Lake Forest, Ill. – August is one of the busiest months for vacations, as families fit in one last trip before school and fall sports begin. For Michael Peters, MD, chairman of emergency medicine at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, this means an increased responsibility to prepare people for medical issues that may arise.
“Traveling to an unfamiliar environment can put people at an increased risk for sickness or injury,” said Peters. “Educating yourself on what can go wrong and preparing in advance can help deter potential health problems.”
Peters, along with Harold Chin, MD, MPH, medical director of occupational health, are Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital physicians certified in travel medicine and treat patients at the hospital’s International Travel Clinic. To ensure that travelers have the tools they need to stay healthy, they offer these top ten suggestions on what to pack:
1. Antibiotic ointment to treat cuts and scratches
2. Bandages and gauze to cover surface wounds
3. Ace bandages to wrap muscle aches or sprains
4. Antihistamine to treat both motion sickness and allergies
5. Over the counter pain medication for fevers, aches or pain
6. Moleskin or Band-Aids to cover blisters when walking excessively
7. Antibacterial wipes to eliminate germs
8. Tweezers to remove splinters
9. Insect repellent to deter bug bites
10. Sunscreen to avoid sun burns and sun poisoning.
Peters notes that sunburn for children and teens before the age of 15 significantly increases the risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. People should reapply sunscreen every few hours, using a formula with SPF 15 or greater.
Whether touring, exploring or relaxing, vacationers should plan ahead. All of the items Peters suggests can be found over the counter at drugstores and supermarkets. To ensure speedy treatment in case of injury, pack the items in a travel kit before leaving home and find out where the closest medical center is located.
To learn more about the hospital’s travel services, visit http://www.lfh.org/international_travel_program.
