BLUE & YOU-SUMMER 2019 (WEB)

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Vacationing WELL Don’t let health issues turn your i. dreamed-of getaway into a nightmare W hether it’s a road trip through the Ozarks... a flight to Maine... a cruise on the Atlantic ... or that big family theme park blowout, vacation should be a time to relax and enjoy yourself and your family, not stress about an injury or illness. Here are some tips that might help you enjoy your vacation – getting there and being there – to the fullest. Some health events are caused by outside forces. You catch a virus that’s going around, eat some bad potato salad or get stung by a jellyfish. Others are self-imposed. You overdo the sunbathing and burn to a crisp, take a curve too fast on that rented scooter or maybe your campsite is covered with poison ivy – and fire ants. Yikes. Prepare for where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Going to the woods? Don’t forget insect repellent and a first-aid kit ... and maybe some calamine lotion and/ or anti-itch cream. Going to the beach? Suncreen is a must-have. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests using one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and that it be applied on all exposed skin at least every two hours and anytime you come out of the water. And you might want to take a bottle of vinegar for jellyfish stings. Going to a theme park? Your backpack probably should be stocked with motion-sickness medicine, sunscreen, some basic first-aid items, antacids and wet wipes. And your shoes should be sensible.
Plan ahead • Select a destination with everyone in mind – Children with underdeveloped immune systems and elderly individuals with weaker immune systems may be at risk in certain places. And it’s not just about exposure to some rare disease in a subtropical region of the world. In the United States, there is a rise in measles cases, partially due to low vaccination rates in recent years. Right now, roughly 764 cases have been reported (in 23 states). • Don’t wait to vaccinate – According to vaccines.gov (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website), travelers should get vaccinations four to six weeks before traveling. The vaccines you get are based on where you’ll be traveling, whether you’re pregnant and what other vaccinations you’ve had. • Travel insured – Emergency medical expenses can bring a vacation to a full stop. Treatments and transportation costs can easily climb into the thousands, and that’s if you’re vacationing in the United States. Costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars if you are overseas. Arkansas Blue Cross offers the BlueCard travel benefit for domestic travelers and the GeoBlue travel plan for international travelers. Both plans offer reliable coverage and peace of mind in the event of a medical emergency. You can read more at arkansasbluecross.com. • Mind your meds – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests that travelers keep their medications in carryon baggage instead of checked baggage. That way you’ll have them if you need them midflight or before arriving at your destination. • Be practical – If your vacation involves a lot of walking, having the right shoes can make a huge difference. And don’t forget to factor in the climate. All that fun can take a toll on your body. Plan some down time to just rest. Illustrations by Wendell “Buster” Hall You should never take a vacation from prescribed medications. They can help ensure your trip goes well. So here are some pointers for staying on track with your meds, even when you’re far from home: Stay on schedule If you’re taking medications, make sure they are easily accessible, and take them as scheduled. Calendar reminders in your cell phone, pill boxes and reminder apps like Med Minder can help you. Carrying liquids and pills For domestic flights, the federal Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) does not require you to show your medications before boarding, unless they are in liquid form. Liquid medications must be 3.4 ounces or less. Medications in pill form of any amount can be carried aboard. All medications must go through the airport scanner. Meds international • Know before you go – Is that over-the-counter Sudafed illegal in Japan? You have a doctor’s prescription for Ambien to help you sleep, and you’re headed to Nigeria. Will that be a problem? Yes, and yes. Many drugs approved in the United States are banned in other countries. Check with the foreign embassy of your destination country to find out which medications are allowable and which are not. • Keep it simple – When traveling with medications that are allowable: - Carry a note from your doctor (on his/her letterhead) indicating your prescriptions - Carry medicines in their original containers, clearly labeled - Carry both the generic and prescription names of your medicines with you - Carry enough medicine for your trip – and a bit more, in the event of travel delays Blue & You <strong>SUMMER</strong> <strong>2019</strong> 13
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