Hajj is performed once a year, and it all depends on the Lunar Calendar for the dates to be announced. The rituals or the holy obligation for Hajj is revered and practiced by millions of Muslims every year, some of whom can be diabetic patients too. One must remember that Hajj can be strenuous, especially with the lashing heat of the day. Chances are, if proper care isn’t taken at Hajj 2014, the diabetic can fall prey to dehydration and heat strokes. In most cases, last of sanitation and excessive excretion too can do a lot of harm to the human body. And there are many more health issues and risks which can bring in more misery, if proper attention to health is not kept in mind.
A few tips from us
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Ensure that the diabetic traveler has quadrivalent meningococcal A, C, Y and W-135, it is a mandate to carry without which a visa wouldn’t be issued for Hajj diabetic travelers. There are other vaccinations that need to fill in, such as polio and yellow fever, especially if you are a traveler from areas tagged endemic. Visa officials would also ask you to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, and also for influenza too.
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Travelers that want to embark on Hajj are also asked to consult with their family doctor months in advance and to obtain a clean health chit for the same, especially if they are diabetic or have other underlying ailments and diseases. In some cases an exemption would be accepted, and the Hajj can be postponed as well, should the doctor announce that the weather conditions wouldn’t be suitable for the traveler.
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At the end of Hajj, Muslims shave their heads as a part of the ritual. Barbers used for the same should be designated, and new blades for every individual should be used. You would be at risk using the services of an unlicensed barber around, or anyone who uses multi-blades for many shaves. Skin and blood infection can happen this way, so be careful.
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Medical supplies in adequate measure should be taken along. Hand hygiene should be maintained at all times. Doctors advise carrying loperamide while travelling on Hajj. In the first aid kit, the traveler should also carry a thermometer as well.
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Since it would be lashing hot and burning during the day, travelers on Hajj are advised to carry lots of sunscreen and to stay in shaded regions for as long as possible. Performing some of the rituals in the latter half of the day when the sun goes down is advised.
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While travelling in the hot sun, please wear a facemask and ensure that a foldable umbrella is taken along for protection against the lashing rays of the sun.
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Those with low health should wear a bracelet that identifies their medical needs. Just in case an emergency arises, the medical teams around would know what to do.
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The environment could be extreme and different from where you belong to or hail from. Hence take care of the blood glucose levels in your body. The extreme environment can play havoc to your pre existing diabetic conditions. Speak to your doctor and then only travel.
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If you are travelling by Air, remember to ask the airlines for blood glucose tests and insulin availability on flight. Speak to the airline authorities on the same, they have flight calculators that would help you administer insulin at the right time and to sustain you through the journey as well.
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There are plenty of emergency medical services around the holy cities which would cater to sick and needy travelers who come to perform Hajj, please ensure to have a list of their names and contact details on you.
InshAllah, we wish you a happy Hajj tour for 2014!
Author Bio
Rahim from M.Zahid Travelwishes everyone to have a happy and divine Hajj tour in 2014. However, the author very well knows how tough it is for people under extreme weather conditions to manage their ailments. Check online for more advice by the author. InshAllah, we hope no one suffers while performing Hajj this time.
