June 7, 2006

• Keep with you a list of all the medications you take and their dosages, your doctors’ phone numbers, and health insurance information.
• Plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of your prescription medications. It is a good idea to take extra medication with you when you travel in case your flight is delayed,  you need to stay away longer than planned, and/or theft. Be sure to tell your pharmacist of the number of days you will traveling as often you can qualify for an early refill for traveling purposes.
• Keep your medications in your carry-on luggage when you travel. Do not pack medications in a suitcase that is checked, in case your baggage is lost or stolen.
• It is a good idea to leave your medication in its original container; as many drugs are light sensitive, pills can look alike the original containers can help you to identify the medication, and if you are traveling International medications in the original containers are preferred by Customs Agents.
• If you are crossing time zones, discuss scheduling of medications with your doctor, you may have to adjust the dosage and/or the time you take your medications.
• If your medication requires you to use a syringe—i.e. insulin or to draw up medication—you may need to carry your prescription with you to ensure that you can pass through airport security. Be prepared to provide airport security personnel with copies of prescriptions for diabetes medications and supplies as well as complete contact information for the doctor.
• Do Not store oxygen tanks in your car truck or the inside of hot car.
• Do Not store medications in your glove box, car trunk, and/or beach bags as excessive heat can deteriorate your medication.
• Wear a Medical ID bracelet and/or carry a card listing your chronic health conditions for emergency personnel.
• Some medications (i.e. antibiotics, topical retinoids) are ‘photosensitive’ and will cause your skin to burn more quickly. Be sure to wear appropriate sunscreen and protective clothing.
• If you are traveling to another country, visit https://www.cdc.gov/travel/ to see if you need special protection against disease in the country you are visiting.
• Carry a travel first aid kit with you when traveling. An example of a travel first aid kit.
  • Adhesive bandages- varying sizes
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Gauze bandage
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Q-Tips
  • Thermometer
• Bring along a second pair of eyeglasses

National Safety Month

The Transportation Security Administration Guidelines for Carrying Medications and Medical Equipment while Flying

Traveling with Diabetes

Injury and Accident Factoids

Hot Weather is Deadly Weather

First Aid for Heat Related Illnesses