Traveling can be a chore for any of us. Yet, it can be even more challenging when you have a health condition, especially a health condition that requires serious monitoring such as diabetes. However, this does not mean that those who have diabetes have to stay home and forget about traveling. It just means those with diabetes or those parents, who have diabetic children, do have to make the time and effort to consider this health condition and the aspects of it as they are packing and get ready for their trip. Here are some tips to help you get ready for that next vacation now, before any health scares occurs.
1. If you are going to be flying on an airplane, consider air port security. Be prepared with a special signed letter by your doctor indicating that you or your child has diabetes. Then make sure that this letter indicates exactly what medications and supplies you will be carrying. This should help clear up any confusion. This can also be helpful if you are going out of the country when you are trying to clear customs.
2. Make sure you or your child is wear a medical alert bracelet, necklace, etc. It should clearly state that you or your child is a diabetic.
3. Carry extra prescriptions with you for any medicines you made need. You never know when an emergency may occur and your trip may be extended long than you plan.
4. Do not carry needed medication in luggage that is going to be checked. These bags can easily become lost. Make sure all medication is with you in your carry on bags, at all times.
5. If you are going out of the country to a non-English speaking country, learn how to speak the phrase “I have Diabetes” or “my child has Diabetes”.
6. If you are going to be traveling through time zones, discuss this with your doctor. See how it may affect medication dosages.
7. Consider purchasing and wearing a watch with an alarm. This can be a great way to ensure that you do not miss the allotted times to check your blood glucose levels. It can be easy to forget to this while traveling, while having fun and while you are busy. Yet, it should not be forget because this is also the time that the body’s blood sugar can easily rise.
8. Remember to keep snacks on hand wherever you may go.
9. Take breaks from car trips; stretch your legs as much you can.
10. Never go barefooted in swimming pools or motel showers (or allow your child to if he/she is diabetic).
Sources:
www.healthcomunities.com
