Interview: Dr Philippe Biberson, Medical Director of International SOS

Preparing for a business trip

Are business travel and a healthy lifestyle incompatible?

P. B. - No, because it's perfectly possible to maintain the same healthy lifestyle when travelling on business. It can even be increased, as travellers sometimes have more time for exercise than in their daily lives. Hotels offer plenty of opportunities for going to the gym, swimming or having a light meal. I think that companies have understood how important it is for their employees to keep fit, for example by staying in good hotels with sports facilities or by travelling in business on long flights.

How can you maintain this healthy lifestyle?

P. B. - Of course, nomadic executives are not professional sportsmen and women,
but they need to prepare themselves for their journey so that they arrive at their destination rested and relaxed, which helps them to be convincing when they meet people. The business traveller has a duty to be professional, even in this area. This starts with prevention. After the age of 45, you should make an annual visit to your GP to detect the onset of high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, and agree on a course of medication that can slow the progression.

What advice do you have on how to prepare for a trip?

P. B. - Simple things. Take your prescriptions with you, pack enough medication so you don't run out, pack comfortable clothes for the plane, walk around and wear compression stockings, resist the urge to take a digestif so you don't sleep too soundly. As far as sleeping pills are concerned, if the traveller is used to them, no problem. Otherwise, I would advise against them, as they can be counter-productive. Finally, for me, a welcome on arrival is essential. With the accumulated fatigue, even frequent travellers can be dizzy, forgetting their credit card in the taxi for example. A botched start and psychological stress can have more consequences than you might think.