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Step 1
Get vaccinations updated by your physician. When traveling to other countries, the best offense is a good defense and having your vaccinations current and a clean bill of health ensures you will be up for anything. Visit the Center for Disease Control's website for required vaccinations for your destination and plan to get vaccinated early.
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Step 2
Talk to your doctor about your medication and how to safely switch the time to take them if you are crossing time zones. An hour here or there isn't a big deal, but if you are going halfway across the world and will have night and day mixed up, ask your doctor if you should change dosage times and how best to do this.
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Step 3
Know the signs for blood clots in the lower limbs. The older you are, the higher your risk for developing blood clots, and sitting for long periods of time in a car or plane, along with new foods and stress from traveling can all contribute to changes in your body. Ask your doctor about preventive measures such as wearing compression stockings.
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Step 4
Make an inventory of your medications including the name, generic and brand name, the dosage and how and when they should be taken. If your doctor can provide this information on letterhead, this makes getting through customs much quicker. Always keep your medication in the original prescription containers and wait until you arrive to divvy them out for daily taking.
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Step 5
Protect yourself by going back to the basics. Wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of bottled water and do your homework. Use hand sanitizing gel when wash basins are not available and know the hazards of the country as it relates to food and water borne sickness.
