Travel can disrupt healthy routines but thanks to technology, these 10 gadgets can get you back on track.
1) Stickers That Warn About UV Limits
Before spending time in the sun, apply a UV sticker or band, and sunscreen. These bands and patches turn color when you've hit your limit on ultraviolet B rays, so you won't get burned and avoid the risk of skin cancer.
2) Posture Coach
Sitting for long periods of time with bad posture can leave you achy. To combat that, HealthyTravelBlog.com recommends Lumo Lift, a posture coach that you wear like a belt.
It senses your body’s positioning and if you slouch, it vibrates, reminding you to sit up straight.
3) Ear Plugs That Ease Pressure
Flying hurts when you’re congested or have sensitive ears, so ear plugs like EarPlanes decrease cabin-pressure pain. Inside the plugs are filters that regulate air pressure to keep you comfy during takeoff and landing, according to Today.com.
4) Compression Socks
Compression socks help circulation in your legs during long trips. Since they’re tight in the right areas, they increase blood flow. This reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein.
5) Acupressure Wrist Bands
There are nodes on these wrist bands that decrease motion sickness by stimulating your nervous system to release endorphins which block pain, according to WomensHealthMag.com.
6) Portable Humidifier
Dry air in hotel rooms and cars can be uncomfortable. According to travel expert Peter Greenberg, Satechi’s portable humidifier attaches to a water bottle and sends cool mist into your personal space.
7) Portable Water Purifier
A water purifier like the SteriPEN Traveler can kill illness-causing bacteria, parasites and viruses found in bad water. Just move the ultraviolet wand around in water, said Today.com.
Greenberg said that the SteriPEN can make up to 3,000 liters of safe drinking water.
8) Ropeless Jump Rope
This gadget is basically two weighted handles and no rope. This makes it impossible to trip or knock over stuff while using it. Some cordless jump ropes track calorie expenditure — the number of jumps and length of your workout.
There are a variety of options, but this is an example of one. To find them, search your favorite online retailer.
9) Bedbug-Killing Luggage
Bedbugs are a real problem in some hotel rooms. And you certainly don’t want to bring any back home. ThermalStrike heated luggage is a regular suitcase that can also kill bed bugs that may get on your stuff.
Plug it in, set the timer, and it reaches to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This kills all life stages of bed bugs and still keeps your items safe, according to HealthyTravelBlog.com.
10) Jewelry That’s More Than Jewelry
Thumb drive necklaces and cufflinks are just a couple of examples of some good ways to store electronic copies of medical histories, prescriptions, emergency contact information and more. It can plug it into any computer if you're hospitalized. Different types can be found at Etsy and Amazon.
Reviewed July 12, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith