Holiday Traveling

Like many families across the country, you may be traveling this year for the holidays. It is important to make sure you are keeping your family safe and healthy. Even though traveling can be a routine-buster, it doesn’t have to be a health-buster! Here are some ways to keep up with your health while going the distance this holiday season.

1) Pack plenty of your prescription medications: Ensure that you have enough to last the duration of your trip and a few days extra in case there is an emergency. It is typically recommended that you travel with your medications inside their original bottle or packaging. This, of course, is mandatory for any air travel. Also, keep a list of drugs you take, in case of an emergency. It is also a wise idea to locate pharmacies on the travel route and at your destination, in case you need to refill a prescription.

2) Take a first aid kit: Whether traveling by air or land, having a first aid kit handy can be great in a pinch! Ensure that your kit is small enough that it can travel conveniently but still has enough supplies inside. Basic items, such as bandages, antiseptics, and antibiotic creams are useful, but don’t forget other items like antacid and over-the-counter pain meds.

3) Emergency kit if driving: In addition to a first aid kit, an emergency kit could come in handy if driving long distances is in your plans this holiday season. Heat blankets, bottled water, and food rations are all great items to keep in mind when constructing an emergency kit, along with flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio. When traveling in older automobiles, keeping spare coolant, oil, and other fluids is also a good idea.

4) Have your doctor’s contact information saved: In case of emergency or sudden onset of illness, it’s good to have your trusted physician’s contact information saved. Generally, you can at least speak to your doctor’s nurse, who will be able to advise you on what to do when illness arises, and can speak to the doctor on your behalf, in case special attention or a new prescription is needed. In the worst scenario, a local doctor can speak to your doctor about pre-existing conditions and relay potentially life-saving information.

5) Pack healthy snacks and water: When traveling, it is usually easy to get your hands on sodas and snacks from a convenience store, which can really de-rail your healthy eating, or can also put a considerable dent in your pocketbook. Pack your own snacks, such as veggie sticks, fruit, nuts, or jerky, as well as bottled water or juice.

As you travel, keep in mind that the holidays can be stressful times for everyone. Keeping a positive attitude, no matter the circumstance, can help combat stress in you and others around you. Remember that stress can cause your immune system to lower its defenses. Happy Holidays!