Holiday Travel Preparedness

The American Automobile Association is projecting recent highs for travel between December 23 and January 1 as people take to the roads, rails, and air for Christmas and New Year’s.

Visiting friends and family is an important part of the holiday season. Are you going to travel around the world, or maybe across town with your family this holiday?

Traveling with your kids is a wonderful way to spend time together, explore new places, and visit family and friends who don’t live nearby. Help ensure that your trip is safe and healthy with these tips. But if you find yourself needing emergency medical care, Physicians Premier, your Corpus Christi Emergency Room, is open 24/7 for you and your family.

1. Bring the essentials from your medicine cabinet

• Bring any prescription medicines your child takes, and be sure that you have enough for the entire trip.
• Carry a few Band-Aids and a thermometer on your trip. You’ll find that they can come very handy.
• Pack any commonly used over-the-counter medication, like antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

2. Be aware of the typical travel health concerns

• Ear pain can be a concern when you fly with your family, especially if you are going to bring your little ones. It is always a good idea to have an infant take a bottle or nurse during take-off, because swallowing can help with ear pain. Older kids can play a yawning game, chew gum, or drink to prevent their ears from hurting or blocking up.
• Carry a hand sanitizer always. Germs can be anywhere!
• If your child easily gets carsick, keep a window cracked open for a breeze.

3. Do your homework

• Create a list of all the phone numbers and names of all doctors your child sees. Keep them with you at all times while you are traveling.
• Jot down your child’s medical information, especially prescription medications, medication allergies, and health concerns. If you need to bring your child to the doctor when traveling, he’ll need to be aware of these things.
• Check with your insurance company about the health coverage out of your area. Will they cover emergency medical care?

All these things might sound like a lot, but it all boils down to careful planning. Being prepared for traveling can make a huge difference. If you need emergency medical care during the holidays, don’t hesitate to see us at Physicians Premier, your Corpus Christi ER.