Denver winters take a toll on everyone, especially shut-ins or those dealing with a chronic illness, who have many travel challenges not experienced by others. Travelers with a chronic condition, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or arthritis have additional challenges when planning a much needed get-away. With some small planned efforts you can guarantee the trip will turn out to be not only safe but also healthy.
Before The Trip Date
One month before your scheduled trip, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist. They can order destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and further information. Discuss the itinerary and planned activities. Their recommendations can prove to be invaluable.
Johns Hopkins Medicine provides some insight into traveling with a chronic condition and say, “People with certain heart diseases that result in reduced blood levels of oxygen were once warned against air travel. But recent studies have shown that if certain precautions are taken, there is no additional risk to these patients. Experts advise that patients with these conditions travel with a companion familiar with their condition. This person can also assist with baggage and ground transportation. It is also important to drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages when traveling.”
Buy some compression stockings if you experience circulatory problems. Get some information on medical facilities available in your planned destination point, along with names of healthcare providers to contact in case of an emergency. Contact your health insurance company to discuss coverage while traveling in states or abroad. Carry with you an access phone number or website where you can obtain medical records quickly while travelling.
In one of our blogs we discussed prescription adherence, and in the case of traveling it is important to make sure you have appropriate amount of medications to cover you on your journey. AARP suggests that you should make sure you have your Covid test and vaccine card, this is essential in other countries. All of this is easier in the digital age.
Keep a list of allergies and copies of prescriptions. Consider carrying with you extra medication, in case of a delay. Remember to pack all prescription meds in your carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. And, consider buying travel insurance as an added protection.
During The Trip
Always carry a card with information about your health conditions and a concise list of medications from your healthcare provider. If possible, if you are going to a foreign country, have these translated onto the local language. It might be beneficial to have copies of x-rays or other imaging. Further documentation you might feel comfortable with is your most recent lab results and possibly electrocardiogram (ECG). If it’s appropriate, buy and wear a medical alert bracelet or other medical jewelry with this information on it.
The plan is to practice healthy habits during travel, which includes eating healthy and exercising regularly. Take recommended medicines as directed by your doctor during your trip.
It is important to plan for unexpected events when you have travel challenges, to insure you get quality health care and avoid being stranded at a destination. Taking a few precautionary steps early on, will ensure you are ready for any unexpected events that might crop up.