Dr. Becky's Article

TRAVEL TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY & SAFE

June 19, 2007

Summer is a great time for family vacations, but even the best vacation can be ruined by an unforeseen injury or illness.  However, there are ways to reduce the chances of an illness or injury occurring.

When traveling in cars, everyone should wear seatbelts, and children should be secured in appropriate car seats or booster seats.  No child under 12 years old should ride in the front seat.  When taking long trips, stop every few hours to stretch your legs and to keep yourself alert and refreshed. 

When traveling by plane, children are also safest in a car seat.  Most car seats can be easily installed in an airplane seat.  If you are taking a very long flight it is important to stay well hydrated and to periodically get up to move your legs around in order to prevent blood clots.  When flying, it is important to carry on any vital prescription medicines rather than packing them to decrease the chance of them getting lost.  If you are on insulin or another medicine that requires syringes, you may need a note from your doctor in order to clear security.  Always keep a list of your medicines with you so that if they are lost, they will be more easily replaced. 

If you are traveling overseas or to a third world country, be sure to follow any recommended food and water precautions.  Even when taking appropriate precautions, it is still quite common to develop traveler’s diarrhea. Be sure to ask your doctor about appropriate medications that you can take to treat this common problem. It is also important to check with your doctor regarding any vaccines that may be required prior to international travel.