When preparing to travel, there are so many things for you to think about, from booking tickets and reserving rooms to remembering to bring your ID or passport to the airport.
It’s not surprising, then, that your health may not be top of mind when planning your trip. Yet we know that an illness or injury while traveling can ruin plans and certainly make you feel uncomfortable.
“Though it’s exciting to go on vacation, there’s typically a lot of stress involved,” says Dr. Alexa Owens, physician at Griffin Concierge Medical. “For one, we don’t want to get sick on our vacations when we’re trying to have fun with our family and friends and, two, our immune systems are sometimes down a little, so we want to take a proactive approach to help prevent getting sick.”
While health may not be at the forefront of our minds when preparing for travel, it’s smart to take a few minutes to do the things that can help you stave off illness and arm yourself with information and provisions in case you do have a medical situation while on the road.
Here’s a look at some things to consider when planning your travel.
Before You Go: Travel Prep
Talk to your Griffin physician. Let us know where and when you’re traveling well before you depart. We’ll be able to help you with considerations for the specific location you’re heading to, especially when it comes to international vaccines. We may be able to order the vaccines you need and administer them prior to your departure date. We can also start getting our list of national or international medical professionals ready, should you need care while away.
Get your contact info and records ready. Always carry a list of emergency numbers. Better yet, program them into your phone as well, including our Griffin phone line (813-850-9090) and text line (813-605-1354). If you use our messaging app, make sure you’ve got it loaded and ready to go. Carrying a list of your vaccination records is also smart.
Get your Griffin travel pack. One of the many benefits of being a member of Griffin Concierge Medical is access to an essential travel pack. With advance notice, we’ll prepare a handy pack customized with your prescription medications, as well as medications (both OTC and prescription) tailored towards the location and environment where you are heading. This is very helpful, especially when you’re in another country. U.S.-licensed physicians are unable to prescribe internationally, so having the basics covered (antibiotics, for example) is key to giving you peace of mind and helping you feel better quicker. We’ll also provide you with information on the medicines and their uses, so you’ll be prepared.
Give us about two weeks’ notice prior to your trip, and we’ll have your travel pack ready to go. If you split your time at different residences, we can call in your prescriptions to a pharmacy that is convenient to you.
Consider getting travel insurance. If you’re traveling to remote areas or ones that don’t have advanced medicine, it could be worth purchasing travel insurance, especially the kind that would provide medical evacuation, if necessary. We can help you consider the options in this case.
Fortify yourself. Traveling can be stressful, so helping boost your immune system may help fend off some sickness. Hydrate well, make sure you’re current with vaccines, and continue with your multivitamin regime (vitamin C and D are excellent for immunity) well before you leave.
While You’re Away: Travel with Confidence
Tap into our networks. Being away from your trusted Griffin physician in time of need can be stressful. At GCM, we have a robust network of national healthcare professionals and a growing international network, so we’ll be able to guide you in getting the best care you can while away. We can even help locate national pharmacies for you. Plus, we’ll communicate with hospitals, physicians, and specialists regarding any care you receive. We’re your biggest advocate and want to make sure you’re being taken care of.
Contact us for guidance. No matter what time zone you’re in, we’re always accessible via phone or text (see above about making sure our numbers are in your phone). Our on-call physician will be ready to assist when you need us, day or night.
Schedule a telemedicine appointment. If you have an urgent issue and need to meet with your Griffin physician while you’re away, telemedicine is a good option. Contact your designated patient care coordinator or call the office to schedule a same- or next-day appointment.
Be mindful of what makes you vulnerable. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent passing germs, so be aware if you’re going to be in places where you’re interacting with people who could be sick and potentially contagious, such as airports or crowded restaurants. In addition, stay well hydrated, which is important for helping prevent illness, fighting fatigue, and giving you more energy.
Practice basic healthy habits. It’s okay to indulge when you’re traveling, of course. “That doesn’t mean that all the work you put in 90 percent of the time is down the drain. I like to emphasize to my patients that health is not an all-or-nothing principle,” Dr. Owens states. But you can counteract some of the effects of these indulgences by staying active (getting steps in is a great way). “Have fun and don’t miss out—that’s not healthy either. There’s always a way to get back on track.” Dr. Owens prioritizes hydration and staying active when she’s traveling, especially getting lots of steps in while exploring the area. “I like to enjoy the local food—not strictly following any diet,” she says, “and really just trying to relax and enjoy my time.”
To prepare for travel, please give us about two weeks before your travel date to make customized recommendations based on your medical needs and the area where you’re traveling to, as well as to prepare your customized travel pack. Remember, you’re able to contact Griffin Concierge Medical at any time, no matter what time zone you’re in, and there will always be an on-call physician available. This also applies to our members who have multiple residences: We’re here to help whether you’re right around the corner or traveling around the globe.
