There is a lot that needs to be considered when moving to another country, yet there is nothing that is quite as important as your health. Therefore, when it comes to the preparation for the next chapter in your life, you need to ensure you prepare for a healthy move. There are various different ways you can do this. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover some top tips for staying healthy while living abroad.
Do your research – There is only one place to begin, and this is by doing your research. There is no such thing as too much research when it comes to something as important as your health. You should gather as much information as you can about the vaccinations that are required and recommended before your move, and, of course, you will need to make sure you get them. Aside from this, you will need to discover whether there are any prevalent illnesses or issues in your new country. Not all locations are going to have the hygiene standards of your home country. For example, not all countries have sewage treatment programs and advanced plumbing, and because of this people can be more susceptible to disease. If you know about this beforehand, you can prepare yourself to reduce the chances of this having an impact on you.
Talk to your doctor before you travel – Aside from discovering what vaccinations you will require, you should also have a discussion with your doctor beforehand, especially if you have any current medical conditions. Your doctor will be able to provide you with any advice they deem necessary. In some cases, you may require a letter from your doctor or a ‘fitness to travel’ certificate.
Take out an international health insurance policy – There is no guarantee that you will have access to the public healthcare system, and so international health insurance is often a necessity, especially if you want to benefit from the same standards you are used to in your home country. Take this out before you move – you never know when you may need an emergency dentist or require urgent hospital attention. You’ve all heard the stories about people falling ill mid-flight!
Explore – Exploring the country is an exciting way to stay fit. When you move to a new place, there is always so much to see and do. The best thing to do is get out there and see what your new location has to offer. Instead of relying on public transport and such like, why not take a nice stroll? This will allow you to immerse yourself in the country’s culture, enjoy the general ambience and get a true taste for what your new home has to offer while also staying fit at the same time.
Avoid tap water – If you are not certain that the tap water is 100 per cent drinkable, you should avoid it all costs, and this includes ice. Instead, you need to drink beverages that are safe, such as treated water, bottled or canned beverages, bottled water, hot beverages and boiled water.
So there you have it – some top tips to follow to ensure you stay healthy while moving to a new location. If you follow all of the advice that has been mentioned, you should have a stress-free and illness-free move.
