Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Category: Travel & holiday

How the ocean affects your health

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

A cool, salty breeze on your skin, waves softly crashing over you and endless sand to squish your toes into…

There’s nothing quite like frolicking in the ocean to lift your spirits.

But, did you know that taking a dip also has health benefits? Years ago, ancient Greeks bathed in seawater to boost their health, and so can you! Here are some great reasons to dive on in.

It heals your skin

Unlike a river, seawater has large amounts of important minerals like calcium, chloride, sodium, sulphate and magnesium. These minerals are little health helpers for skin and can help clear up conditions like psoriasis and eczema. When you’re swimming in the ocean, your skin is also exposed to the sun. When the mineral salts team up with Vitamin D from the sun, your skin can regenerate itself more easily.

You’ll breathe easier

If you suffer from asthma, a severe cough or phlegm, swimming in the ocean and breathing in the ocean breeze can help. The salt water from the ocean helps rinse out your airways and gets rid of toxins and other substances that attack your lungs and makes breathing more difficult.

Dip to destress

Seawater is full of magnesium; an important mineral that can help calm you. Besides magnesium, plunging into cold water gives you a rush of adrenaline and releases dopamine, the feel-good hormone. This combination can help keep you happy. What’s more, the ocean’s relaxing atmosphere and the weightlessness of the water makes it a great place to meditate and relax.

It boosts your immune system

Blood cells; particularly white blood cells, act as soldiers to guard your body against intruders like viruses and bacteria. A dip in the ocean – specifically cold water – increases the number of both red and white blood cells in your body. This means seawater is a great way to help a weakened immune system gain back its strength.

Your hay fever and sinus symptoms will decrease

Saline (salt) solutions are often used to treat symptoms of sinus and hay fever by flushing out the nasal cavity. They help by reducing inflammation and clearing any infection of the sinuses. Swimming in the ocean and being exposed to a salty environment like the beach offer the same positive effects.

It can help with aches and pains

If you suffer from chronic pain, doing your workout in the ocean or near it is a good choice. In water, there isn’t the same strain and impact that there is on land. As exercising in water makes moving and stretching easier, it also helps with muscle pain and arthritis.

You’ll sleep better

Whether you choose to swim in the ocean or take a walk along the beach, you will be tired out because of the effort of exertion. The exercise combined with the lulling sound of the ocean’s waves can help you to sleep more soundly at night.

References:

Side-step these 5 travel health-risks

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, these 5 bugs can ruin both. So, if you don’t want to spend you trip staring at the hotel or hospital ceiling, pack your first aid kit and these top tips!

Common travel illnesses:

Travel flu

There you are on your cruise and you come down with the flu – not ideal, but very common in a different country. And you don’t have to be surrounded by sick people to pick up a nasty bug: your immune system may be geared up for home, but foreign bugs often require a different immune system to ward off.

Before you set off on your trip, then, check the flu activity levels at your destination. Make sure you’re up to date with your vaccine. Wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitiser as a back-up, and disinfect your utensils before use. It’s a good idea to pack your antiviral medication as you may not be able to get flu meds over the counter. If you are unlucky enough to come down with the flu while travelling, the best treatment is bedrest and fluids. Don’t try to ‘push through’: it will only make things worse, downgrading you from that 4-star resort to a 3-bed hospital ward.

Diarrhoea

This common condition, typically brought on by new food, drink or a dodgy water supply in the country you’re visiting. High-risk destinations include Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa – but really, you can get it in a fancy five-star restaurant too. It all boils down to contaminated water and food.

To prevent diarrhoea, avoid raw fruit and vegetables, be circumspect about eating street food, and drink bottled water only. In countries that advise against tap water, it is also a good idea to avoid ice in your drinks – as the ice is often not made from filtered water. To prepare for the worst, pack your trusted diarrhoea medication, and book the room with a toilet seat warmer – just in case.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted mainly by mosquitoes. It can lead to serious illness and even death. It’s called “yellow fever” because in some serious cases the skin turns yellow (jaundice).

Avoid this dangerous infection by getting vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and highly effective and immunity occurs within a week in 95% of people. This immunity lasts for a minimum of 10 years. Always check if your destination is a high-risk area and get jabbed in time!

Malaria

More mosquito madness – malaria is a well-known health issue, especially for us in Africa, and it can also be life-threatening. It’s transmitted to humans through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. Once you’re bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasites multiply and begin to destroy your red blood cells. Symptoms include shivering, fever, headaches, vomitting and fatigue.

Unfortunately, there’s no malaria vaccine yet, and the best protection is to not get bitten. Stock up on anti-malarial medication before you leave, lather up on the mosquito repellant and wear long-sleeved clothing. If your accommodation doesn’t include mosquito nets, be sure to pack one to drape over your bed.

