Are you traveling this winter?

Even hardy Minnesotans love a winter escape to warmer climates. However, if you’ve ever left children or elderly loved ones behind, you’ve probably felt a nagging, “What if?” You may have had worries about your own well-being while traveling.

Here are a few tips to help you rest your mind and enjoy your vacation:

• Leave detailed instructions with caregivers. Specify health history, allergies, current medications and contact information for primary care providers.
• Leave your itinerary and contact information with responsible adults.
• Be assured that if your loved one requires hospitalization, he or she will be in good hands.

What to pack in your travel health kit:

• Prescription medications and your health insurance card in your carry-on bag
• Over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea and other stomach upsets, motion sickness, sinus congestion, pain, fever, cough
• Supplies to prevent illness or injury (insect repellent, sunscreen, antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, eye drops)
• Basic first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, aloe gel, digital thermometer)

For more information, visit travel medicine.