what do you pack in your oversea health kit
Jan 2nd, 2005, 03:46 AM
#22
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Marcy, I too have gound gel bandaids to be very effective, with blisters especially. Our two children who Irish dance use them.
We have a family member who suffers migraines but is not on regular medication, and also allergies, so we pack his prescription Zyrtec D in addition to:
Exedrin Migraine (OTC)
Pepto Bismol (chewable tablets)
gel bandaids
Neosporin (with pain relief, just found this it's great!)
Sucrets throat losenges
Vitamin C
Comtrex cold relief (when this is gone will probably switch to Thera Flu strips that go under your tongue)
and SEVERAL bottles of anti-bacterial, non soap HAND WASH like Germ-X, to help PREVENT new contact-borne illnesses. Everyone gets his or her own bottle and we use it throughout the day. Yes, we look like beetles waving our hands to dry, and yes, I know it sounds like your typical American/compulsive/germfreak, but studies show that it is BETTER than washing. Sure has cut down on our colds in the past year.
We have a family member who suffers migraines but is not on regular medication, and also allergies, so we pack his prescription Zyrtec D in addition to:
Exedrin Migraine (OTC)
Pepto Bismol (chewable tablets)
gel bandaids
Neosporin (with pain relief, just found this it's great!)
Sucrets throat losenges
Vitamin C
Comtrex cold relief (when this is gone will probably switch to Thera Flu strips that go under your tongue)
and SEVERAL bottles of anti-bacterial, non soap HAND WASH like Germ-X, to help PREVENT new contact-borne illnesses. Everyone gets his or her own bottle and we use it throughout the day. Yes, we look like beetles waving our hands to dry, and yes, I know it sounds like your typical American/compulsive/germfreak, but studies show that it is BETTER than washing. Sure has cut down on our colds in the past year.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 04:38 AM
#23
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hand washing is always a good idea and has been shown to reduce the transmission of pathogens (that's why health care workers are supposed to do it) but the 'antibacterial' solutions aren't necessary unless you're trying to fight typhoid or cholera. Colds and flu are caused by viruses and antibiotics fight bacteria.
Still, good advice to wash hands frequently, as I do also on the airplane.
Still, good advice to wash hands frequently, as I do also on the airplane.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 05:05 AM
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It does appear that zinc lozenges and sprays will shorten a cold significantly if taken within 24 hours of first symptoms. It won't prevent a cold, so don't take it long term--taken long term zinc will actually reduce immunity and can lower your levels of "good" cholestorol.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 05:30 AM
#26
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We just returned and a couple of things I was thankful for; cough supressant(?) strips that melt on your tongue (Tri-Aminic I think) a prescription of Ambien 'cause you never know what noises you'll encounter in the night in a foreign city, and a presciption of antibiotics. One trip my husband developed a terrible sinus infection and that saved it for him. I bring lots of other things but never seem to need them.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 05:44 AM
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Do any of you take anything from the health food store? I'm thinking of taking Oregano oil and also have been advised to take probiotics for my intestines. Any ideas on 'natural' products to take?
Jan 2nd, 2005, 06:43 AM
#28
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If I'm feeling run down or suspect I may be coming down with something, I take echinacea tablets (health food store).
Green tea is also supposed to do good things for the immune system, but I just don't like the taste.
Green tea is also supposed to do good things for the immune system, but I just don't like the taste.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 09:45 AM
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After an expierence in London, I suggest you have record of your meds, not the brand name but what the drug really is called so the doctor can know what you are taking.
I am a seasoned citizen and I always have the name of the place I am staying and the name of my children with their phone number, so, if needed, they can be notified. I do not let this stop my having a good time.
I am a seasoned citizen and I always have the name of the place I am staying and the name of my children with their phone number, so, if needed, they can be notified. I do not let this stop my having a good time.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 10:15 AM
#31
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Message for <b>Kodi</b>:
>>>>>>Do any of you take anything from the health food store? I'm thinking of taking Oregano oil and also have been advised to take probiotics for my intestines. Any ideas on 'natural' products to take?<<<<<<
Kodi, I see you responded to a post about Budapest, Vienna and Prague, so I take it you're planning a trip to that part of the world.
