Going back to one's hometown or Home Coming is one of the annual traditions leading up to Eid al-Fitr that is eagerly anticipated by those who celebrate it. However, when Home Coming, people often neglect their own health factors. Whereas Home Coming travelers generally take a long and tiring journey. For Home Coming travelers who have health problems such as diabetes and hypertension, it is necessary to prepare thoroughly when deciding to Home Coming. Sometimes, the Home Coming trip takes a considerable amount of time, especially if it is taken via the road which can be very tiring due to traffic jams, especially for those who drive their own cars or motorcycles and have no replacements.

Taking regular breaks during long journeys can help the body to recover energy, such as by taking a break every 2 hours. This applies to family members who also have a history of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

■ Safe Home Coming Tips for DIABETICS:

1. No acute illness condition

An acute condition refers to a condition that is new, sudden, and requires fast treatment such as a severe infection like pneumonia and excessively high blood sugar levels.

2. Check before traveling

Before embarking on a journey, people with certain illnesses, such as diabetes, should have themselves checked or consult with a doctor and have laboratory tests to detect whether their blood sugar levels are well-controlled and whether there are any complications. For example, if a diabetes patient who uses insulin goes on a long journey, there will certainly be changes in their eating patterns, types of food, and meal times, so insulin doses need to be adjusted accordingly.

3. Do not sit for too long during long journeys.

Long journeys, whether by road, train or plane, carry the risk of swollen legs in diabetes patients. This condition is caused by primary blood vessels in the legs that cannot pump blood back up. Diabetic patients need to occasionally stop at rest areas, take a walk, or move their legs.

4. Pay attention to food, drink, and medication during the journey.

The type of food and drink, as well as the time of meals and taking medication, must remain controlled during the journey, upon arrival at the destination, and during the vacation period. Foods that are too sweet, too salty, too fatty, oily, and in large portions should be avoided.

5. Make time for exercise.

During Home Coming, there is often a decrease in physical activity to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and the body will become more fit.

6. Control after the vacation.

After a long journey, diabetes patients should return to the doctor for a check-up or have laboratory tests to check their blood sugar levels. This is because, during the trip, the eating pattern changes, sweet intake is consumed, meal times change, or even increase, so there is a risk of increased blood sugar levels.

Safe Travel Tips for Hypertension Patients during Home Coming

1. Before traveling, it is advisable to have a health check-up with a doctor.

2. If you have already been prescribed routine medication, make sure to maintain a disciplined schedule for taking your medication during the journey.

3. If you feel tired and achy, take a break immediately. Fatigue or drowsiness can cause stress and increase blood pressure.

4. Reduce consumption of fatty foods as they can have a negative impact on hypertension patients and increase cholesterol levels in the blood. Elevated cholesterol levels can worsen the condition of hypertension patients and make them susceptible to coronary heart disease.

5. Limit your intake of caffeine. While coffee is often enjoyed as a way to stay awake during the journey, it is not recommended for hypertension patients as it can trigger an increase in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and even stroke.

Author: Dr. Deni Ariani (Medical Consultant at PRAMITA Laboratory Clinic, Jl. Kelapa Dua Raya No. 18 Jakarta)