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Aging Well
Play It Safe When You Travel
What you need to know for a healthy, stress-free trip
Whether it’s a weekend on the beach or a European vacation, you’re never too old to travel. Just plan ahead to make sure your trip is a safe and healthy one, says Ludmila Kissi, M.D., an internist with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.
“If you have a medical condition, discuss your travel plans with your family doctor,” she says. “Ask for a full physical if you’re planning an extended stay or a trip out of the country.”
“Healthy” packingWhen you pack, remember these essentials, Kissi says:
- The name and phone number of your doctor(s).
- A list of your prescription medications with dosages.
- An extra week’s supply of prescription drugs, with their original labels and packed in a carry-on bag.
- Extra eyeglasses.
- A bracelet or other medical ID if you have a penicillin allergy or a condition such as diabetes that could require emergency care.
- A medical summary from your doctor (and appropriate records, such as EKGs in the case of heart disease) if you have a chronic condition.
TransportationTo stay healthy when traveling on the road, in the air or at sea, Kissi suggests:
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Get up and walk around often, or do seated leg exercises.
- Choose your cruise line carefully to avoid infection spread by unsanitary conditions.
Traveling abroadIf you’re visiting another country, there are special concerns, says Mark Knouse, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network:
Depending on the country, you may need vaccination against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid or other conditions. Find out from a travel specialist. Also, make sure you’re up to date on tetanus-diphtheria, influenza, pneumococcal and polio immunizations.
- Eat and drink with care. When in doubt, stick to bottled beverages and cooked foods.
- Remember that traffic accidents are a leading cause of death abroad. Don’t drink and drive. Request rental cars with seatbelts when available, and avoid overcrowded roads.
- Be cautious when you are walking, especially when crossing the street in busy cities.
- Know how to find qualified physicians by contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or through membership organizations (see box).
- Avoid countries where war, terrorism or health threats are present or imminent. The U.S. Department of State maintains an updated list of these.
Personal safetyDon’t give anyone the opportunity to commit a crime against you, Knouse says;
- When choosing a hotel, make sure the room has a secure lock and peephole on the door.
- Store valuables in the hotel safe.
- Find out what parts of town local people consider risky and avoid those areas.
- Minimize the cash you carry and don’t wear flashy jewelry or accessories.
- Keep your car doors locked and suitcases out of sight.
Health insuranceMake sure you have insurance to cover emergency medical care away from home. Knouse recommends:
- Check your insurance policy’s overseas coverage. You may need to add coverage.
- For overseas travel, consider evacuation coverage for emergency air transport. Bring a copy of the policy with you.
- Have medical bills itemized in English and be prepared to pay overseas doctors and hospitals in cash; get a receipt.
- Consider trip cancellation coverage if you’re planning a trip abroad. World events can be unpredictable.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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