When you’re planning to move abroad, one of the most important things to consider is your health. You want to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the new environment to stay healthy and enjoy your time there.
Sometimes, when people move to a new country, they adopt the unhealthy habits of the locals. This can lead to weight gain, illness, and even death. To avoid this, it is essential to be proactive about your health and take steps to stay healthy while living in a new country.
There are a few key things you can do to stay healthy when moving abroad:
Get Vaccinated
Before you travel, make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccinations. This is especially important if you’re moving to a country with higher disease risk. Some standard vaccinations that are recommended for adults include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- COVID-19
You can talk to your doctor about which vaccinations are right for you and your family. Also, check the travel advisories for your destination country to see if any other vaccinations are recommended or required.
Find a Clean Place to Stay
When you first arrive in your new country, find a clean and safe place to stay. This is especially important if you’re moving to an underdeveloped country. Consider staying in a hotel or hostel until you can find a more permanent place to live. If you’re moving to a country with questionable tap water, ensure you only drink bottled water. And avoid ice cubes in your drinks, as they may also be made with tap water.
If possible, try to find accommodation that’s close to a hospital or clinic in case you get sick. This will make it easier to get medical help if you need it. You should also ensure it’s clean and free of pests, as these can also make you sick.
Research Local Health Risks
No country is completely free of health risks, so it’s important to research the local health risks before you travel. This way, you can take steps to avoid them. For example, if you’re moving to a country with a high risk of malaria, you can take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Some common health risks to research include malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and cholera. To research the health risks in your destination country, you can:
- Check travel advisories from your government
- Talk to your doctor or a travel medicine specialist
- Read articles from reputable sources
Once you know the local health risks, you can take steps to protect yourself. Not only will this help you stay healthy, but it will also give you peace of mind.
Eat Healthy Foods
When you move to a new country, it can be tempting to eat the local food all the time. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in the local cuisine, you should also make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods. This is especially important if you’re moving to a country with a less-than-stellar food safety record.
To ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, try to eat various fruits and vegetables. If you’re struggling to find fresh produce, look for markets that sell imported goods. You should also limit your intake of processed foods, as they’re often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar.
Furthermore, if you’re moving to a country where tap water isn’t safe to drink, be sure to only eat food that’s been cooked with clean water. This includes fruits and vegetables that have been washed with clean water.
Exercise Regularly
Never underestimate the power of exercise. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also boosts your mood and strengthens your immune system. If you’re moving to a country with a hot climate, make sure to exercise in the cooler hours of the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
It can be challenging to find time to exercise when you’re settling into a new country. However, there are plenty of ways to fit it into your schedule. For example, you can:
- Take walks or runs in your neighborhood
- Join a local gym or sports team
- Go for hikes in the nearby mountains or forests
There you have it! These are just a few tips on how to stay healthy while living in a foreign country. By following these tips, you can enjoy your time abroad while staying healthy and safe. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move today!
