The Senior Scene

Travel can sometimes feel more daunting than relaxing, between flight delays and bumper-to-bumper traffic. What’s more, it has potential health impacts, including leg swelling and increased risk for cold and flu.

“Air travel, long drives, less sleep and added stress can weaken your immune system at a time when you’re around more people and susceptible to illness,” said Dr. Fred Pescatore, nationally renowned natural health physician and best-selling author.

Pescatore has a few tips to help boost health while traveling.

Feed your immune system. Being around so many people in tight spaces means you may be more at risk of catching a bug. “Take precautions before boarding your flight — wash your hands frequently, bring hand sanitizer with you and snack on antioxidant-packed vegetables like broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes to keep your immune system strong,” says Pescatore.

Fend off fatigue. The American Sleep Association estimates that nearly 93 percent of travelers experience jet lag and it can be severe enough to interfere with vacation plans. “Sleep disturbances make you feel tired, nauseous and irritable — not a good combination with a packed travel itinerary,” says Pescatore.

A peer-reviewed study shows that daily supplementation with the super-antioxidant, Pycnogenol (Pic-noj-en-all), reduces jet lag symptoms by nearly 50 percent. “Pycnogenol, a natural botanical extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, is a traveler’s best friend. You can spend less time feeling fatigued and more quality time enjoying your destination,” says Pescatore.

Boost circulation. Long periods of immobility in a cramped space like a car or plane contribute to swelling and fluid accumulation throughout the legs. Known as edema, it can be uncomfortable and may feel worse after travel.

Pescatore recommends taking short breaks to move around on road trips and to stand up and stretch during long flights to keep blood circulating and reduce swelling.

“Pycnogenol is also shown to promote circulation and studies show its benefits for reducing swelling and discomfort during long-distance travel. Again, it’s a good supplement for travel,” he says.

Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients on the market with decades of studies showing its benefits for a variety of health applications. It’s available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit pycnogenol.com.

“Drink plenty of water, use a supplement for a beneficial boost and remember to enjoy yourself. Yes, even the travel to and from your destination can be fun,” says Pescatore.

Source: StatePoint

Sometimes I think the hardest thing to do is take care of yourself first. I spend a lot of time taking care of others, making sure they are comfortable, have things to occupy themselves with, know they are safe and help them to do things they might not otherwise. I forget that those are things I need to do for myself, as well.  It isn’t just me, it is all of us. We are always;looking out for someone else.

Well, I finally did it.  I actually took a vacation, Yes, I did have a couple of other people along, but it wasn’t one of our bigger tours where I was driving, cooking, loading luggage, etc. These people had to help and do their own thing. 

We went to Puerto Vallarta for a two-week stay at the Grand Mayan Resort.  What an amazing place. A beautiful two-bedroom condo overlooking the pools, the beach and the ocean. It would have been easy to just rest with a good book and enjoy it all, but I don’t ever seem to sit still.

Puerto Vallarta is a very large town. No more sleepy “Night of the Iguana” hideout. This town has a huge variety of restaurants and bars and shops that never seem to end.

I was invited to a “fashion show” sponsored by Deja Nu, a used-clothing store, that was a benefit for an orphanage. It was a wonderful luncheon with models walking round showing off outfits that you could literally buy off their backs.  A fun time with a reward for kids in need.

Another “gift” I was given was to meet up with a charity that has become one of my favorites.  It translates to “the children of the garbage dump”.  Before leaving home I found a few incredible sales and bought children’s clothing.  My extra luggage was packed tight with children’s clothing.  These youngsters, who have nothing, work so hard to get schooled and try to help themselves onward to a better life.

Another day was spent in the tiny town of Bucerias.  It was festival day for Mary of Peace.  Boats come down the coast for a “blessing of the fleet”.  They sail in the form of a cross, arrive by storming the beach, and parade to the local church for Mass and a blessing.  There is music, dancing and food and more food.  Shops are open and the locals share with everyone.

A vacation is something that let’s you take in the wonders of where you are.  Come with me on a vacation for yourself.  It could be a one day trip to the Harness Races on March 18 or the Tulips on April 19.  Or it could be an Alaska cruise in July ,the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October, a Mississippi River cruise in November, or an European riverboat in 2019.  Call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or email to linda.finch@gmail.com for further information.

Linda Finch, who wrote this article, is a trip planner.