You've been marking your calendar for months and it's finally here: that relaxing summer getaway you've been dreaming of has arrived. Make sure you make the most of your vacation by safeguarding your health before you go and during your trip, with a few quick tips from Paul Kim, M.D., a family physician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.
Before You Go:
See your doctor. This is especially important if you’re traveling abroad, as you may need certain vaccines for your trip. Either way, your doctor can provide specific health information about your destination as necessary.
Pack your meds. Take an ample supply of the medications you’ll need while you’re away, and pack them in well-labeled prescription bottles in your carry-on bag. While you’re packing, include a list of your medications, any allergies you have, your doctor’s phone number and your health insurance information, in case of a health emergency.
During Your Trip:
Be mindful of the water. In areas where tap water is not chlorinated or where sanitation is poor, there are several alternative methods for ensuring water is safe to drink. These include boiling the water or buying bottled water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Remember: if the tap water is not safe to drink in the area you are visiting, do not use it to reconstitute juice or to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables. Also avoid ice made from tap water.
Wash your hands. Hand washing is good advice for preventing illness any time of year. When water isn’t available, scrub up using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Beware of buffets. Having unlimited access to infinite amounts of food can be dangerous for even the most disciplined eaters, and vacation is a time when most of us are more tempted to splurge than usual. But don’t go overboard: Splurge on treats at just one meal each day, and share rich dishes with your traveling companions.
Hang ten. Sure, vacations are a great way to get away from it all, but don’t get too attached to that beach towel. Surf, swim, snorkel, hike, pedal or paddle—you choose. Physical activity during the day will make those relaxing sunsets even more satisfying.
For information regarding the services offered at Baylor Grapevine, please call 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit Baylor Health Grapevine.
Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine is a full-service, fully-accredited not-for-profit hospital serving residents in more than 20 cities throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth region. Focused on being the best place to give and receive quality, safe and compassionate care, Baylor Grapevine works to lead the transformation of health care. The 276-bed hospital offers advanced medical services for cardiovascular services, women's services, oncology, neurology, spine care, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, neonatal intensive care, intensive and emergency care.
About Baylor Health Care System
Baylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.8 million patient encounters, $4 billion in total operating revenue, $5.2 billion in total assets and $494 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2010. Baylor’s network of more than 300 access points includes 27 owned/operated/ ventured/affiliated hospitals; joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers; satellite outpatient locations; senior centers and more than 150 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics.
Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System's subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine or Baylor Health Care System.