Healthy advice for your next Trip
David Gerson DO
Golden Family Medicine
Some tips for the traveler from your friendly neighborhood Family doctor. First things first, if you are going abroad, put this article down and go to
www.cdc.gov/travel for the Center for Disease Control's web site for some really helpful travel information! Many countries are still fighting all kinds of diseases that haven't been seen in the US since our Grandparents' days. You might not be required to get vaccinations but there are several, like Hepatitis A that you would do well to get ahead of time so put this as task #1.
Second, this site can also be useful to get an idea of any recent outbreaks of various little nasties that can be avoided with a little planning. You can make your trip hassle free or at least not risk your having to enjoy the medical accommodations of your foreign hosts. Despite what some movie producers might have you believe regarding the quality of medical care outside our borders I'm sure you would rather avoid having to impose on their hospitality. Another site I like is sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians,
www.familydoctor.org ,go to their healthy living section and you'll find a plethora of helpful information.
Now on to domestic travel and some advice on staying healthy while away. Many of my patients ask me what to pack for trips to avoid any unforeseen medical pitfalls. I stress more about being prepared for the particular climate of your destination. The temperature is easy to prepare for with access to your travel destination forecasts by plugging in the zip code at
www.weather.com. Hydration and sun exposure is where I put most of my emphasis. In my experience I see more travelers whose trips have been ruined by the above two factors than all other issues combined. As an example let's say your taking a trip up to the mountains for a long weekend. Many travelers are surprised by the much drier climate as you increase your altitude and the toll it can take on your body if not adequately hydrated. Remember the advice your grandmother gave you about 8 glasses of water a day. Get to it in earnest at least a few days before your trip, and while travailing choose water or club soda instead of a soft drink (regular or diet) with your meals and snacks. If you are going to enjoy the wine country or a local micro brew a good rule of thumb is six ounces of water for every ounce of alcohol consumed. And whatever you do, keep your spirit intake conservative if you plan on being real active.
Now, next on the agenda is what to bring along. My advice is to take advantage of the travel size sections at your local pharmacy. You know the obvious shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, but don't forget your sun block. You've got to account for elevation too. Risk of sunburn goes up considerably the higher we get from sea level. Pack moisturizers, many of these already have a sun block in them. Another good rule of thumb here is a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15-30 applied every 15-30 minutes exposed to sunlight and reapplying after you've been swimming. Everyone has their own mini travel version of their home's medicine cabinet but some of the following extras could save your trip: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, chewable versions of Pepto-Bismol™, loperamide and antacids, melt away strips of benadryl, cough suppressants and mouthwash. These versions are light, easy to pack and help avoid the airport restrictions on fluids. I always take my medicine/toiletry kit with me as a carry-on just in case my luggage decides on a different destination. If you have any prescription medications make sure to get those refilled several days before your planned trip and if you take vitamins take those along too. Missing a few days of these can lead you to feel a little fatigued and you might develop a less than desirable appetite. Don't forget to pack some work out gear, and a comfortable pair of shoes too. You'll be surprised at the opportunities you'll have to get a quick work out in. And lastly, don't forget your insurance card. I like to put a list of medications, allergies and contact numbers including your primary care provider on the back of these. Too often they get left behind, and though coverage will vary it can come in very handy. Bon Voyage!