As the holiday season approaches, thousands of people are heading to airports, flying out to see loved ones or just to get away. Many more will take the train or the bus, or pack their car and drive on the highways. But whether by land, sea or air, there will likely be delays along the way.
For people with serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease — and for young children — these travel issues can be more than an inconvenience. To stay well when you travel, you will need to plan well. Here’s how.
If you have diabetes
Eat close to your regular schedule. “This is especially important for people with diabetes,” says Inyanga Mack, MD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Since meal service has been discontinued on most flights, arriving at the airport early gives you time to eat before the flight. Also bring healthy snacks to offset the risk of hypoglycemiawhether on the road or in the air, she says.
Wear an appropriate medical alert bracelet. Carry the name of an emergency contact person and your primary care physician, suggests Mack. Keep a list of your medications and doses, so someone can access your medications in an emergency.
Take medicine with you, not packed in luggage. Take a few days’ supply of your medications. So if your luggage is lost or you are stuck at the airport or on the plane for long periods of time, your health will not be at risk. Always eat and take your medications on your regular schedule, even if everything else is upset.
Make sure medications are labeled correctly. All prescriptions must bear the pharmaceutical label or a professionally printed label identifying the drug. If you are not cleared to board with your medications and supplies, ask to speak to the FAA representative at the airport or the director of security. You may even want to call ahead to make sure you can board with what you need.
FAA Requirements: Persons with diabetes carrying syringes and/or needles must also carry the injectable drug. People with diabetes traveling to the United States can bring syringes and other similar equipment in their carry-on baggage, but insulin bottles must have a professionally printed medication label. Better yet, keep the insulin in its original box, as it has the pharmaceutical company’s label on it. The needles must be capped. The blood glucose meter must bear the name of the manufacturer. The injectable glucagon must also be in its original plastic kit with the pre-printed pharmaceutical label.
If you have heart disease
Don’t get dehydrated or tired. Get plenty of rest, says Ronald Krone, MD, professor of medicine and cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “If you’re feeling tired, find someone to carry your bags. Don’t rush. Getting around a long airport can be stressful. Pack as little on board as possible, so you don’t have to struggling to lift something above your head. Minimize your workload.”
If you are traveling overseas, give yourself a day to recuperate. “You shouldn’t be on a go-go schedule,” Krone says. “Allow time to get enough rest and make sure you’re well hydrated.”
Carry a copy of your EKG. If you had heart bypassget a note from your surgeon. This should detail the number of veins and arteries that were used to do the bypass, Krone says. If you’re in a foreign country and need emergency catheterization, “the cardiologist at your destination will know exactly how to perform the catheterization,” says Krone. “That would make the whole thing much simpler.”
If you take Coumadin and you will be abroad for a month or more, consider making arrangements at your destination to have your blood tested. Many countries require you to see a local doctor to monitor your blood and write a prescription if necessary. The U.S. embassy can easily make those arrangements, Krone says.
If you are traveling with children
Have a game plan. “Really consider how long you’re going to wait,” says Andrea McCoy, MD, director of primary care at Temple University Children’s Medical Center in Philadelphia. “Travelling with children is difficult initially, and delays and time zone changes make it even more difficult,” she says.
Let the kids run when there’s a chance. “You can’t expect young children to sit like toy soldiers,” McCoy says. “Mom can let the kids run down a hallway while Dad waits in line. It’s pretty ungrateful to stand there as an adult; you can’t expect your kids to.”
Pack snacks, drinks and activities. Reading books, puzzle books, playboys and portable checkers keep the kids busy. For the youngest, coloring books, small games, figurines will do the trick. Plan activities you know they’ll like, says McCoy. “Also plan something new and different, something they don’t see every day or have never seen before. The novelty will help a bit.” Another idea: keep the individual toys wrapped, then take them out at the right time.
Take light snacks. Pack something like bagels, which are starchy and don’t require refrigeration, to offset both hunger and airsickness.
Take prescription medication on board. Remember to put the medications in an ice pack if they need to be refrigerated. Let your doctor know ahead of time that you are traveling, in case a second-choice medication is more convenient to carry.
Carry acetaminophen — Something that children can suck or swallow. These are for normal pain, as well as ear pain, McCoy says. Swallowing or sucking will help clear a child’s ears if you are flying.
Make sure the reminder or car seats are available. If you are renting a car, make arrangements at your destination. Also remember to have a car seat on board for a safer flight.
Check at your destination – is it childproof? The same things that apply at home still matter when you’re away. Are there gates at the top of the stairs? If you are staying with someone who has a gun, is it stored out of reach of children? When you’ve finished unwrapping the gifts, make sure the ribbons and wrappers are picked up, so that small children don’t choke or choke on them. And make sure leftover party food is stored safely, so the kids won’t get in there if they wake up before you do.