We were there in September 2004, and we did run into a couple of stomach problems.
In Hungary one member of our party experienced severe constipation.
We hadn't encountered stomach problems in travel to Africa and South America so we thought we were tough and didn't need to pack diarrhea and constipation remedies. Then we ended up needing them after all. It would have been pretty difficult for us to walk into a pharmacy in small-town, rural Hungary and make ourselves understood. We were lucky that we were travelling in the company of two Hungarian cousins, both of whom were doctors! One of them went into a pharmacy and bought an appropriate over-the-counter remedy for constipation.
Another member of our party experienced the opposite problem, mild diarrhea. However, this was cured by a day of sticking to clear liquids, and didn't need medication after all.
With the benefit of hindsight, we put the constipation down to the food that relatives were giving us (white bread and jam for breakfast instead of the fresh fruit, muesli and yogurt to which we were accustomed, and stuff like that).
After the bout of constipation we went out and bought some healthy groceries and made a concerted effort to eat them.
Later, in Vienna and Prague, when we no longer were with family members and were staying in hotels, we continued to watch our diets. Luckily our Vienna hotel included a variety of fresh fruit, muesli and yogurt in its breakfast offerings. Our Prague hotel provided yogurt and apple juice, but white bread and no fruit (other than juice). So again we made a point of including healthy dishes in our other meals.
So, in summary, I feel one's first line of defence is to eat as healthily as possible. But I think it's also a good idea to take along remedies for pain/fever, cold symptoms and stomach problems. Sure, one can buy the stuff if necessary but, as some of the stories in this thread have illustrated, it can be comforting to have remedies on hand if a need arises in the middle of the night.
>>>>>>Do any of you take anything from the health food store? I'm thinking of taking Oregano oil and also have been advised to take probiotics for my intestines. Any ideas on 'natural' products to take?<<<<<<
Kodi, I see you responded to a post about Budapest, Vienna and Prague, so I take it you're planning a trip to that part of the world.
We were there in September 2004, and we did run into a couple of stomach problems.
In Hungary one member of our party experienced severe constipation.
We hadn't encountered stomach problems in travel to Africa and South America so we thought we were tough and didn't need to pack diarrhea and constipation remedies. Then we ended up needing them after all. It would have been pretty difficult for us to walk into a pharmacy in small-town, rural Hungary and make ourselves understood. We were lucky that we were travelling in the company of two Hungarian cousins, both of whom were doctors! One of them went into a pharmacy and bought an appropriate over-the-counter remedy for constipation.
Another member of our party experienced the opposite problem, mild diarrhea. However, this was cured by a day of sticking to clear liquids, and didn't need medication after all.
With the benefit of hindsight, we put the constipation down to the food that relatives were giving us (white bread and jam for breakfast instead of the fresh fruit, muesli and yogurt to which we were accustomed, and stuff like that).
After the bout of constipation we went out and bought some healthy groceries and made a concerted effort to eat them.
Later, in Vienna and Prague, when we no longer were with family members and were staying in hotels, we continued to watch our diets. Luckily our Vienna hotel included a variety of fresh fruit, muesli and yogurt in its breakfast offerings. Our Prague hotel provided yogurt and apple juice, but white bread and no fruit (other than juice). So again we made a point of including healthy dishes in our other meals.
So, in summary, I feel one's first line of defence is to eat as healthily as possible. But I think it's also a good idea to take along remedies for pain/fever, cold symptoms and stomach problems. Sure, one can buy the stuff if necessary but, as some of the stories in this thread have illustrated, it can be comforting to have remedies on hand if a need arises in the middle of the night.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 11:29 AM
#32
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Elaine, you may be interested in the article in this:
SAN DIEGO, CA -- October 23, 2003 -- Families that use alcohol-based hand gels rather than soap, water, or even antibacterial soap had just about half the likelihood of transmission of secondary infectious illnesses such as colds in the home, according to a study presented here October 10th during the 41st Annual Meeting of the Infectious Disease Society of America.
