Baltimore, MD – Summer will not last too much longer.  The kids want a vacation and so do you.  Will the fun be ruined if someone in your family gets sick?  Whether it’s a quick road trip or a long flight, protect your health before you pack a suitcase.

• PLAN AHEAD: You know what to expect if your vacation spot is a family favorite but what if it is a new or distant destination?   Ask your doctor about health issues and health care in those regions.   Vaccinations or certain medications may be necessary.
• PACK SMART:  Remember to take any prescription and nonprescription medication you might need.  Pack the medicine in a carry-on bag if you fly so it does not take a separate vacation if your luggage gets lost. If you drive, do not leave medicine in a hot car.  Heat can affect some medications.
• ON THE ROAD:  Wash your hands frequently to protect against viruses and bacteria.  Also, buckle-up and take frequent breaks if you travel by car.  It helps keep you alert behind the wheel and gives everyone a chance to stretch their muscles.
• BASIC SAFETY:  Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.  Do not drink and drive.  Make sure that you carry any important medical history with you along with the name, address and phone number of an emergency contact.  Don’t forget the sunscreen and insect repellant.

Despite your plans and preparations, someone may get sick.  Be prepared for some common illnesses you may come across while traveling:

•        COMMON COLD:  Traveling may weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold. Take care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated.
•        MOTION SICKNESS:  Motion sickness is often caused by an inner ear disturbance reacting to repeated motion. This can occur on any moving craft, including boats, planes, and cars.  It causes symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and sweating. If you are commonly sick on a moving craft, speak with your doctor about motion sickness medications.
•      GASTROENTERITIS:  Gastroenteritis may be caused by contaminated food or water. The virus, however, may also be spread through contact with an infected person. Research your vacation destination.  Follow any travel suggestions or guidelines regarding food and drink for that area.
•      SUNBURNS:  While a sunburn may not be an illness, a severe sunburn may cause symptoms such as fevers, chills, nausea, blisters, headaches, and fatigue. Wear sunscreen when you are outside, even if the weather is overcast.  Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
•       INSECT BITES:  Traveling may expose you to insects that carry disease.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends the use of insect repellents that have been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).   Protective clothing with long sleeves and pants will also help prevent bug bites.

 
Patient First doctors are available to discuss these and other healthy vacation tips.  Contact David Clark at 443-577-2907 or david.clark@patientfirst.com for interviews.
 (Note: Editors and reporters are permitted use of the attached graphics.)
 
Related Content

• Don’t Let Getting Sick Ruin Your Vacation: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/dont-let-getting-sick-ruin-your-vacation.aspx?PostId=224&tabid=819
•  Plan Ahead for a Safe Road Trip: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/plan-ahead-for-a-safe-road-trip.aspx?PostId=219&tabid=819

 

​ HEALTH RISKS RISE WITH HEAT by Patient First
Doctors Warn Against Heat Exposure

Baltimore, MD – The summer swelter has arrived as temperatures and humidity rise.  This increases health risks as you work and play outside, especially for older people and young children.
 
Excessive heat can cause several health problems including heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:

•        Profuse sweating
•        Headache
•        Dizziness
•        Nausea
•        Rapid heartbeat
•        Skin that feels cool and moist
•        Muscle cramps. 

 
Move this person to a cooler location, apply cool wet cloths to their body, and give them cool water to drink.  If the person vomits or refuses to drink, call 9-1-1.  Heat exhaustion can lead to heart stroke.
 
How can you avoid heat-related illnesses?
·       Wear light-weight, light colored clothing made of breathable material, like cotton.
·       Stay hydrated.  Drink water throughout the day.
·       Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on hot days.
·       If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a cool place.
·      Air-conditioning is the best way to protect against heat-related illness.  If you do not have air-conditioning at home during extreme heat. Try to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as a shopping mall, public library, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelter in your area.
 
Related Content

•        Health Risks Rise With the Heat: https: https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/health-risks-rise-with-the-heat.aspx?PostId=222&tabid=819

 
About Patient First
All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year, including holidays.  Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician.  Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. ​
  
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