Your Health in Pattaya

The best way to watch out for your health in Pattaya is to go when you are in good health already.

And then try to avoid going too overboard in paradise.

Pattaya is not a place to go if if you are in poor health with limited mobility. Thailand is a developing country with minimal safeguards like here in the US.

You have to be vital and mobile and with it.

At least for your first few trips.

Once you're there and having the time of your life, you will notice a lot of unhealthy looking men. Some very old, some very frail, and some very obese, all tottering around in Pattaya.

Many look like they have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.

Those men have obviously let themselves go and are on death's door and yet there they are having a good time right alongside you. How do they do it? They do it by living in Pattaya or having been so many times, they manage their poor health and lack of mobility issues with knowledge of the city. They know just what they can do and just where to go.

Early on, you will have no knowledge. You need to overcome that lack with energy and mobility.

I took my first 5 trips to Pattaya when I was in my late 50’s. I do have a lot less energy than when I was in my 40’s, but I feel pretty good even though I am considerably overweight. But I try to do things to help me remain vital.

When I go to Pattaya, I explore the City during the day and go out partying every night.

I "giver" as much as I am able, usually staggering slowly down the Soi back to my hotel after midnight totally exhausted and ready to collapse.

I think some of the ways I use to improve my energy you may find useful:

What I Do to Try to Stay Healthy

TRT

I am on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) pellets. The pellets are inserted twice a year and release into your system slowly over time. I can feel the difference when they first start to kick in and I certainly feel the difference at the end of a cycle when I need another round of pellets. Having fairly high testosterone will help the most to feel good and be able to feel like a man.

I try to time the pellets from one month to 4 months before a trip.

Beef

I eat more of a carnivore, beef heavy diet. The more beef I eat, the better I feel.

This isn't easy with the recent high cost of beef:(

Of course, you need to account for these more expensive meals in your budget.

Sun

At home, I get in the sun as I can when I have time and the weather allows it.

I spend 30 minutes to an hour lounging around the pool every morning in Pattaya and really feel good from this indulgence.

I am careful to avoid getting burned.

Weight Train

I weight train 2x per week (or a bit less). Squats, deadlifts, bench presses, standing presses and curls – that’s it. More workouts than this in a week and I get rundown and sick. Less and I get weak and lazy and sloppy.

I generally follow the guidance from Starting Strength.

Other Exercise

I go on frequent walks year around.

I swim a bit in good weather. I just have to be careful with my ears.

I do a hip flexibility workout that I perform a few times a week in the last few months prior to a trip.

Vitamins/Supplements

I take several vitamins and supplements. A men’s multi-vitamin, Vitamin C, Fish Oil and Creatine every day. Vitamin D twice a week.

Helpful Supplements to Avoid an Illness

I stumbled on a simple protocol that has helped me remain illness free for the last few years. At the first sign of an issue - cough, sneeze, sniffle, runny nose or sore throat I immediately take this:

1,000 mg of Vitamin C. Pill form
2,000 mg of Garlic. Pill form
One large glass of water

This works great if you have immediate access to the Vitamin C and garlic, usually only needing one dose.

When I have to wait to take this (I'm at away from home), I will take as soon as I get home, then every hour until bedtime.

Sleep at Night & Naps

I try to get enough sleep at night and nap as needed. Not always easy as some of my days are packed with work and other commitments.

Coffee

I drink coffee as I need it. All morning and some in the afternoon.

Minimize sugar

I try to minimize my sugar intake. I love sweets, but they don’t help me.

If I overindulge, I usually feel it with a cold coming on.

Relax

I try to stay relaxed as much as possible. I have mostly overcome the worry and anxiety I suffered from as a younger man with planning, organizing, working hard at the task at hand and being prepared.

Some Things to Watch Out for Your Health in Pattaya When You're There

Avoid too much sun

I love to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the pool every morning getting full sun without any sunscreen. But that is about as much as I can handle.

I wear a hat, sunglasses and short-sleeved shirts when I'm out exploring. I duck into some shade as I can. The sun can be overpowering by late morning and it just builds and builds until relief at sunset.

You my choose want to wear a long sleeved shirt. Personally, I find those too hot for Pattaya and summer in general.

Avoid too much walking

Pattaya is bigger than you think when you're fist studying the map. Most blocks are very long. There is so much to see and do, you're tempted to keep pushing yourself.

I have exhausted myself and blistered my feet by over walking. Try to stay within your limits.

Be careful walking

In addition to the extent of walking, watch out in general. Much of Pattaya lacks sidewalks and you will be walking in the street. Walk against traffic. There are potholes, holes in sidewalks, construction, poles right in the sidewalk, low hanging wires and low hanging awnings in front of stores.

Then there are motor bikes zipping in and out.

Crossing the street can be treacherous, even when you have the light.

Be careful getting on and off the baht bus

It's a good way to twist your ankle or knee. Don't rush. Wait for the driver to come to a full stop.

Don't eat so much

The food is so good and so inexpensive. It is tempting to enjoy everything. But this can wreak havoc with your digestion. I try to limit how frequently I eat.

Most of the most delicious and inexpensive Thai meals are centered around a small amount of chicken, pork or seafood. I love Thai food, but I need a steak dinner (or 2) and some burgers to feel like myself.

The Biggest Way to Watch Out for Your Health in Pattaya

5 Sacred Thai Holidays

You need to be aware of the 5 sacred Thai Buddhist holidays when alcohol sales are prohibited. When alcohol is not sold, most bars close and the ladies won’t be working☹

Makha Bucha Day (usually February or March)
Visakha Bucha Day (usually May)
Asarnha Bucha Day (usually July)
Start of Buddhist Lent (usually July)
End of Buddhist Lent (usually October)

The date of the holidays move around from year to year. It's critical to plan accordingly as you lose a day to party. The holiday runs from midnight to midnight.

Don't Drink So Much

Drinks in Pattaya are available everywhere and anytime, except for Thai holidays. I love the party atmosphere. You can basically drink all day and all night. I have not personally started drinking in the morning, but it's not unusual to see men having drinks with their breakfast.

I have started in the afternoon on a few occasions - partying with some hotel guests at the pool one day, going on a bar crawl one afternoon and sometimes I go to an early opening gentleman's club. But normally, I wait until evening.

Pattaya does not have the type of beer I love (light pilsners) so I keep control of my drinking by running out of capacity and taste for Thai beers.

I take a break from pounding drinks on and off throughout the night. Cooling off in the Central Festival Mall, going for a longer walk between bars and getting a foot massage. All these are good ways to rest, stop drinking for a while and recharging for the evening.

Drink your fill but you can also order water, sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks. It's ok.