Ebola virus

This rare disease is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person, and can cause the infected person to bleed out of multiple orifices. You can also get it from contact with a contaminated object or an infected animal.

If you’re going on a safari trip, or anywhere where you plan on contact with animals (monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas), it’s a good idea to chat to your doctor about your risk. There’s no vaccine for Ebola yet, so take precautions to not handle items that may have been infected. Don’t eat or handle raw or undercooked meat or any bush meat, and make sure you wash your hands regularly.

References

How to start the New Year refreshed & ready

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

The end of the year is slowly creeping up on us. You can’t seem to get everything done quickly enough. Yet, you know that after a whirlwind of festivities and summer holidays, you might not be fully ready for the new year.

We’re here to help! Here’s how to restore your body and mind during the holiday season.

1. Postpone big projects

If you had big plans to redecorate, or finish mountain of admin, it’s time to accept that the holiday season may not be the best time for these big projects. Schedule this for January and ease into the end of the year.

2. Consider a “staycation”

Don’t be bleak if your budget doesn’t stretch to a beach holiday this year. Use this time to relax and unwind, without the stress of traveling. You may just find some amazing activities right in your hometown, and – unless you live in a popular holiday destination – the shops are quieter, traffic is a breeze, and you can wake up at any time of the day and laze around without deadlines. Use this time to explore new places around your city, browse those markets you’ve wanted to check out the whole year, or finally go for a hike. Your home could be your best vacation yet.

3. Do a life audit

Reflect on the past year. Look at the goals you’ve achieved, think back to happy moments and reflect on things you could have done differently. This will give you some energy for the year ahead.

4. Stick to your budget

Many of us go into January knee-deep in debt and spend the whole month waiting for payday. Draw up a budget for the holidays, and do your best to stick to it! Unplanned coffee dates and outings can quickly add up to a ridiculous amount and swiping your credit card can pile on debt.

5. Get enough rest

You might be tempted to fill in your leave days with loads of activities and outings. This is fine, but make time to rest. Enjoy unhurried days of doing little, or just nap on a lazy summer afternoon. You’ve worked the whole year for this bit of rest.

6. Don’t be afraid to get professional help

If the past year has been overwhelming, don’t overlook the value of seeing a psychologist or counsellor to talk things out. You don’t have to be depressed, or mentally ill to benefit- they can give you valuable tips on stress management for the year ahead.

7. Give a little

The holiday season may often feel materialistic. Now is the perfect time to give back. Offer your services as a volunteer for a community project, or collect unused clothes or home items to donate to an organisation in your area.

8. Get a head-start on work

We’re not saying you should start tackling all your work right this moment. But there are some things you can do to ensure that you come back to a fresh start. Tidy up your desk, get rid of clutter, answer urgent emails and tie up loose ends before you leave for the holiday. Make a quick to-do list then prioritise the important jobs for when you get back. That way, you won’t feel aimless or overwhelmed when you get back.

9. Be good to YOU

You might feel obligated to spend as much energy as possible entertaining your children, spending time with your partner or tending to visiting family members. But to ensure that you enter 2018 feeling refreshed, it’s important to create some self-care rituals too. Pamper yourself with a face mask or a manicure, listen to your favourite music, steal some time to read a book and don’t feel guilty if you want to zone out.

10. Let go of grudges

Whether you have unresolved issues with a family member or still feel angry about something unfair, now is the time to let it go. Holding on to grudges will only continue a vicious cycle of negative feelings, which will hold you back from growth during the new year.

11. Laugh from your belly

Whether you’re howling at the antics of your children or pets, or indulging in a marathon watch of your favourite comedy, don’t forget to laugh. Laughter eases stress and is excellent for blood pressure, studies have proven.

12. Hide that laptop

You will never truly switch off if you don’t literally… well… switch off. Don’t talk or think about work and don’t peek at your inbox. You’re on leave, after all!

References:

Don’t get bitten by these little beach-monsters

October 10th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Mosquitoes aren’t the only critters that can turn your beachy holiday into an itchy nightmare. Sand fleas are another pesky pest to keep an eye out for.

Sand fleas are found in beaches along coastal areas and in marshes. These buggers are often mistaken for insects, which they’re not. In fact, they’re not even fleas – they are actually crustaceans: like the crab, lobster and shrimp. Sand fleas get their name because their bites and after-effects are similar to that of a flea.

Sand fleas vary in size. They can be small like a dot of ground pepper or grow to about the size of a rice grain to something bigger. Despite their size, a bite from one of these monsters can leave you with a large, itchy welt or rash that can persist for days.