Then entire story may be found at
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/23ccda.htm
In many hospitals, the use of alcohol-based gels and liquids are being used to sanitize the hands instead of soap---which is, like most washing products, "anti-bacterial" by nature.
Another use this has is before eating in a train or bus, and when the available bathrooms are just too disgusting to use.
SAN DIEGO, CA -- October 23, 2003 -- Families that use alcohol-based hand gels rather than soap, water, or even antibacterial soap had just about half the likelihood of transmission of secondary infectious illnesses such as colds in the home, according to a study presented here October 10th during the 41st Annual Meeting of the Infectious Disease Society of America.
Then entire story may be found at
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/23ccda.htm
In many hospitals, the use of alcohol-based gels and liquids are being used to sanitize the hands instead of soap---which is, like most washing products, "anti-bacterial" by nature.
Another use this has is before eating in a train or bus, and when the available bathrooms are just too disgusting to use.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 03:17 PM
#33
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Judy, Thanks so much for the information. I'll go prepared! Yes, I'm planning a trip to central Europe in Sept, but first, my trip to New Zealand in 2 weeks.. It will be quite a year for me! I understand there will be lots of fruit in season in NZ and my travel partner is quite a healthy eater. She'll keep me on the straight and narrow ( except for the chocolate).
I've been told that oregano oil is much better than echinacia.
I'd rather go prepared than have to try and explain my problem in a drugstore in Prague!
I've been told that oregano oil is much better than echinacia.
I'd rather go prepared than have to try and explain my problem in a drugstore in Prague!
Jan 2nd, 2005, 07:03 PM
#34
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kswl, I just talked to the pharmacy a couple of weeks ago and they told me the same thing. Good to have even when not traveling. Often out shopping etc. and nice to be able to clean hands when stopping for a bite to eat.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 07:15 PM
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<<Sure has cut down on our colds in the past year.>
This really does mystify me. If the average person thinks that anti-bacterial non-soap stuff protects against colds, we are in deep doo-doo. Doesn't everyone know that colds are caused by retroviruses, which are not at all related to bacteria?
How could use of antibacterial soap have cut down on a family's colds? NOT possible!
Boy, I'm afraid there's a lot of bad information about this out there....
This really does mystify me. If the average person thinks that anti-bacterial non-soap stuff protects against colds, we are in deep doo-doo. Doesn't everyone know that colds are caused by retroviruses, which are not at all related to bacteria?
How could use of antibacterial soap have cut down on a family's colds? NOT possible!
Boy, I'm afraid there's a lot of bad information about this out there....
Jan 2nd, 2005, 07:20 PM
#36
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Some germs that are killed by anti bacterial soap are Hepatitis, E Coli and Salmonella, which can be spread from one person to another by germs on their dirty hands.
Doctors still think if you wash your hand, colds and flu and respiratory illnesses can be prevented.
( from my brother in law, the internist )
Doctors still think if you wash your hand, colds and flu and respiratory illnesses can be prevented.
( from my brother in law, the internist )
Jan 2nd, 2005, 07:59 PM
#37
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The following is from the Mayo clinic:
"Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require use of water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than hand washing in killing bacteria and <u>viruses</u> that cause disease."
(the underlining was added by me)
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/HQ/00407.html
"Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require use of water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than hand washing in killing bacteria and <u>viruses</u> that cause disease."
(the underlining was added by me)
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/HQ/00407.html
Jan 2nd, 2005, 08:26 PM
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Besides most of above, I always carry a tube of Anbesol in case of toothache, not always easy to find a dentist in the middle of night.
A tube of "After bite" whenever travelling in the summer.
I try to check the expired dates of everything in emergency kit every half an year, it is likely something left without being touched fro years.
A tube of "After bite" whenever travelling in the summer.
