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BY JESSICA SEGOVIA-YAP, MD
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Saturday, September 9, 2017
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TRAVELING has given me that certain kind of high that no matter how hectic the itinerary is, how unholy the flight hours can be and even the time wasted waiting at the airport, I go back refreshed, energized and raring to face the busy workload and tons of backlog waiting for me.
Be it by land (as long as I am not driving, so I could better appreciate the view), by air and occasionally by sea, and more so if I am with family, traveling is my favorite stress buster. And this is backed up by studies that indeed travel can be beneficial health-wise.
We have been taught that being exposed to some germs actually strengthens our immune system. This is scientifically proven to be true. Exposure to small amounts of germs keeps our body and gut stronger because we develop antibodies that are able to fight disease-causing germs. Travel can be a natural probiotic. Different places have different types of bacteria. So going to new places and being exposed to these bacteria lets your body adapt by enhancing our immune system.
Traveling is my favorite stress buster. Studies say travel increases endorphins or the happiness hormones, which decrease the incidence of depression and make you feel more relaxed and rested. And the effects extend even weeks after returning home and going back to your usual routine.
Since you are more relaxed and rested, the everyday stress and anxiety you encounter while at work and at home are avoided or lessened significantly, thereby decreasing the risks of developing heart disease as well.
Travel lets you meet new people, you adapt to new environments and adjust to a different situation, making you globally and culturally aware. This is very good for your brain health. It exercises your mind by increasing cognitive flexibility and creativity. Because of these travel experiences you become more open and accepting and help with emotional stability.
It is only when I travel that my phone pedometer shoots up to record breaking levels. Yes, I admit, I cannot keep up with the 10,000 steps a day health requirement on regular days that is why I look forward to these walkathons when I travel. Yep! Travel keeps you fit. Either by walking or even biking around to see all those beautiful places, hiking to get the best view, or by swimming all day on the beach or even trying an extreme sport or adventure.
Have you heard of these so-called healing sites? Like the hot springs, spa resorts and these places with energy vortexes? They are claimed to relieve pain and reduce stress as well as provide aesthetic and skin improvement and rejuvenation. There are a lot of places like these that you can visit, both local and international. And what an impact they have on your health.
Where would this ultimately lead? If your stress level drops, your cardiovascular risk factors decrease, your brain stays healthy, you get infections less often, and definitely your life span will increase. In short, travel helps you live longer.
So what are you waiting for? With all these health benefits that you will get, why not give travel a try? Not to mention the memories and experiences you will be collecting, and the tons of pictures you can upload on your social media accounts.
So go and get your passports and tickets ready, pack your bags and have fun!
Jessica P. Segovia-Yap, M.D., FPAFP is a Diplomate and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. She is a practicing Family Medicine Specialist and holds clinic at the Medical Arts Building of Iloilo Mission Hospital. For comments, questions and suggestions, you may email at drjec.is.in@ gmail.com./PN
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