There are two types of sand flea bites:

  • The first one looks like a mosquito bite and happens when the flea feeds on your blood. This bite can irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
  • The second is caused by breeding female sand fleas. The fleas burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Swollen areas with black spots in the middle are a telltale sign of this type of bite. You may experience fever, pain and infections in the area.

Sand fleas typically bite the feet, ankles and legs because they are closest to the ground.

Banish the buggers

  • Don’t scratch the bites. This will just increase your chance of getting infections.
  • Check the bites for breeding. Sand fleas can live under your skin and live from your blood for weeks. Like the mini-vampires of the sea! If you suspect the little critter is still there, it’s best to visit your doctor to get proper treatment.
  • Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on the bites to help soothe and calm the itching and swelling. Baking soda mixed with water may also help. Just put it on the affected area and let it work. Aloe vera in a gel or lotion form is also great for all kinds of wounds and has a soothing effect on sand flea bites. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil may also help get rid of discomfort.
  • Try soaking in an oatmeal bath to curb the itching.
  • Take painkillers to help ease the pain and swelling.

If this doesn’t help, the symptoms get worse or you notice signs of breeding, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Avoid the bite

Prevention is better than cure.

  • Stay away from the beach early in the morning and late at night, or after it’s been raining. Sand fleas tend to be more aggressive when the air is cool and moist. The best time to visit the beach is in the middle of the day. However, this is the worst time for sunburn, so remember that sunscreen!
  • Bring a towel or blanket to act as a barrier between you and the fleas. This will protect the back of your legs and ankles from being bitten.

References:

How to avoid getting sick while traveling

May 17th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Love to travel, but afraid you may get sick en route? Don’t be. Enjoy the journey with these tips.

Taking the train

  1. Sit face forward. When you’re seated against the direction of travel, you could have motion sickness. Motion sickness is when one part of your balance-sensing system (your inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves) sense that your body is moving, but the other parts don’t. This can cause you to feel dizzy or nauseous. If all the forward-facing seats are taken, ask someone to swap with you. You can also ask the train conductor for help.
  2. Look ahead. Try to look forward along the length of the train as much as possible. It may also help if you close your eyes and try to move with the motion of the train. Just be careful you don’t miss your stop!
  3. Stay in your seat. Walking through and between the carriages can bring on nausea. Stay seated until you reach your destination.
  4. Open a window. Fresh air can keep sickness at bay. You can also stand by the train doors at station stops for a bit of fresh air.
  5. Tune out. Plug in your headphones and listen to some soothing music. This may help take your mind off getting sick.

If you become nauseous and can’t bear to stay in your seat, get off at the next station and wait for the next train to arrive. Hopefully you’ll feel better by then.

Boarding a bus

  1. Sit right in front, as close to the driver as possible. Engine fumes are the worst at the back of the bus, and may cause nausea.
  2. Watch your gaze. Stay seated face forward, looking out through the front windshield. Follow the route with your eyes, anticipating any bends and bus stops in the road.
  3. Have a mint. When you feel ill, suck on a mint candy or chew a piece of mint gum. Mint naturally soothes the stomach and helps relieve symptoms of nausea.
  4. Air it out. Open a nearby window, if possible. If the bus has air vents, turn it to direct the air onto your face.
  5. Don’t read. Reading may trigger sickness.

Keep a paper bag handy for when you simply can’t control your nausea and need to vomit.

Flying

  1. Sit near the front. The back of the plane gives the bumpiest ride. Book a seat towards the front. If you couldn’t manage to get a front seat, ask someone to switch or get the airline staff to help.
  2. Drink up. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times, and sip it regularly. Make use of the drinks service. Order cold drinks like ginger ale or tonic water. Ginger can help stop nausea, and tonic water can fight stomach pain, cramps and dizziness. Skip the alcohol and drinks with caffeine as these will just dehydrate you further and make you feel worse.
  3. Wear comfortable clothes. Anything constricting, especially around the throat or waist may make you feel uncomfortable. Go for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable material like cotton.
  4. Rest up. Get enough sleep before and during your flight. Put your head against the headrest and use the footrest to help you settle and relax. Being tired, stressed or anxious can lead to air sickness.
  5. Bring snacks. Airline food isn’t always the best. In case you can’t stand anything the airline serves, bring your own nibbles on board.

If you aren’t feeling well, don’t panic. There should be air waste bags and paper towels on hand for cleaning up. If all else fails, ask the airline staff to help. They are usually obliging and sympathetic.

For more info on why you get motion sickness, see: Why do I get motion sickness?

References:

10 ways to prep for festival season

October 19th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether you’re into ground-vibrating trance music or soulful jazz, festival season has something for everyone.  To enjoy it to its full potential, keep your health in check for the party ahead.

