Support The Moscow Times!

Former Health Chief Onishchenko Gives Holiday Advice

Limit your alcohol consumption, engage in sports and avoid different climatic zones during the upcoming New Year holidays, advises Onishchenko. Andrei Makhonin

Guennady Onishchenko, former chief sanitary inspector and now an aide to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, has advised Russians not to travel to exotic locations over the New Year holidays, as it could be dangerous for their health.

The stress caused by traveling to significantly different climate zones in the middle of winter is "a serious ordeal, even for the most healthy of people" said Onishchenko, who spent 17 years working at the watchdog responsible for protecting Russians from poor quality food and consumer goods.

Russians traveling to Africa were also at risk of picking up tropical diseases such as cholera, he added, Interfax reported Friday, in a nod to those who spend the holidays abroad on exotic hunting and photo safari trips.

With a winter season that can last for up to five months, many wealthy Russians enjoy celebrating New Year in warmer climes, though Onishchenko said they should instead make the most of what their country has to offer.

"Spend New Year in the same climate zone. A Good New Year's holiday is one surrounded by family, in the countryside. If you spend your holidays in the city, take a walk in the park, unwind, engage in sports," Onishchenko said, adding that the consumption of alcohol did not feature highly on his list of New Year pastimes.

Onishchenko also spoke of his dislike for the long New Year holiday period, though "thank goodness, it is already getting shorter."

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more