Difference between revisions of "Health"

From Hitchwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
m
Line 29: Line 29:
  
 
[[es:Portal:Salud]]
 
[[es:Portal:Salud]]
 +
[[tr:Sağlık]]

Revision as of 22:14, 9 March 2010

When hitchhiking specific health issues can occur. The most dangerous thing is when your driver is involved in an car accident. Therefore it is a good idea to find a driver who is not drunken, not sleepy and is not going too fast. Also read the safety article.

Immunizations

Depending on the country you are travelling in, specific immunizations can be required. Inform yourself before heading to foreign countries. Some immunizations can make sense anyway (even if you are not hitchhiking).

Hygiene

Most sicknesses, especially diarrhoea, can be prevented with a good hygiene.

If you are not sure about the water situation in a foreign (especially in a poor) country, then don't drink water from the tap. Only drink bottled water or cook, disinfect or filter the water before use. Also for brushing teeth and doing the dishes use only drinking water.

It is important to cook, peal or disinfect food. Don't let flies or insects come to your food. Before eating, wash your hands with soap. Wash your hands as often as possible, but always after the use of a toilet. Try to use disposable towels.

Insurance

A health insurance for foreign countries can safe you a lot of trouble. Consider a health insurance which includes a transport back home in an emergency case.

Drugs and Alcohol

Don't drink alcohol or consume drugs while hitchhiking.

Other issues

  • Diesel fumes and other vapors from fuel, especially at gas stations.
  • Dust, in desert areas and alongside many roads.
  • Smoke from the cigarettes your drivers smoke. This is negligible if you smoke yourself of course, though it's also harder to quit smoking when you hitchhike a lot.
  • Sunstrokes can occur if one can't take shelter in the shades.
  • Through sweating your body looses water and minerals. It's a good idea to drink a lot of water to compensate for dehydration. Don't forget to restore your mineral levels, too.

Also don't overestimate these issues. Truck drivers have to deal with diesel fumes most of the time.