Tips for Getting Medical Care While on a Road Trip
Are you coming down with a bit of Wanderlust? Thinking about packing up your car and hitting the open road? Fresh air, open roads, and the feeling of freedom that goes with them are just a few of the factors that make road trips so pleasurable. Whether you’re going on a short weekend excursion or planning an extended cross-country journey, there are certain things to consider before making your way to your trip.
There’s something about seeing the simply irresistible world. But what happens if you have a medical emergency while on your trip? Do you know how to get the care you need? Do you think you’re ready for it? Read along as we help you figure out how to stay healthy and safe on your next road trip.
Update Your Contact List:
Road trips are so thrilling that we usually forget about essential things in life. While you’re packing for your trip, don’t forget to update your emergency contact list on all of your mobile devices. Ensure to store the contact information for local hospitals, police stations, and the US Embassy or consulate. If you’re not familiar with the area you’re visiting, you can use an app like Google Maps to help you find these locations.
You can also keep digits for your RNs, pharmacists, and physicians on-hand in case of an emergency. Even better, if you have a friend with you who is interested in becoming a healthcare professional, persuade them to pursue an RN to BSN degree or another similar degree, and you’ll have your own ‘personal nurse’ on your trip.
Keep Insurance Companies Close:
If you get hurt while on your trip and need to go to the hospital, your insurance company can help you ensure that you’re getting the proper treatment. They may even be able to connect you with a doctor in their network for reduced healthcare costs or send over medical records if needed. The amazing part is: all of this can be handled remotely from anywhere!
Don’t Forget Your Prescriptions:
If you or your family members need to take medication regularly, ensure you have enough of each prescription filled before hitting the road. There’s nothing worse than running out while traveling in an unfamiliar place with no idea where to go for refills. It’s also good practice to keep prescriptions in their original containers so that they’re easy to identify if necessary—for example, when going through airport security lines or entering foreign countries like Canada and Mexico.
Alert Your Doctors:
If you’re planning a long trip that will last for more than three months, let all of your doctors know ahead of time. It includes your primary care doctor, any specialists you see, and even your dentist. They may need to adjust your medications or treatment plans slightly to account for the fact that you’ll be out of their reach in case of an emergency.
Pack a Medication List:
Whenever you travel, it’s always a good idea to have a list of all the medications you’re taking with you. If you ever get yourself in a difficult-to-communicate situation, the medical experts will understand precisely what they’re dealing with and how to treat you if you have it all written down. It’s also essential to carry this information with you when crossing international borders; customs agents may want to see it as part of their screening process.
Know Where To Find Local Doctors:
Check with a travel agency before leaving if you’re unsure where the nearest hospital is or if it’s close to your itinerary. They will direct you to those in the area and can assist you when needed. You’ll also want to know what type of care will be available at these facilities so that you’re prepared for any situation.
Pack First Aid Supplies:
You should never leave home without first aid supplies – especially when traveling by car out in nature where there are more potential injury risks like camping or hiking trips (but it’s good advice no matter what you’re doing). Make sure to pack supplies like adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and antihistamines.
If you have baby travelers along, make sure to pack supplies for them as well, like infant Tylenol or Motrin, bandages of different sizes, a thermometer (for taking kids’ temperatures), and creams or ointments to treat insect bites and stings.
Carry More than Just Clothes:
It’s natural to think that our clothes and other essentials will be enough for a road trip. But you also need to add some essential things that can help you in case of an emergency. For example, if you’re going on a long drive during the winter or into colder climates, make sure your clothes are warm enough and prepare with hats, scarves, and gloves so that you don’t get frostbite if anything happens along the way. And another thing: remember not all places have cell service — so bring a map!
Learn Some Yoga Stretches:
Well, you got to rely on yourself for more than just the pills. Sitting behind the wheel for long hours can be a pain in the neck, hips, and back. Do some simple yoga stretches before you hit the road to help loosen up those muscles for a more comfortable drive.
Keep Yourself Hydrated:
When it comes to preserving good health, drinking lots of water can’t be overstated – especially in the summer when temperatures rise, and dehydration is possible within hours, if not minutes. We all must stay hydrated so that our bodies operate correctly, but staying hydrated while driving long distances is essential. We all must stay hydrated so that our bodies function properly, but it’s vital for those driving long distances. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and even dizziness – none of which are conducive to safe driving. So drink up!
Watch What You Eat:
Yes, it is a road trip, and you’re free to do as you please when it comes to food, but try and make intelligent choices. Eating greasy foods or high in sugar can lead to feeling tired and sluggish – not the ideal condition for driving. Stick to healthy munching like fruit and nuts, which will give you sustained energy without making you feel weighed down.
Conclusion:
There are a lot of potential disasters that may occur on a road trip. Still, by being prepared and utilizing some basic preventative measures, you can substantially minimize the risk of any catastrophe occurring. So go out there and discover America (or wherever your destination is) — just make sure you’re looking after yourself while you’re doing it!