Remember that anything can happen while you are away from home, so be PREPARED.  This is most important where your health is concerned, and could save your vacation… or even your life!

Here is what you need to know to TRAVEL HEALTHY :

Before You Go

• Research health issues in the area you will be visiting
• Make sure you have all required vaccinations
• Keep your booster shots for tetanus and polio up to date
• Check if there are foods that conflict with the medications you are taking
• Purchase out of country emergency medical insurance (I can set help)! 

Packing

• Bring medications you are taking in their original packaging
• If needles or prescribed narcotics are part of your treatment, get a doctors note as well
• Bring more medication than you typically need
• Always pack prescription drugs in your carry on 

Checklist

• Allergy medication if you have any history of allergies
• An antidiarrheal such as Immodium, and rehydration salts for kids
• Antibiotics and a Laxitive
• First aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors and gauze
• Sunblock and insect repellent
• Some sort of painkiller, such as acetaminophen
• Lubricating eye drops
• Motion sickness medication, such as gravol
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments, especially for longer stays
• Cold symptom medications, including lozenges and decongestant
• An alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Great Resources

• Health Canada - Travel Health
• International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy
• Travel Health On-line
• Foreign Affairs and Int’l Trade Canada - Travel Reports
• Travel Health Clinics, always good to make an appt
• Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Flight

And finally, it’s not all about prevention - Here are 8 Health Benefits of Travelling!

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Tags: health, medications, packing

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 8:09 am and is filed under Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.