Make the most of your summer vacation by keeping yourself as healthy as possible. Here’s a checklist of reminders BEFORE you leave on your summer travels:
- Refill all your medications and always pack extra just in case, in your CARRY ON BAG, not checked luggage. Checked luggage can get delayed or lost.
- Make sure you address all health concerns and questions you might have with your primary care doctor, prior to leaving on your trip.
- Consider packing medications including anti-inflammatory pain medication, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrheal in case you develop a travel related illness. Be sure to discuss with your primary care provider which medications are safe for you to take.
- Pack your health insurance card and find out if you have medical coverage abroad. If not, consider purchasing additional insurance.
- Make sure your vaccines are up to date including flu, pneumonia, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and shingles. If you’re traveling overseas, check with the CDC recommendations on other vaccines you may need.
- Pack a cheat sheet of all your medical conditions, medications, and allergies in your wallet or purse.
- Pack sunscreen at least SPF 30 and apply every 2 hours if you’re going to be outdoors, to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
- Bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. Apply repellent on top of sunscreen.
- Remember to frequently move your legs, get up and walk, take deep breaths, and drink enough non-alcoholic fluids to reduce your risk for blood clots while flying or riding in a vehicle for an extended period of time. You may also wear compression stockings especially if you are at higher risk of blood clots.
Sources:
https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/8-travel-tips-staying-healthy-summer
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/summer-travel-abroad
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/summer-travel-health-advice#1