1. Stay hydrated

You may think booze in paper cups and the occasional caffeine run will be enough to keep you going on your festival weekend, but water will keep you buzzing more than any beer can. Dehydration causes dizziness, headaches and in some cases, loss of consciousness, so if you want to continue jumping around to your favourite tunes without a hiccough, pack plenty of water and suss out the closest water stops.

2. Fuel up

The food that you eat amounts to the total of energy you will have for your fun weekend ahead, so munch wisely. Bring your own food options along to ensure that your digestion and energy levels are kept in check. Great options are nuts, oats and dried fruit. Tinned foods are great because they come with a container to eat from. Use cooler bags to pack in fruits, veggies and other fresh foods.

3. Catch some Zs

You might feel vibrant and alive while you’re belting it out with everyone else to that song that touches your soul but if you don’t get enough sleep you’ll be burnt out before the next track. Bring along earplugs to ensure that you can grab a few hours of sleep to reboot for the next jam session and resist the temptation to party all night long.

4. Grab some shade

Everyone loves a golden summer tan, but getting roasted is not the best idea. Bring along a good hat, sunscreen and appropriate clothes for different heat levels. Besides sunburn, you should also keep the danger of heat stroke in mind, so keep a hat or umbrella close at all times.

5. Pop your pills

It’s easy to forget to take your prescription pills in between partying, so set up schedules for yourself to follow.  Set an alarm, write it on your arm or ask your friends to remind you.

6. Watch the booze

You can have great time without alcohol, but if you want a drink, try to limit yourself.  Excessive drinking of alcohol and caffeine may increase your anxiety levels and dehydration – not what you want at a festival!

7. Stay regular

Your favourite feel-good jams are playing and the atmosphere is magical, as everyone sways their arms in the air. You would be having the time of your life, if you weren’t suffering from indigestion, courtesy of that oily burger you had for lunch, as well as standing in bathroom queues. Snack on prunes and chia seeds, drink apple and orange juice and use the bathroom when you need to, to keep your tummy happy.

8. Take a break

Being in a crowd full of people, with loud music and incessant excitement can be draining for most people. Be sure to sneak in a break between the partying. Sit alone under a tree, take a nap in your tent or lay on the grass and cloud gaze.

9. Make friends

If your friends aren’t into the festival scene, strike up a conversation with some of your fellow music enthusiasts to make a festival buddy. Making friends will not only mean your experience is more enjoyable, but if anything happens concerning your health or safety, you are better off in numbers.

10. Map it out

Before you start your music adventure, study your surroundings. Research the available food stands, find the bathrooms, performance areas and spots for tents. Use a map if it is available or walk around to form a map in your head.

Worried about the signs of skin cancer? Log in about the signs and symptoms, and how to prevent it. If you’re not a member yet, why not sign up now? Our doctors are available around the clock, with advice you can trust!

References:
http://thechalkboardmag.com/how-to-stay-healthy-at-a-festival
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/beauty/health/2016/04/14/festival-season-health-guide/http://www.gigwise.com/features/91179/15-ways-to-physically-and-mentally-prepare-for-festival-season

Don’t drive over the Easter Bunny!

March 26th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

The season of chocolate bunnies and long weekends is coming at us at high speed. Can you believe it’s Easter already? Fun times await us, and to make sure that feel good chocolatey love carries on, we thought it’s time to give you some advice.

Over the years, the festive seasons have always been a lightning rod for road accidents, but we don’t want that this year. Would you rather sit with your family and hunt Easter eggs or wake up in an emergency ward? It’s a no-brainer. Continue reading “Don’t drive over the Easter Bunny!”

How to keep that summer holiday feeling!

January 15th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language” – Henry James

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to keep that holiday euphoria going? One day back at work and it seems like a distant memory! Let’s look at exactly what it is about holidays that makes us feel so good, and then see how we can keep that feeling going for the rest of the year:

Continue reading “How to keep that summer holiday feeling!”

Have a merry, healthy Christmas

December 4th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Christmas is a time filled with fun, family and of course, food. Take a minute and think about how much you ate last year at Christmas lunch – did you have to undo a notch on your belt? How were you feeling getting ready for Christmas day? Stressed? Here are a few ways to make sure you have a wonderful, healthy Christmas! Continue reading “Have a merry, healthy Christmas”

Keep your holiday happy

November 30th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

For many, the holiday season is not the traditional fun family gatherings, complemented with delicious festive food. Perhaps your family get-togethers end up in screaming matches – we know this is tough and depressing, but we’re here to help you demolish depression. Here are some great ways for you to enjoy the holiday season. Continue reading “Keep your holiday happy”

Hello Doctor Services Terms & Conditions

Hello Doctor is part of Momentum Health Solutions (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited.

Legal and Compliance Security and Fraud Terms and Conditions Access to information Privacy Policy