Staying Healthy

By CaboOnline Staff
On January 19, 2006. 11:19 PM.
In Eat & Drink.

No matter where you go, no matter where you eat, anywhere in the world, there is always a chance of getting sick. Understand that introducing new forms of bacteria into your digestive system can cause some people stomach upsets. This can happen to people traveling from New York to L.A. as well as out of the country, to Europe or Mexico.

There are plenty of old wives tales as well as common practices that may help keep you and your stomach happy while on vacation. If you have specific concerns, past stomach history, or small children, you may want to consult a doctor before you go.

Montezuma

Montezuma's Revenge can happen anywhere, not just in Mexico. The common name to it is traveler's diarrhea, and can hit some people harder than others. People who travel more often, or just have a naturally stronger stomach may be completely unaffected.

If you do have stomach issues and upsets, visit any local farmacia in Los Cabos and they will show you the wide variety of options available.

Myth's

Not always is it Montezuma or the water. Many travelers blame stomach problems on the water, when in fact they forgot about the sun, lack of water, the abundance of alcohol, higher temperatures and higher humidity, as well as far less sleep and additional spicy foods and tropical fruits they are not used to eating. Simply put, they changed their entire eating and drinking habits, as well as exposed themselves to a different climate. No, it's not the water, it's the combination of vacation overindulgence.

What to Do

First off, don't over do it the first day! Moderation is the key.
Drink plenty of water, and watch the alcohol intake. Dehydration does not make for vacation bliss.
If you don't normally eat three servings of fruit a day at home, a fruit plate for breakfast, and six fresh strawberry margaritas throughout the day may do you in.

Wash your hands often! This cannot be said enough, wash, wash, wash.
Look for restaurants that are clean and have plenty of happy diners.
Farmacias are abundant through Puerto Vallarta, if you feel sick, ask you hotel for a doctor, or for minor problems a pharmacist can help.

Vaccinations
It is not necessary to have any vaccinations before arriving to Mexico.
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have any alerts or warnings listed for Los Cabos and the surrounding area.

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