Family Vacations
and
Family Travel

Many families have at least one member of the family that suffers from chronic health issues like diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, epilepsy, mobility issues, cardiovascular problems...the list goes on and on. Often worry keeps these families from taking a vacation. Dealing day to day with these medical stresses, these families are often the ones most in need of taking a vacation. The truth is most people with chronic medical conditions can travel comfortably and safely. The key to taking a healthy vacation is knowledge and a bit of additional vacation planning. Here are 3 tips on how your family can travel safely with a family member that suffers from a chronic disease....

1. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Your doctor knows your medical history and can offer you the very best advice on staying healthy. Get permission from your doctor before making your travel plans and listen to the advice and suggestions your doctor may offer you. Schedule a last minute travel check up about 4-6 weeks prior to your departure. Make a list of travel topics you and your doctor will need to discuss during this visit. Topics for discussion should include...
A LIST AND REVIEW OF MEDICATIONS AND TREATMENTS - Many countries require travelers to carry doctor's prescriptions for any medications or letters explaining treatments like insulin needles or sleep apnea machines. Depending on your illness or treatments, airlines or foreign countries may require a letter of permission from your doctor to travel. Be sure to do your homework ahead of time.
AN ACTION PLAN - Ask your doctor how to make travel and time zone adjustments to treatment and medication schedules. Know what symptoms could signal a problem and how you should respond. TALK ABOUT YOUR ITINERARY - Talk honestly to your doctor if you are planning to partake in activities that may differ from your usual routine. For example, if you are normally sedentary, is a walking sight-seeing tour okay or can your child scuba dive if they are asthmatic.

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
KNOW THE LINGO - If you are traveling to a country that speaks a different language than your own you may want to bring copies of your medical records that have been translated. At the very least, research and know important key medical words in that language and keep a translation dictionary on hand.
CARRY CONTACT INFORMATION - Make a list of important contact information like emergency phone numbers, doctor and pharmacy phone numbers. Be sure to note direct dial numbers as most 800 toll free numbers will not work from foreign countries. If you are traveling overseas, be sure you know how to make phone calls from international countries and how to make emergency phone calls in foreign countries. If you plan on using your cell phone, be sure it can work internationally. It might also be prudent to have the phone number of the local hospital in the country where you'll be traveling.
TRAVEL INSURANCE- Be sure you and your family are covered. Read the fine print to be sure your policy will cover you for PRE-EXISTING conditions.
PLAN AHEAD WITH YOUR FLIGHTS - Airlines require passengers with special needs or those who may require special assistance call ahead. Portable Oxygen or special meal consideration needs to be scheduled. Travelers requiring airport assistance need to call ahead and be honest about their conditions. The airlines operate using three levels of assistance and often special codes need to be printed on your tickets...
WCHR - Wheelchair needed to and from gate but passenger can walk from gate to their seat
WCHS - Wheelchair to aircraft door but passenger can walk to their seat
WCHC - Needs special assitance to and from their airline seat. Airlines and transportation companies often need to know details about passengers own wheelchairs. There are often different rules for wheelchairs powered by dry or wet cell batteries.

3. KNOW HOW TO GO
KEEP MEDICATION WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES - Never pack medication in your luggage. ALWAYS keep important medication and treatment items with you in your carry on bag. NEVER re-bottle or re-package prescription medication to save space. Carry all drugs clearly labeled in their original pharmacy containers.
BRING EXTRA MEDICATION, FOOD AND SUPPLIES - Pack at least twice as much as you think you'll need in case of accidental loss or flight delays. Inflight meals are no longer rountine and those airlines that do offer food may not offer healthy choices. It's often necessary to keep food on hand if you suffer from blood sugar issues or need food in order to take medication. Individual portions of commercially prepared foods or power bars are often good choice to take on board an aircraft. Many countries have rules about crossing borders with fruit or non-commercially packaged foods.
WEAR A MEDICAL ID BRACELET - This can help alert care givers if a crisis does occur.
BE PREPARED FOR SECURITY - Allow for extra time if you're carrying liquids, sharp objects (like insulin needles) or wear a pacemaker. Remember all carry on liquid, lotions and gels must follow the 3-1-1 Rule. PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS - Travelers who are sedentary for long periods of time during flights or other forms of travel are at high risk for developing deep-vein thrombosis or DVT. Simple inflight exercises can certainly help. Also be sure to remain hydrated. Drink plenty of decaffeinated and nonalcoholic fluids.

With a little extra planning everyone in the family can enjoy a fun, safe and healthy vacation. Travel smart and travel safe!