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Pack Smart and Plan Ahead

Hot Health Tips for Summer Travelers

The vacation gear is ready to go, but have you packed what you need to make sure your holiday will be healthy and safe? When traveling this summer, the Council on Family Health (CFH) reminds vacationers to pack smart and plan ahead for possible medical emergencies and everyday health needs.

"Many people must take medicines on a regular basis for certain health conditions," says CFH President Robert G. Donovan. "When packing for a vacation, make sure to have an adequate supply of needed medicines that are properly stored. It's also important to review dosage schedules with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if a trip will cross time zones."

CFH offers the following health tips for summer travelers:

• Make sure to take the prescription medicines you need and to pack any common over-the-counter medicines you may use, especially when traveling overseas. The availability or formulation of many familiar medicines may differ by country.

• Travelers should avoid packing medicines in checked luggage and should always keep a day's supply of needed medicines with them even when venturing out just for the day.

• Since heat and humidity can alter the potency of medicines, the car (such as in the glove compartment or trunk) or a beach bag (where temperatures can climb to more than 100 degrees) are not good medicine storage places.

• Be prepared for your trips away from home with a travel first aid/medical kit. Include common medicines you might need (such as pain relievers or cold/cough medicines) as well as key first aid items (such as antiseptic and antibiotic ointments, bandages, scissors and tweezers). Make sure the kit is fully stocked and check it at least once a year for old or expired medicines, which should be thrown away.

• Always remember to read medicine labels for usage directions and warnings and keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

CFH is offering a free wallet-sized When you travel, don't forget your medicines information card that highlights key health tips for summer travelers, as well as free tip sheets on "Making Your Summer Vacation a Healthy One" and "What to Pack for a Safe Summer Vacation." All materials are available on the Council's web site www.cfhinfo.org or by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to: "Summer Travel Tips," Council on Family Health, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1200-B, Washington, DC 20036.

Photo courtesy of L.L. Bean

Edited by Dave Shultz

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