Male Travellers

Many men try to avoid anything to do with seeing their doctor. However, it is important to get a full health check once in a while if you are a frequent traveller.

Check your Weight

The number of overweight males in the United Kingdom has continued to rise over the last 20 years, and you are at risk of health problems if you are overweight. Discuss with your Doctor what would be a suitable weight and, if required, make an effort to reduce your weight slowly.

When travelling, try to eat at regular meal times in your destination country. Avoid grabbing snacks inbetween meals. Eating a good breakfast at local time will set you up for the day and help avoid the eleven o'clock hunger pangs.

If the food is self-service, just cut down on your portions. Eating a little less food over a period of time will eventually reap rewards.

Check your Alcohol Consumption

Recognise that in many ways, alcohol is a drug and should be treated with respect. A weekly limit of alcohol should not go above 28 units, although a healthy limit should remain below 21 units per week. This amounts to about 3 glasses of wine or 2 pints of beer each day. Too much alcohol can have an adverse effect on your health -- as well as causing impotence and a lower sex drive, it can cause damage to the liver, brain and heart muscle.

Alcohol can have a positive effect and has been seen to help reduce cholesterol levels when used in moderation. Red wine has been shown to have benefits when drunk with a meal.

In a study looking at alcohol related accidents abroad, it was noted that more accidents are caused by drunken pedestrians than drivers -- if you must drink while you are away, make sure you have booked a reputable taxi company to pick you up and return you to your hotel afterwards.

Check how much you are smoking

If you smoke, you will be well aware of your increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory disorders and general health. "No smoking" on most flights now gives the smoker an excellent excuse to give up.

If you do want to give up smoking, discuss this with your doctor and make sure you get full support and medication as an option. If you continue to smoke and this is making you unbearable to travel with, get advice from your Doctor. Many incidences of air rage are a direct result of people being stressed, as they are unable to smoke on long flights.