As the busy holiday season approaches, thousands of people head to the airport, to catch a flight to meet loved ones or just to get away from it all. Many more will take trains or buses – or pack up their cars and hit the motorway. But whether by land, sea or air, there can be delays along the way.
For people with serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as young children, these travel glitches are more than an inconvenience. To stay healthy while traveling, you need to plan. That’s it.
if you have diabetes
Eat close to your normal schedule. “This is especially important for people with diabetes,” said Inyanga Mack, MD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Since most flights have stopped serving meals, arriving at the airport early will give you time to eat before your flight.Also, bring healthy snacks offset risk hypoglycemiaboth on the road and in the air, she said.
Wear an appropriate medical alert bracelet. Carry the name of your emergency contact and your primary care physician, suggests Mack. Keep a list of your medicines and doses so someone can get your medicines in an emergency.
Take your medicines with you, not in your luggage. Carry a few days’ supply of medication. Then, your health isn’t at risk if your luggage gets lost, or if you’re stranded at an airport or on a plane for an extended period of time. Always eat and take your meds on your regular schedule, even when everything else is in chaos.
Make sure medicines are properly labeled. All prescriptions must have a drug label or a professionally printed label identifying the drug. If you are not allowed to bring medications and supplies on board, ask to speak with an FAA representative or security officer at the airport. You might even want to call ahead to make sure you can bring what you need.
FAA Requirement: Diabetics carrying syringes and/or needles must also carry injectable medications.Diabetics traveling in the United States may carry syringes and other such equipment in carry-on baggage, but insulin Vials must have professionally printed drug labels. Even better, keep the insulin in the original box since it has the pharmaceutical company’s label on it. Needles must be capped.This blood glucose meter It must have the manufacturer’s name on it. Glucagon for Injection should also come in its original plastic box with the preprinted drug label.
if you have heart disease
Do not become dehydrated or fatigued. Get plenty of rest, says Ronald Krone, MD, professor of medicine and cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “If you’re tired, get someone to help you with your luggage. Take it easy. A long airport ride is like a stress test. Try to bring as little stuff on board as possible so you don’t struggle to lift things overhead .Minimize your workload.”
If traveling abroad, give yourself a day to recover. “You’re not supposed to follow a plan,” Kron said. “Allow enough time to rest and make sure you’re well hydrated.”
carry a copy of your electrocardiogram. if you have heart bypass surgeryGet a note from your surgeon. This should detail the number of veins and arteries used for the bypass, Krone said. If you’re abroad and need an emergency catheterization, “the cardiologist at your destination will know exactly how to do it,” Krone says. “It would make the whole thing a lot easier.”
if you are taking Coumarin and will be abroad for a month or more, consider scheduling your blood work at your destination. Many countries require you to see a local doctor to monitor your blood and prescribe it if necessary. The U.S. embassy can easily make these arrangements, Krone said.
if you are traveling with children
Have a game plan. “Really think about how long you’re going to wait,” says Andrea McCoy, MD, director of primary care at Temple University Children’s Medical Center in Philadelphia. It’s getting harder,” she said.
Let the kids run when they get the chance. “You can’t expect young kids to sit like little soldiers,” McCoy said. “Mum can let the kids run down the corridor while dad lines up. Standing there as an adult is already thankless; you can’t expect your kids to do that.”
Bring snacks, drinks and activities. Reading books, puzzle books, Game Boys, and portable checkers keep kids busy. For younger children, coloring books, mini games, and action figures are fine. Plan activities that you know they’ll enjoy, says McCoy. “Also plan for something new and different, something they don’t see every day, or something they haven’t seen before. Novelty helps.” Another idea: Wrap up a single toy, then wrap it up in the Take them out when the time is right.
Eat light snacks. Bring something like a bagel, which is starchy, doesn’t need refrigeration, and counteracts hunger and airsickness.
Carry prescription medication on board. Remember to put the medicine in an ice pack if it needs to be refrigerated. Let your doctor know ahead of time that you will be traveling in case it is more convenient to carry second-choice medications.
carry Acetaminophen — something that children can suck or swallow. These are for normal aches and pains, as well as earaches, McCoy said. If you’re flying, a swallowing or sucking motion will help clear your child’s ears.
Make sure the booster or car seat available. If you are renting a car, make appropriate arrangements at your destination. Also, consider installing car seats on your plane to keep your flight safe.
Check your destination – is it child friendly? Things that apply to your home are still important when you’re away. Is there a door at the top of the stairs? If you live with someone who owns a firearm, do you store the firearm out of the reach of children? When you’re done unwrapping presents, make sure to put away the ribbons and wrapping paper so little ones don’t choke or choke. And make sure to store leftover party food safely so the kids won’t eat if they wake up before you.
