Preparing to leave for a summer vacation? Be sure to prepare for the unexpected.
Nobody likes to go on vacation only for it to be spoiled by unexpected diarrhea, a cold, rash or injury. Therefore, always pack the basic over-the-counter medications, so you are not left scrambling to locate a drug store while camping in a national park, driving in a desolate location, or struggling to communicate your needs in a foreign country.
7 essential medications:
1. Tylenol (acetaminophen) – for pain and/or fever.
2. Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen) – helpful for inflammation.
3. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – just in case, for an allergic reaction.
4. Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate), or Imodium (loperamide) – use for unexpected diarrhea.
5. Tums – for an upset stomach, or heartburn.
6. Cortaid (topical hydrocortisone cream) – helpful for skin irritation or rash.
7. Dulcolax – stool softener for constipation.
For those individuals on prescription medication, here are four important travel tips:
1. Always take a full prescription bottle of your medication with you (at least 30 tablets), just in case you are stranded or delayed.
2. Always place your medication in your carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage. Why? Luggage may be temporarily lost or stolen.
3. Never purchase prescription medication in Mexico. Why? The name on the package may not be what is contained inside. As a result, the product may be ineffective or unsafe.
4. Always keep medications in their original container or package. Do not mix medications.
Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio (1000 AM and 97.7 FM) every Saturday and Sunday 7:45 a.m. & 9:45 a.m., and on a weekday during the morning and evening commute. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer healthcare advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office at 253-568-0841.
