Stay Fit While You Vacation

 Assist Patients in Achieving Health Objectives While Relishing Summer Getaways With These Approaches

When your patients voice worries about upholding health objectives during summer escapades, remind them that they can relish their adventures with the right equilibrium and moderation.

Reassure your patients that taking a break is essential, and a few treats will not derail their health pursuits. You can also suggest how physical activity can balance out additional calories, and how preparation can keep their health objectives consistent and fruitful.

Here are further techniques to motivate your patients to savor their summer excursions without guilt.

Health Advice for Summer Journeys

Stay hydrated. Your patients likely are aware of the benefits of staying hydrated, but it’s worth reiterating the importance of increasing water intake, particularly during the summer. "Recommend that patients carry a water bottle and keep it replenished, especially when they’re outdoors and walking," advised  "You’ll require more water, and often thirst can be confused with hunger. If you're always equipped with water, you can sidestep mixing up the two feelings."

Prioritize good rest. Whether your patient is embarking on a road trip in an RV, planning a week by the beach, exploring a national park, or jetting off to Europe for historical  During cultural outings, it is important to stress how important getting enough sleep is. 

"When you don’t get sufficient quality slumber, you might compensate by consuming more,". A useful tip for patients: Bring earplugs and a sleep mask to ensure proper rest.

Incorporate physical activity. Being active while traveling will improve cardiovascular health in addition to burning more calories.  "Encourage them to take a walking tour of a new locale,". "Spend family time biking together. Rent public scooters and discover a new city from this perspective."

Plan meals ahead. Food plays a significant role when traveling, and knowing which meals to enjoy in advance will help ensure other meals stay aligned with their health plans, 

 eating in moderation, such as alternating more nutrient-dense foods with larger, calorie-dense meals.

If they do intend to indulge in alcoholic beverages, hydration becomes even more essential, as noted by the American Heart Association. to Encourage your patients to drink more water to stay hydrated and offset the effects of alcohol.

Managing GLP-1s While on the Move

Patients on GLP-1 medications might experience heightened concerns about traveling.

Grasping the storage requirements of their medications will be crucial, as well as confirming that refrigerators at their vacation spots can maintain the correct temperature. Additional tips include "investing in a TSA [Transportation Security Administration]-approved storage cooler [and] keeping the medication with them rather than packing it in checked luggage,"

Patients should also contemplate transferring their prescriptions to a local pharmacy in case of emergencies.

Continuing their existing meal habits is also advisable. "Savor local cuisine by opting for smaller portions, eating slowly, drinking ample water — enjoying their time without guilt,"

Moderation Is Essential

Assure your patients that a few splurges here and there won’t sabotage their health journey.

"Moderation implies that no food is bad or prohibited,". "It enables you to savor foods while on vacation without feelings of guilt or shame. It helps cultivate a healthy relationship with food, preventing overeating or abandoning healthy eating habits when away or when returning home."

During discussions with patients, it can be beneficial to address their concerns and illustrate how moderation can help maintain their health objectives.

Encourage patients to steer clear of extremes — both excess indulgence and deprivation.

"Overindulgence can bring about guilt and physical discomfort, while deprivation can lead to rumination, feelings of exclusion, and potentially overdoing it later. Establishing and maintaining health goals is about practices that fit into their lifestyles, including occasional treats."

Additional ways to promote moderation include advising them to have fruits and vegetables at every meal, establishing a step goal, and sharing desserts or other calorie-dense treats with companions, she suggested.

You can also communicate to patients that vacation presents a perfect opportunity to engage in mindful eating. "Utilize all five senses to genuinely appreciate the food and surroundings,". "This should slow down the pace of eating ([consuming quickly] often leads to unintentional overeating). This balance also aids them in returning to their usual routines upon coming home.