Travel Health Measures in Different Areas

I. Snow blindness
When traveling in the snow, the white snow strongly reflects ultraviolet radiation.  Strong UV lights going into the eyes will trigger photochemical reactions.  If ignored, after 6-8 hours, your eyes will become photophobia, tearing, and have foreign body sensation.  You won't be able to open your eyes and will feel burning in the eyes.  This symptom is called snow blindness, or UV keratitis.  

1. Precautions
You may wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.  Yellow-green lenses are the best.

2. Contingency measures
Human milk or household milk may be applied temporarily while in the field, because the proteins in the milk can form a protective film in the eyes and ease the pain.  Then put a cold towel on the eyes.  After 24 hours, your eyes will feel better.  

II. Altitude reaction
At an altitude of 3,000 meters or above, because of the thin air, reduced atmospheric pressure, huge temperature difference between day and night, strong UV radiation and other reasons, one will have a series of issues including dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, and indigestion. 

1. Precautions 
Before the trip, the traveler should take a physical examination to determine if she/he is suitable for traveling in the highland.  The traveler should also do more climbing, running and other activities routinely to increase lung capacity. 

2. Contingency measures
Drink more local beverages that prevent high altitude syndrome (e.g., Mate), and eat more high-sugar, high-protein food.  Do not smoke or drink alcohol.  These will help you to adapt to the hypoxic environment. 

III. Illness prevention in long-distance hiking
1. Precautions
Travelers often need to take a long hike.  If this causes injury to the leg muscles and ligaments, or even blisters, it will be very disappointing.  So look for travel shoes with good permeability, hard heel, soft and elastic sole, and a proper space left at the toes beforehand. 

2. Contingency measures
Do not take flat roads, but take the rugged side trails.  In this way, the points of contact between the sole and the ground will be constantly changing and your body won't feel tired.  After a day's walking, soak your feet in hot water to eliminate fatigue and restore strength. 

IV. Overcoming discomfort during flight 
Aircraft flight is smooth and comfortable, so few people have airsickness.  However, those who travel by air for the first are often nervous, and during landing, takeoff and flying at high altitude, some other illnesses may occur.  Therefore, it is very important to take precautions beforehand. 

1. Precautions 
Patients with bleeding encephalopathy should never take a flight.  Patients with severe concussion should be accompanied by a physician.  Patients with vascular sclerosis may take a small amount of sedatives before taking the flight. 

2. Contingency measures
The illness that occurs most frequently during a flight is aerotitis.  When you don't feel comfortable in the middle ear, you may yawn or swallow.  If you don't feel seemly doing so, you may take a few candies or chewing gums.  The peanut snacks distributed to the passengers on the flight can also help solve this problem.

Note: Information provided on this page is for your reference only.