Healthy and Safe All Souls’ Day

A trip to the province is a tradition to many Filipinos on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. To those who are lehitimong Manilenyo (legitimate Manilans) road, air, and sea travel to provincial destinations are often scheduled on these two significant holidays of the “ber” months. Here are some tips for a safe Halloween vacation.

For older travelers

Older people have the risk of getting ill while traveling. The Center for Disease Control in the United States, however, claim that the risk of serious illness and death is the same, or even less, in older people who are traveling, than staying at home. If you are bracketed as a “senior traveler,” consider these:

See your doctor for a check-up and discuss your fitness for the trip you are planning. Ask for advice if you need pneumonia and influenza (flu) vaccine.

See your dentist and optometrist.

Pack any medications you need. Bring a small medical kit. Include a spare pair of glasses in your kit.

If you’re going to travel abroad or by air or sea, get a travel insurance with your pre-existing illness covered.

Travel light. Consider your back and joints. Use luggage with wheels.

Don’t forget your hat. Light clothes for hot weather and a sweater to brace you from the cold.

If you have problems with mobility, take an organized or packaged tour.

Healthy tips for camping and picnics

Meat, eggs, fish, milk and precooked foods are the ones that get spoiled easily during long road trips. Keep them as cold as necessary. Pick the coolest cooler. The best coolers are the ones that are airtight. Put in blocks of ice to keep the drinks and food fresh when you reach your destination.

Prepare perishable foods at home.

Bring a box-full of bottled water if you’re traveling with your family. Don’t ever think that you’re used to drinking from the tap as a kid growing up in the province. Don’t take the chance as diarrhea can spoil your vacation.

Local foods and delicacies are tempting. If you’re not sure about them, just buy them for pasalubong (give-away).

Trick-or-treating

Children should not be allowed to trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups. Don’t allow them to enter homes without a trusted adult.

Let them wear reflective costumes. Bring a flashlight if you’re treat-or-treating at night.

Examine all treats. Eat only factory-wrapped candies and treats.