Islamic Ladies Social and Cultural Association

(ILSCA)

Sisters Serving Humanity

 

Medical Tips for Hajj

By

Dr. Nadia Mohammed

 

 

Prior to leaving for Hajj

·         Get enough sleep 6-8 hours per night

·         Eat balanced meals on time

·         Exercise for 20 minutes, five (5) days per week

·         Ensure that any and all chronic diseases are controlled prior to departure

·         If you are at risk of a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the veins) discuss the use of aspirin and/or compression stocking during the flight

Risk factors for DVT are :

·         40 years and older

·         Obese

·         Diabetic

·         Using contraceptives

·         Smoker

·         Pregnant

·         Have varicose veins

·         Had recent surgery

·         Family history

During the Flight

·         Avoid a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) by :

o   Moving legs every 15 minutes

o   Do not sleep in the same position for more than 30 minutes

o   Keep well hydrated by drinking 8 oz of fluids for each hour of the flight

o   Avoid caffeine and salty snacks

o   If you are high risk use compression stockings

 

·         Avoid Jet Lag

·         Set your watch to destination time

·         On arrival adapt daily habits to local time

·         Avoid caffeine on flight and 12 hours prior

·         Stay well hydrated

·         Try to sleep during flight

·         On arrival get into sunlight ASAP to reset body’s internal clock

·         Try to stay awake until nightfall at your destination  

During your stay in Mecca and Medina

·         To Decrease the Chances of Getting a Respiratory (chest) Infection or Gastroenteritis

§  Eat properly

§  Get enough sleep

§  Avoid crowded areas

§  Wear face masks at all times

§  Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizers for at least 40 seconds and do this regularly

 

o   To avoid Gastro

§  Eat hot foods

§  Drink from sealed bottles

§  Wash and peel fruits

 

·         What to do if you get a Chest Infection

§  Rest

§  Increase fluid intake

§  Treat with analgesics (painkillers)

§  Seek medical attention if :

o   Symptoms worsen

o   You have difficulty breathing

o   You have shortness of breath

 

·         What to do if you get Gastro

§  Rest

§  Increase fluids especially rehydration salts

§  Avoid Lomotil and Imodium unless you are on antibiotics

 

Heat Stroke

·         Symptoms

§  Fever

§  Headache

§  Dizziness

§  Nausea

§  Excess tiredness

§  Excess thirst

§  Body aches and cramps

o   Severe

§  Loss of consciousness and death

 

·         Recommendations to avoid Heat Stroke

§  Stay well hydrated

§  Avoid excess direct exposure to sun especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

§  Wear light-coloured, loose fitting cotton clothes

 

·         If Symptoms develop

§  Increase fluids

§  Wet body

§  Use anti-fever medication

§  If severe, seek medical help

 

Recommended Medication to take with you

·         Anti-biotics

·         Gravol

·         Immodium

·         Multi-symptom tablets (the one you are accustomed using)

·         Pain killers (the one you are accustomed using)

·         Muscle rub

·         Crepe bandage

·         Allergy tablets and cream (the one you are accustomed using)

·         Rehydration salts

·         Saline nose drops (for nasal dryness)

·         Your medication if you have any chronic illnesses (take more than a month's supply and pack in different pieces of luggage.

·         For chronic illnesses, take a list of medication names you are currently using (not brand name but Drug name e.g do not write ‘Glucophage’ but write ‘Metformin’)

 

 

Hajj Mabroor and safe trip back.

Dr. Nadia Mohammed