I try to check the expired dates of everything in emergency kit every half an year, it is likely something left without being touched fro years.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 10:02 PM
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I carry a lot of 'preventative' stuff. Having been in the Girl Guides, I still follow the motto "Be prepared". My kids laugh at me, but as a teacher and mom and traveller, I always seem to be handing out first aid remedies!
I carry a Tylenol #1 which has codeine in it, Besides being a pain med, Codeine stops that irritating, non-productive cough that is caused by post nasal drip. That is the dry irritating cough you hear on planes and in concert halls and other places where sinuses are irritated by dry air. In the US that would require a prescription.
My doctor, a European immigrant, gave me a most useful tip. He advises sniffing a pea sized dose of polysporin before flying. It needs to be placed far back in the nasal passage so that it will melt and coat the pharynx. Ever since I've done this, I've prevented the sore throat and nose bleeds that I used to get every time I flew. My daughter now uses that when she's training for marathons in very dry air (e.g. Mesa Verde, or Calgary). The saline spray actually dries out the membranes as the salty spray has a greater specific gravity than our bodies. That's why Epsom salts reduce inflammation from an ingrown toenail or blister, and feel so good in "mineral spas".
I carry Imitrex injections for migraine, a 10 day supply of a wide spectrum antibiotic (as I'm allergic to penicillin), and if I'm going to a third world country, a first aid kit that includes latex gloves, medical masks, and disposable syringes. My travel clinic supplies these. Never have needed them, but I'd hate to have to worry about not having them.
I bring a supply of toasted almonds. That's the best fibre I've found to keep things moving when I'm not! And Imodium, and powdered Gatorade in case a GI infection needs treatment. But I am careful to eat yoghurt once a day as the active bacilli are useful for digestion. Bomamine for motion sickness.
Then there are the usual alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, blister pack, mole skin, Band-Aids, safety pins, elastic wrap, and Duct tape.
Two pairs of glasses, two pair sunglasses, tweezers, small scissors, a needle stuck in a small sliver of soap, sunscreen as protection and moisturiser, and a prescription sleep aid.
So far, in 45 years of travelling, I can say that I've had occasion to use each of these items on at least one trip either for myself or someone else.
I carry a Tylenol #1 which has codeine in it, Besides being a pain med, Codeine stops that irritating, non-productive cough that is caused by post nasal drip. That is the dry irritating cough you hear on planes and in concert halls and other places where sinuses are irritated by dry air. In the US that would require a prescription.
My doctor, a European immigrant, gave me a most useful tip. He advises sniffing a pea sized dose of polysporin before flying. It needs to be placed far back in the nasal passage so that it will melt and coat the pharynx. Ever since I've done this, I've prevented the sore throat and nose bleeds that I used to get every time I flew. My daughter now uses that when she's training for marathons in very dry air (e.g. Mesa Verde, or Calgary). The saline spray actually dries out the membranes as the salty spray has a greater specific gravity than our bodies. That's why Epsom salts reduce inflammation from an ingrown toenail or blister, and feel so good in "mineral spas".
I carry Imitrex injections for migraine, a 10 day supply of a wide spectrum antibiotic (as I'm allergic to penicillin), and if I'm going to a third world country, a first aid kit that includes latex gloves, medical masks, and disposable syringes. My travel clinic supplies these. Never have needed them, but I'd hate to have to worry about not having them.
I bring a supply of toasted almonds. That's the best fibre I've found to keep things moving when I'm not! And Imodium, and powdered Gatorade in case a GI infection needs treatment. But I am careful to eat yoghurt once a day as the active bacilli are useful for digestion. Bomamine for motion sickness.
Then there are the usual alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, blister pack, mole skin, Band-Aids, safety pins, elastic wrap, and Duct tape.
Two pairs of glasses, two pair sunglasses, tweezers, small scissors, a needle stuck in a small sliver of soap, sunscreen as protection and moisturiser, and a prescription sleep aid.
So far, in 45 years of travelling, I can say that I've had occasion to use each of these items on at least one trip either for myself or someone else.
