massagebyben Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Instructor, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. See his site <a href="http://www.massagebyben.com">MassageByBen.com</a> View articles | Contact author

As a Licensed Massage Therapist part of my work is ensuring that people reduce their stress. Reducing stress is a easy way to ensure that you are less likely to face common health problems. One way I reduce my stress, besides getting regular massages myself, is to take cruises. I love cruises and usually have at least one planned, but I've come to know that even on the most modern of cruise ships you have to take some precautions.

When it comes to cruise ship safety, there are many individuals who are concerned with their physical safety. Physically staying safe aboard a cruise ship is important, but so is staying healthy. Due to a large number of individuals in a relatively small space, cruise ships have a number of health concerns.

The health problems and concerns found on cruise ships are often highly publicized. Despite this publicity, most cruise ships are fun, safe, and clean.

Being concerned with your health aboard a cruise ship is one thing, but you should not let it prevent you from enjoying your vacation. Rather than letting the fear of getting sick ruin your vacation, you should take a few simple steps to ensure that your health will be the same as, if not better, when you first boarded.

Before your cruise ship is scheduled to set sail, you are urged to schedule a visit with your family doctor. Be sure to inform him or her that you are planning a cruise vacation. Your doctor will likely check your health to make sure you are fit for travel. In addition to examining your general health, it is possible that your doctor may recommend a number of immunizations. These immunizations may offer you extra protection; therefore, you are urged to obtain them.

If you are taking multiple prescription medications at the time of your cruise, you will want to make sure that you have an adequate supply. If you are running low on your medication, you may want to obtain a refill before you leave for your cruise. It is also likely that your doctor may request that you bring along extra medication. This request is often made to individuals who must take their medications to survive. In the event that you misplace your medication, you will have an extra supply to fall back on.

Taking health precautions before you board the cruise ship is important. However, it is also important to take precautionary measures after you board.

These measures are simple; however, they may be vital to your health. One of the first things that you should do is familiarize yourself with the layout of your ship. Determining whether or not there is a doctor onboard and where they are located is important.

Since germs and illnesses spread easily aboard cruise ships, you will need to protect yourself. This protection involves washing your hands on a regular basis. When most individuals are at home, they wash their hands after completing certain activities. In addition to eating and using the restrooms, you should wash your hands after using all public facilities. If you find it difficult to wash your hands regularly, you may want to obtain a package of disinfecting wipes. If used properly, disinfecting wipes can be just as effective as soap and water.

Cruise ships are popular for their relaxing, stress reducing atmosphere. This relaxation may include lounging on deck. When lounging on deck or taking a stroll, it is advised that you keep your shoes on at all times. As previously mentioned germs can easily spread aboard a cruise ship. Keeping your feet covered at all times will not only protect you from contagious illnesses, but it will prevent you from stepping on harmful objects.

In addition to cruising along water, most cruise ships dock in a port. It is likely that the port you will be visiting is a foreign country. In the event that you end up in a foreign land, it is important that you carefully monitor what you eat and drink. If you notice drinking advisories, you are urged to follow them. Instead of drinking tap water, you may want to opt for bottled water or another bottled beverage. Many individuals are concerned only with the drinking water, but you should also be concerned with ice cubes and water in uncooked foods. Your cruise ship staff is often a great resource regarding safe places to eat and drink.

As you can see, the above mentioned precautionary measures are simple and easy to follow. Why put yourself at risk for illness; especially when it requires little or no effort to keep your health in good standing.

Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com.