Travel Tips for Seniors / Elderly

Protect yourself when traveling. Contact with people and not weather conditions is most likely the reason for contracting the flu or a cold. So while traveling this winter, keep these tips in mind. 1. Wash your hands frequently. 2. Carry an antibacterial soap or wipe. Take advantage of the antibacterial wipes offered in supermarkets and department stores and wipe the cart handle, especially if you are in the company of a child who may be tempted to put their month on the cart handle. 3. Keep your body hydrated – in other words, drink plenty of water, water, and more water. 4. Avoid stress, if possible. (Good advice for any time of year, traveling or not.) 5. Seek your doctor’s advice regarding the flu shot and make sure all your immunizations are current. (Tetanus shot should be updated every 10 years – if in doubt, call your doctor’s office to check the date.) Keep a written record of any prescription medications you take along with the dosages, any allergies, blood type (if known), and list any important medical diagnosis, or chronic illnesses ie, diabetes.   7. Be prepared with an affordable medical kit – at the very least carry a couple of adhesive bandages in your purse or wallet. 8. Keep your prescription drugs in their original pharmacy-labled containers. 9. If traveling in cramped quarters, try to move around – at the very least flex your ankles in an up and down motions about once every hour to avoid DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), which can cause blood clots in the legs. 10. In the event of an emergency, and you need help with medical transportation, whether critical or non-critical care, contact the MED-TRANSPORT CENTER, 1-800-311-3412. Write this number down and keep it with your important information. You never know when you, a friend, or family member might need this valuable service.  Check them out at www.medtransportcenter.com – you will be glad you did.