Summer time is one of the most popular times to take a trip. But before
you head out on a weekend getaway or a month long vacation, keep these
five health tips in mind.
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Carry a full supply of medication. All prescription medications should be carried separately and in their
original containers from the pharmacy with the labels intact, clearly
showing the prescribing physician and medication names.
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Consult your physician before your trip. It’s a good idea to ask your physician about prophylactic medication
based on your travel plans. You may need antibiotics for traveler’s
diarrhea, upper respiratory infections or Tamiflu for viral protection,
sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medication.
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Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations. If you’re traveling domestically, check to see if you’ve received
the recommended vaccinations for your age as advised by your physician.
If you’re going to a foreign country, be sure to visit the Centers
for Disease Control website prior to your trip, as some immunizations
need to be started months in advance. On their site, you can click on
your destination country to find out what additional vaccines and/or prophylactic
medications are needed for that locale.
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Prevent deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in
one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. DVT
is a serious condition because blood clots in your veins can break loose,
travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood
flow (pulmonary embolism). Movement is the best prevention. Get up and
walk every two hours whether you’re flying, driving or riding in
a train. Baby aspirin can help a little to prevent DVT. If you have a
history of DVT, contact your physician prior to travel to see if you should
receive injections of a blood thinner called Lovenox before your trip.
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Avoid germs and illness. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes if you’ve not been able
to wash your hands. Once you find a sink, remember to wash your hands
well. You can also carry hand sanitizer.