Senior Care – Traveling Safely Over the Holidays

Interim HealthCare Blogs
Posted: 11/17/2013 12:00 AM by Interim HealthCare
It’s that time of year again, and if you’re planning to travel for the holidays, there are some important things that you should remember. Whether you’re flying out to visit with the family or finally going on the holiday cruise you’ve always wanted to take, the following tips will help make sure that you stay healthy enough to enjoy your holiday travel to the fullest.

Before you leave:
 Ask your doctor to write down the following…
  • Any current medical problems you have and how they're treated (you may want to have them write down past conditions as well).
     
  • The names (including generic names) of any drugs you're taking, the doses, and when and how your take them. Make sure your doctor includes necessary devices such as needles and be sure to ask what time you should take your meds if you are changing time zones.
     
  • The amount of each drug you need to take with you on your trip.
Write down the name and phone number of your pharmacy, just in case you lose you medication and need to contact them. Having this information with you at all times helps ensure proper medical care if there's an emergency.

Update your vaccinations. If you're traveling overseas, you may need certain vaccinations before you leave -- in some cases, up to six weeks before you depart.

While you’re Traveling:
  • Pack all necessary medications in their original containers in your carry-on bag.
     
  • Sitting for a long time on an airplane or train can contribute to Deep Vein Thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in the veins (usually in the legs) and block blood flow. Wearing special compression stockings and getting up to stretch once in a while can help prevent this dangerous condition.
     
  • Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after traveling on a crowded plane, train or bus, and before eating, this will help to avoid a serious infection.
     
  • Remember that the air inside planes is dry, so drink plenty of water during your flight to avoid dehydration.
Following these simple tips can ensure that you remain healthy and feel good during your trip. Interim HealthCare wishes you a happy healthy holiday season and safe travels.