An apple a day keeps the doctor away

 Balancing Food and Drinks on the Road

Chips, dips, beer, nuts, wine, happy hour, BBQs, and no exercise. Welcome to a lifestyle where not just the grey nomads are participants – but almost everyone travelling in an RV will definitely indulge.

Take it from me, if you roam around the countryside in your RV, despite good intentions, you are on your own party bus! That giddy child lives inside us all.

We are away from home, sneaking in that junk food, socialising with like-minded travellers, sharing our life stories around a communal campfire with complete strangers, and BANG! Suddenly it’s approaching midnight, you’ve drunk far too much, and you’ve snacked on more rot-gut than Willy Wonka could even offer. Fight it you may; but the travelling nomadic lifestyle will eventually catch up with you. 

We all start out drinking most nights, throw in all the culinary cuisines; and one day you wake up feeling like you’ve been shot out of a circus cannon. You get up, throw the kettle on, and say to yourself, “It’s time to make a change.” Not stop, just make a change. 

Here’s how to manage a healthy lifestyle on the road (well, some pointers on how to try, at least).

 Eating Healthier on the Road

Limit partying and socialising with alcohol to only the weekends. You will not only feel the health benefits; but a visit to the local bottle shop, especially in rural areas, is extremely taxing on your travelling budget.  

Eat less! When wandering this wonderful country, we over-eat. It really is that simple. Carbohydrates, sugar, fats and preserved foods do us no favours. Perhaps they, too, can only make an appearance on the weekends.

Exercise Tips for RV Travellers

Now for that dreaded word: Exercise! It doesn’t have to be so formal when you are on the road. Make it fun. Lock the van up, and go for that hike or a swim in that gorge. Wander through a rural town with a takeaway coffee and check out the local real estate window. Play nine holes at the golf course, or help your travelling neighbour in the campground repair that wheel bearing (he will love you for it, and you’ll sleep well the next day … trust me on that). 

Health Cover and Emergency Preparedness 

Now let’s discuss some formalities. Health cover. The Australian Medicare system is the envy of the world, no doubt about that. But most travellers are unaware that when it comes to ambulance cover, that tab is on you. If you become ill or injured in remote areas, then a helicopter ride to the nearest hospital can exceed $10,000. Whilst we personally couldn’t afford gold-standard health insurance, we made sure that we at least had ambulance cover. It was inexpensive, and we considered it compulsory when entering barren lands around Oz. I personally had to drive our motorhome to Port Hedland Hospital where I presented to the A&E foyer complaining of chest pains. I was immediately whisked away and, for 45 minutes, was given several cardiac tests by the most highly trained medical staff – only to be given a clean bill of health and sent on my way with nothing but a clear case of heartburn. I have nothing but praise for the staff that doted over me that day. A true testament to our health system that is second to none in the world (but again, seriously consider that ambulance cover). 

First Aid Essentials for RV Travel

Carry a GOOD first aid kit, and know how to use it. If it has been some time since you have had any contact with administering medical aid to a victim of ill-health or injury, then this marks the perfect time to research exactly what makes a good first aid kit. Assemble your own if you need to. I feel that taking a first aid course is vital prior to travel. A course that would focus on snake and spider bites, marine stings, drownings and current CPR is a must. Make it a family affair, where you all attend a first aid course together. After all, let’s remember where we live and where it is we travel. Australia is the land of open plains and venomous creatures, and we embrace a culture of swimming from a young age. 

We have been the centre of a first aid emergency twice during our travels. Once at a late-night motor vehicle accident near our camp, and once to the aid of an elderly camper who needed CPR until an ambulance arrived (in a very remote area). So please, be available and able to assist in an emergency situation. Statistically, if you travel for long enough, the chance that your medical intervention is required at some point is high.

Emergency Preparedness in Your RV

Emergency plans should not cease once back in your van. Just as you should at home, have a plan for fighting fire in your RV and evacuating if needed. Carry an Australian-approved fire extinguisher in your RV and also your 4WD, as well as a fire blanket. Again, know how to use them and discuss their use and their location with your family.

Stocking Up on Medications

Stock up on medication. E-scripts have now become part of our health system, so definitely take advantage of stocking up on everything you need, especially when entering remote parts of Australia and staying there for lengthy periods. Don’t forget the smaller details of health on the road – such as maintaining prescription glasses, particularly when they’re required to maintain your driver’s licence. Drivers of large motorhomes who fall into the higher category of licence need to take extra consideration of this issue, because special medical clearance is required to maintain a heavy vehicle driver’s licence (NHVAS – National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.)

Prioritising Mental Health While Travelling

Lastly, let’s discuss our mental health. Something that seems to be left off the table when it comes to our overall wellbeing. I love travelling Australia with my family, but sometimes we need our personal space. Not just physical space but head space. There is nothing wrong with demanding ‘time out’ from our travelling troops and going for that walk alone to call some friends and family back home. Your home life with your extended family and friends still exists, and it is business as usual for them. They still require your input on family issues from time to time … so make it happen wherever you may be. Then you’ll be refreshed, and you can return to your RV where, dare I suggest, happy hour awaits!  

Category: Features
Written: Fri 01 Nov 2024
Printed: November, 2024
Published By: