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10 Ways to Have a Healthy Vacation
Tom Gilbert
July 3, 2008
As you begin planning your summer vacation and making lists of things to
bring, in addition to the bike, hiking boots, flip-flops, cooler and other
items, it is a good idea to consider adding a few key medicines and health
products as well.
Harvard Medical School has come out with a new report to help you do just
that. It is called Healthy Travel: A 10-Minute Consult from Harvard
Medical School, and it suggests the following list of important
health-related items to take along on vacation:
- Prescription medications. Make sure to take at least a week's supply in your carry-on bag, in case the airline loses your luggage.
The rest can go in your checked luggage.
- A small first-aid kit, including adhesive bandages, gauze, an elastic
bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, and a
first-aid book.
- Gastrointestinal medications, such as antidiarrheal medication, a
laxative and an antacid.
- Allergy medications, such as antihistamine and 1% hydrocortisone
cream. If you have a history of severe allergic reaction to things like
bee stings or nuts, bring an epinephrine auto-injector. Note that this is
a prescription item, so if you think you might need one, talk with your
doctor.
- Cold medications, such as a decongestant and throat lozenges.
- Motion sickness medication.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen;
these might not be readily available where you are going.
- Antifungal and antibacterial ointments.
- Eye drops.
- Depending on where you are headed and your medical history, think
about asking your doctor if you should bring antimalarial drugs or an
antibiotic to treat severe diarrhea.
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