Preventing Illness on the Road: Touring Life

Editors Note: “COVID-19 is a rapidly developing situation. For the most up-to-date information, check resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regularly. This story will be updated as new information becomes available and is not recommended as formal advice with regards to COVID-19.”

‘Tis the season for colds… though it seems like it’s always the season for colds when you live on the road, and are exposed to hundreds of other humans on the daily.

So, we’ve been asked, “What can you do about preventing illness while on the road?!”

We’ve pulled in the specialists to bring you the ultimate FOT SURVIVAL KIT (curated by the industry’s best COLD FIGHTERS!)

To start, it wouldn’t be FOT if we didn’t say EXERCISE!!! Physical activity helps to flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, and can help reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness. Try to get 1 hour of physical activity into your day to help boost your immune system.

Vitamin C + E and zinc are natural immune boosters; zinc in particular helps with white blood cells activity, while vitamin C + E are great antioxidants.
Emergen-C package in a pint of water is our go-to for immune support + energy + electrolytes.
Collagen protein is a great add-in to smoothies or coffee as it contains critical amino acids needed to form antibodies against viruses. (Our go-to is always Strong Coffee collagen protein powder).
SAJE WELLNESS! The Pocket Pharmacy Kit is gold.
Probiotics and fermented foods strengthen the intestinal lining, making it more difficult for bad bacteria to enter and colonize.
Hand Sanitizer for everyone! Most viruses are spread through hand surfaces – keeping some travel sanitizers on you can help with prevention!
Echinacea vitamins – the herb encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, flu and some other illnesses.
Oil of Oregano – A disgusting tasting natural antibiotic that helps fight bacteria! Put a few drops into a glass of water, gargle and swallow!
Organic Cold 911 tea from @davidstea – A mix of peppermint, eucalyptus and orange – SO SOOTHING!
All of this and a topic we speak on a lot – SLEEP. Listen to your body, put the FOMO and yourself to BED for a good ol’ night’s rest – this is better than any vitamin or medication out there.

Our go-to foods we eat every week:

Kombucha
Oranges
Greek Yogurt
Blueberries
Eggs
Broccoli
Spinach
Salmon
Garlic
Apples

What are your go-to’s to prevent illness while travelling!?

Disclaimer: THESE ARE OUR GO-TO’s but, please consider consulting your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements, especially if you’re currently taking prescription medications.

Published in Collaboration with Fit On Tour

Also by Fit On Tour:

Top 10 Tips for Staying Fit on Tour

Eco Friendly Travel Items For Crew on Tour

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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Fit On Tour prioritizes health & fitness in the entertainment industry. We are bringing together road warriors in a community that is inspiring, attainable and fun. Being ‘fit’ doesn’t have to be about eating 100% clean, or busting out burpees - it’s about finding time for yourself in your busy days. Whether that’s as simple as meditation, or stretching or as big as a bootcamp, or spin class - it’s about stepping away for your mental and physical health. Beyond this, it’s about breaking the ‘hustle hard’ mentality our industry has adopted – let’s encourage our artists, teams and crews to take breaks, make good choices, and open up about their well-being. Fit On Tour was founded by Andrea MacNeil and Jessica Lemmon in December 2018. With careers in the music industry, their experience includes touring internationally with bands, festivals and events. Although the perception of life on the road is a glamorous one, the reality can often be much different. With long hours and very little consistency, Andrea and Jessica fell victim to an unhealthy lifestyle resulting in poor eating and sleeping habits, overindulgence in alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and a struggle with anxiety and depression. In 2017, Andrea and Jessica both felt mentally and physically defeated. They were living out their dreams, but were sacrificing so much of themselves to do so. Together they decided to focus on their health and wellness and incorporating fitness into their everyday life, regardless of their busy work schedule or environment. They began implementing small changes; making mindful choices at catering and walking to and from the venue. As well, became creative with their workouts - bench pressing hotel room furniture, squatting with sandbags during load-in, ladder drills on the cable mats and planking in the production office.

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