Neurology Insights

Embark on a Healthier Journey: A Neurologist’s Tips for Smart Summer Travel

Summer Travel Health Tips Couple Having Fun on a Boat

Are you traveling this summer season but unsure of how to navigate current health concerns? While traveling with an underlying medical condition adds an extra layer of preparation to your trip, traveling with your health in mind is a sure way to improve the quality of your experiences.

Stay Prepared with your Medical File

Readily available medical records in case of an emergency can make or break your travel experience. 

Whether traveling domestically or abroad, I always advise my patients never to leave their medical records behind; not only can this be an inconvenience, but this can also be a costly action. This is especially the case if you have had a recent medical event or testing done.

Make sure to keep the following records with you when you travel:

  • An overview of your medical history
  • Physician notes
  • Lab charts
  • Scans
  • Current prescriptions

Doing this through a simple old-fashioned binder with multiple tabs is a great way to stay prepared in case of an urgent care center or emergency room event. If you plan to access your records digitally, remember to check your passwords before leaving home!

Make a Plan & Stay on Schedule

The way to properly make a Chronological Health History is as follows:

  • Buy a binder with multiple tabs – just like you had in grade school

I. Physicians – make a tab for each of your treating physicians

A. Include first and last office notes for each

II. Diagnostic Imaging and testing

A. Include the printed reports for each

III. Laboratory studies

IV. Treatment and Responses

V. Side pocket – include CD’s with diagnostic imaging

VI. BRIEF overview, only 1 page, at the front of the binder

A. Date you were last well, when and how your symptoms started

B. How your symptoms progressed

C. Timeline of when you saw which physician

D. What medications and treatments

Create a Health History

Vacation time is a great time to throw away rigid schedules – except for your health schedule. So, make sure all medications are packed and readily accessible.

Symptom management is crucial for all neurological conditions. Therefore, if you take any medications, sticking to your routine schedule during travel is a great way to keep symptoms at bay! And please remember to travel with your medications in the original prescription bottles. This way, there is no confusion if you get stopped that these are your medications, which will list the physician prescribing them.

I also suggest scheduling reminders on your phone and devices to ensure medications are not forgotten between layovers, extended excursions, or sightseeing activities.

Beat the Heat

If you or a loved one currently lives with one or more of the following conditions: MS, diabetes, migraine disease, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, etc., heat management may be something to prioritize when traveling this summer season.

With many of these conditions, heat intolerance is a common symptom and can also be a side effect of certain antibiotics or medications. Especially considering the record-breaking heat around the country, taking precautions is critical.

Tips for curbing heat sensitivity:

  • Prioritize Hydration
  • Schedule activities around peak sunlight hours
  • Limit stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine associated with dehydration
  • Navigate the heat with local cooling devices; two devices that I recommend include the Jesus Life handheld mini fan and the VersionTech mini handheld fan.

To learn more, visit the following Neurology Office resource here:

Heat Intolerance & Neurological Conditions

5 Brain-Supporting Summer Hacks

Fortunately, the little things go a long way when it comes to managing your symptoms. Summer is a time for fun, vacation, and a healthy dose of indulgence. Instead of feeling guilty for that extra ice cream sundae or late-night glass of wine, try to incorporate spontaneous brain-supporting hacks into your travels.

  • Hydrate with electrolytes
  • Include brain-boosting & hydrating fruit such as blueberries & avocados in your trip
  • Travel with supplements such as a daily multivitamin for overall health or turmeric to combat inflammation
  • Bring cool misters, portable fans, and cooling cloths to help cool down
  • Have fun!

Make travel that much easier and enjoyable with Dr. Kandel’s packing list:

  • A trusted tote
  • A travel toiletry bag
  • Packing cubes
  • Jewelry case
  • Reusable travel bottles
  • A pill case
  • Hydrating skincare products
  • A portable charger
  • A power adapter
  • Headphones
  • A luggage scale
  • A luggage tag
  • An e-reader
  • A portable fan
  • A portable steamer
  • A tech kit
  • An eye mask
  • A neck pillow
  • Compression socks
  • Earplugs
  • A blanket scarf
  • A crossbody bag
  • Hand sanitizer and wipes
  • A tray table cover
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A passport holder
  • An umbrella

A Message From Dr. Kandel

“Summer is the time to have fun and relax, but nothing will cut a vacation short like a flareup of your medical condition. In this case, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy!”

Dr. Joseph Kandel portrait

Joseph Kandel, MD

Board Certified Neurologist
Serving Naples and Fort Myers, FL

Feel free to share this with the people in your life who may benefit from this information! For more insights on neurology, check out our weekly tips on our Neurology Office Facebook page.

“To Cure Sometimes, To Heal Often, To Comfort Always”

Neurology Office, Joseph Kandel M.D. and Associates

Concierge medicine without the concierge price”

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