any activity where surfaces are repeatedly touched by other passengers such as exercise and sports equipment.

To remove as many dangerous microbes as possible it’s recommended that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. That’s the approximate length of time it takes to recite, not sing, the alphabet. After washing your hands, though, don’t make the mistake of using your clean hands to turn off the running water. Leave it running until you finish drying your hands.

Dry your hands with a disposable paper towel. Using the electric air hand dryer can actually reinfect your hands. The dryers are not vented to the outside so the air that is pulled into the units is air from within the bathroom. That air can be a microbial soup of dangerous airborne particles. Once the air is drawn into the dryer it is heated then blown back onto your hands. All that washing for nothing.

Instead, use a paper towel but don’t throw the towel away just yet. It comes in handy for two other duties. First, use it to turn off the running water. Now, you don’t want to put your clean hands on the bathroom door so, use the towel to open the door. There’s usually a wastebasket near the door so you can use the towel to practice your jumpshot on the way out.

You may find carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitizing lotion beneficial for the times when standard handwashing is not possible.