Ensure a healthy and stress-free holiday with these holiday packing tips for the festive season.
Happy holidays everyone! It’s official, the holidays are here and man oh man are we happy about that! But, with the holiday season comes a bunch of closed doctors’ rooms and limited access to hospitals which are often overburdened with sick people.
First things first, and we’ve said this time and time again, make sure you have health insurance before you do anything else today. Yes, really. You never know when you might get sick, or worse, land up in hospital. So make sure you are covered for when accidents happen.
Health insurance is basically the affordable alternative to medical aid and if you have health insurance through Oneplan then you also get paid before you see the doctor, which is pretty great if you ask us.
Discover: Sun Protection Tips for Safe Sun Exposure This Summer
In any case, here are some of our top tips to having a healthy holiday.
Holiday Packing Tips to Keep You Healthy
1. Stock up on vital meds
Make sure that you have your prescription medication with you and enough of it to last for your holiday before going away. It can often be difficult to fill your prescription in small towns or cross-border destinations. If you are travelling to other countries, then make sure you check with a travel doctor as to whether these meds are permitted in other countries.
2. Check your meds for side effects
Look at the label of your medication for interactions and side effects. For example, some medications may increase your risk of getting sunburnt or do not react well with alcohol. Maybe your meds make you tired and you are planning on driving a long distance.
Make sure you know and understand the leaflet in your medication and ask your doctor about anything you don’t understand.
3. Check for malaria
If you are travelling to a malaria area then you need to make sure that you make an appointment to see your doctor, to begin anti-malarial medications at least 2 to 3 weeks before the start of your holiday. Make sure you also pack a mosquito net and repellent to decrease your chances of being bitten.
Related: 4 Common Insect Bites and Stings & How to Treat Them
4. Know your health
If you suffer from any serious conditions or chronic ones such as diabetes, then it might be a good idea to go for a health check and make sure your health is in good order before going away.
You should also ensure you have your doctor’s emergency number saved on your phone and that you do some research on the doctors and medical facilities in the area you are visiting. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, then speak to your doctor or therapist about coping techniques for the holidays.
Holidays can often be incredibly overwhelming, so make sure you know how to handle it. Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques are all great ways to hand anxiety and stress.
5. Plan for any allergic reactions
Certain holiday destinations may come with certain allergens and irritants. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, make sure that you have enough antihistamines and asthma pumps with you in case of emergency
6. Store your meds with care
Make sure that your bottles are tightly closed and that your meds are kept in a cool and dry place. You need to also ensure that your meds are kept out of arm’s reach of children and babies. Do not mix your medication into the same packaging as this could but confusing and result in mistakes in dosage.
7. Don’t forget about eye care
Make sure you have good polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh sun. Also, ensure that you have enough contact lens solution if you wear contacts.
You are likely to be out in the wild, sun and have sea water get in your eyes, so it might also be a good idea to bring along some soothing eye drops if you are prone to red and itchy eyes.
8. Pack a first aid kit
This tip is very important – you need to make sure you have a first aid kit with you on holiday which should include bandages, gauze, scissors, plasters, tweezers, antiseptic lotion, burn gel, rehydrate, painkillers and soothing ointment for rashes and insect bites.
Read next: 5 Healthy Festive Recipes the Whole Family Will Love!
Be safe out there these holidays, and make sure you are prepared with these holiday packing tips.
Your Health Insurance Family,
Oneplan
