CentraState - Healthy Directions

so they're easily identifiable. However, keep in mind that some countries do not permit certain medications, so carrying a note from the prescribing physician is advisable. " For the more adventurous traveler, a medical kit may be the difference between a memorable good time and a vacation disaster. "Over-the-counter medications for pain [e.g., ibuprofen], upset stomach [e.g., antacid], respiratory issues [e.g., antihistamine] and motion sickness, as well as malaria and altitude sickness, depending on destination, are recommended, " Dr. DeLuca says. YOUR MEDICAL KIT CONTENTS In addition to medications, carrying your own first aid for cuts, blisters and other ailments is essential if you're traveling to an isolated destination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the basic components of a first-aid kit should be: Be Medically Prepared for Overseas Travel N ow that the weather is warmer, many people are daydreaming of traveling to faraway places. If you are planning on traveling overseas in the next few months, have you thoroughly planned out your medical needs? DO YOU NEED A MEDICAL KIT? Depending on where you're going, many countries may not have medical services you're accustomed to here in the United States, or you may be visiting a remote location where medical care may be some distance away. For example, if you're traveling to Rome, you don't really need to bring first-aid supplies with you because medical services are readily available—but it would be a good idea to do so if you're going hiking in Chile. In any event, medical preparedness is as essential to pack in your suitcase as a proper bathing suit. But what should you bring? Alfred DeLuca, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician 14 Summer 2013 "The biggest and most obvious consideration is to make sure you bring any and all medications you're taking, " says Alfred DeLuca, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician, specializing in infectious diseases, on staff at CentraState Medical Center. "Be sure, if possible, to carry your medications in their original containers, with clear labels, • 1 percent hydrocortisone cream • Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes • Adhesive tape • Aloe gel for sunburns • Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or cream • Anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings • Antiseptic • Cotton swabs • Digital thermometer • Disposable gloves (more than two pairs) • Elastic bandage wrap for sprains and strains • First aid quick reference card • Gauze • Moleskin or molefoam for blisters • Saline eye drops • Tweezers and scissors (put in checked baggage if traveling by air) It may also be a good idea to include insect repellant, sunscreen and antibacterial wipes. To find a physician at CentraState, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727) or visit www.centrastate.com/physicians. HD VACCINES AND TRAVEL If you need to get a vaccination for an overseas trip, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends scheduling it four to six weeks before you leave, as most vaccines can take several days to a few weeks to become effective. "You aren't going to need a smorgasbord of vaccines, just those specific to the maladies of the country to which you are traveling," Dr. DeLuca says. "Different countries have different health hazards." For example, in some travel destinations you're going to need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, while in others it won't be a concern at all. To find out what vaccines you may need, speak with your primary care physician. "Be smart and safe when traveling abroad," Dr. DeLuca advises. Healthy Directions

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