Healthy Summer Travel: Medical Tips for a Safe Trip

Summer vacations are meant for adventure and relaxation—but staying healthy on the road takes a bit of planning. Whether you’re heading to Disneyland or a mountain retreat, these simple health and medical travel tips will help you enjoy your summer without interruptions.

1. Pack a Personal Health Kit

Always bring a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter meds for headaches, upset stomach, and allergies. Don’t forget your prescription medications—bring enough for your whole trip (plus a few extras), and keep them in their original containers.

2. Check Travel Vaccines and Local Health Alerts

If you're traveling abroad, consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Some destinations require vaccines for diseases like yellow fever or hepatitis A. The CDC and WHO websites are great resources for checking current health advisories.

3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Smart

Dehydration and foodborne illness are common summer travel issues. Drink bottled or purified water if the local tap water isn’t safe. Choose freshly cooked foods over raw items, and avoid street food unless you can see it being made hygienically.

4. Protect Yourself from Insects

Being from Hawaii we are used to mosquitoes, bees and wasps. But when we recently traveled to Detroit to visit family, we were cautioned to keep out of the brush due to deadly ticks! Educating the kids on safe areas to play while we were there was necessary.

5. Be Cautious in the Heat

Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you. Wear light, breathable clothing, avoid intense activity during midday heat, and take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas. If you feel dizzy or nauseated, rest immediately and hydrate. We recently returned from Nevada, where temperatures were reaching beyond 110 degrees. Ensuring everyone was drinking more water than usual was necessary along with lots of lip balm and moisturizer.

6. Know Where to Get Help

Research nearby hospitals or clinics at your destination—especially if you have a chronic health condition. Carry a card listing your medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts, ideally in the local language if traveling internationally. Tip: Take a picture of your medical ID card. You never know when you may need it while traveling or at home.

Good health is the best travel companion. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy your summer adventures feeling confident, safe, and well-cared for—wherever the journey takes you. 🌿✈️

Shining a Light on UV Awareness Month: Protect Your Skin and Eyes

Fittingly, every July, UV Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While the sun provides warmth and helps our bodies produce vitamin D, too much exposure—especially without proper protection—can lead to serious health issues like skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage.

Why UV Protection Matters

UV rays are invisible, and they can damage your skin even on cloudy days. Prolonged exposure increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Your eyes aren’t safe either—UV rays can contribute to cataracts and other vision problems.

Simple Steps for Sun Safety

  1. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours. Lachelle’s favorite: Mineral sunscreen from Supergoop!

  2. Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Check out Hawai’i based sunglasses brand, Mohala Eyewear.

  3. Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

  4. Check the UV Index: Many weather apps report it daily so you can plan ahead.

Spread Awareness

UV Awareness Month is not just about self-care—it's also about educating others. Encourage friends and family to take sun safety seriously. As much as my kids squirm while I apply, I know they will thank me one day!

Let’s protect our skin, our eyes, and our health—this July and every day.

Honoring Alzheimer's Awareness Month: Understanding and Supporting Those Affected

Every June, we observe Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, show support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and advocate for continued research and care improvements. Alzheimer's, a progressive neurological disorder, affects over 6 million Americans and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).

This month encourages communities, families, and healthcare professionals to engage in conversations about cognitive health, recognize the signs of memory loss, and support efforts aimed at prevention and treatment. Simple acts like wearing purple, sharing personal stories, or participating in awareness events can make a meaningful impact.

Research remains key to combating Alzheimer’s. While there is currently no cure, recent advances in treatment and early detection are promising. Awareness not only helps reduce stigma but also fuels funding and policy changes that can improve lives (CDC, 2024).

Let’s take this month to honor caregivers, support ongoing research, and advocate for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can help build a more informed and compassionate world.

References:

  1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm