First Aid on the Road

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Sometimes there’s nothing better for the mind, body and soul than a vacation from everyday life. MSN Health & Fitness has provided this series of articles to keep you and yours healthy while traveling. Before packing up the car or getting on a plane for a stateside trip, consider these guidelines for being well on the road.

Health Kit

See the Health Kit we’ve prepared to help you plan a safe and healthy journey. The kit prints easily so you can use it like a check list of all the must-have health items for your trip. Also, fill out the card for organizing vital information and tuck it into your bag.

“If you need to see a physician who has no prior knowledge of your personal health, background medical information can be invaluable,” confirms Dr. Dana Stearns, MD, FACEP, of the department of emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. “It’s wise to prepare a list of current medications and underlying medical conditions.”

Preparation and the Family Doctor

There’s no place like home, and there’s no substitute for the family physician. But chances are you can’t take the family doctor with you, so pay a visit ahead of time. Your physician just might diagnose and prevent a vacation-ruining illness.

Be sure all prescriptions are covered for the duration of the trip. If any traveler routinely experiences conditions that require medication (e.g., ear infections, bronchitis, sore throat), ask for a prescription just in case it’s needed while you’re away. Fill that prescription before leaving home, too, since many physicians are licensed only in their own states. Their prescriptions may not be able to be filled across state lines.

Only a doctor who’s familiar with your health history can provide such well-focused care. Says Stearns, “Family physicians know your susceptibilities and how you respond to specific treatments. They also know the potential dangers you face from side effects and drug interactions.” Stearns cautions against the casual use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as decongestants and motion sickness remedies — especially for children — without first discussing their safety with the family doctor.

It’s wise to locate resources such as all-night drugstores, but don’t depend on OTC medications just because they’re widely available. Every OTC comes with a laundry list of warnings, and there can be serious consequences when OTC’s are mixed with prescription meds. You don’t want to discover those problems on your own, especially when far from home. People taking drugs for hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions need to be especially cautious.

Help where you need it

Facing a health issue, even a minor one, while in unfamiliar territory can be a source of great anxiety. When you’re uncertain about the best course of treatment, don’t hesitate to call a local hospital. They’re open 24/7, 365 days a year. At many hospitals, a trained nurse in the triage unit can assess a condition over the phone and help you decide between self-treatment and a visit to the emergency department.

Dedicate one minute of your vacation recon to locating the hospital or other medical facility nearest your destination. A hotel concierge or someone who’s renting you a house should be able to provide a phone number easily, and an online search can provide the info in seconds.

Where To?

Before hitting the road, consider which risks are specific to your destination and prepare accordingly. For starters, follow the links here for prevention and treatment of the minor ailments listed.

Amusement Park

Day Hike

Car Trip and RV Camping

Beach Vacation

Visiting the Big City

Have a good time out there, and get back home safely.

Rich Maloof specializes in health, technology and music. He is a regular contributor to MSN and has also written for CNN, Yahoo!, Billboard, and the “For Dummies” book series, among others.