CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Medical Center offers the health-related tips below for when you go on vacation.
Whether your plan is to play tourist in your hometown, travel overseas or something in between, unexpected illness can ruin your summer vacation.
1. Manage your medications. If you take prescription drugs, visit your primary care doctor and request any refills you may need during your time away from home. Also ask for copies of your prescriptions, including generic names of your medications and dosages, as a record in case of a medical emergency.
You can also ask your doctor for an advance antibiotic prescription in the event you contract moderate to severe diarrhea while away, or malaria treatment medications if you are traveling to a country where malaria is common. Be sure to pack your prescription medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage to ensure you won't lose them.
2. Raid your medicine cabinet. Pack an assortment of basic over-the-counter medications for unexpected illness, such as a pain reliever and/or fever reducer, antihistamine, decongestant, antidiarrheal medication and a mild laxative.
3. Pack for protection. Depending on your final destination, bring items such as sunscreen, bug spray and protective clothing to prevent sunburn and bug bites.
4. Bring your own water bottle. If you are staying in the country, help your wallet and the environment by bringing reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water or sodas.
5. Don’t forget first aid. Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit in case of minor scrapes, bumps or bruises.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you include bandages, antiseptic, gauze, an elastic bandage, aloe gel for sunburns, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, a digital thermometer and oral rehydration solution packets (a concoction you mix with water to help rehydrate after diarrhea, heat exhaustion or vomiting).
Before you take time off, visit your primary care doctor for a well visit to discuss healthy habits and get up-to-date on medications and vaccinations.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NOMC: 5 ways to stay healthy while on vacation