Pharmacist Focus

Pharmacist focus

Patient Education Series June 2007

First-Aid Kit for Summer Vacations

Make sure that your kit includes the following items:

Along with these items, don’t forget to take along more personal items, such as prescription medicines, items your physician recommends, and a list of your prescription medications and pharmacy contact information.

At the very least, purchase several portable, compact first-aid kits that will fit easily into your glove compartment or backpack. This is a great way to make sure you have first-aid supplies on hand when you need them.

Can’t I just purchase first-aid items if a need arises?

Yes, but it is best to be prepared, because emergencies can arise at any time and frequently do during travel. Time, trouble, and pain can be reduced just by being prepared with the proper supplies.

What else can I do to protect my family on a summer vacation?

There are many things you can do to protect your family. Having a first-aid kit is no substitute for prevention. The best way to deal with injury and illness is to prevent it.  Remember to get proper rest, don’t drive when tired, and take a cell phone for emergencies.

Consider taking a Red Cross First Aid or CPR class to better handle family emergencies. You can also read reference books about plants and bugs to help better protect your family from common summer ailments. And always be aware of your family’s sensitivities and needs so you can protect him or her as necessary.

How can I avoid motion sickness while traveling in a car, boat, airplane, or train?

• Face forward. Always sit facing forward. This helps keep the motion sensed by your eyes and ears the same.
• Examine the great outdoors. Look outside. From inside a car, look at things that are far away, like the barn up ahead or a mountain. If you're seasick on a boat, go to the top deck (in the middle of the boat) and look far out into the horizon where the sea and sky meet. On an airplane, try looking out the window. This way, your eyes won't be fooled into thinking you're not moving when you actually are.
• Get to the middle of things. Regardless of what you are riding in, find the place with the least amount of movement. This means sitting closer to the center of a plane, for example in the aisle seats over the wings. Or if you are in a boat, choose a seat in the middle, rather than at the sides or the front, where you're more likely to feel seasick.
• Find fresh air. A person of the verge of queasiness may feel better if the window is open. Strong smelling foods or snacks may also cause queasiness, so avoid those if possible.
• Smoother driving. The less swaying and braking the less likely a person will be affected by motion sickness. Make sure your vehicle’s suspension system is working properly.
• Make frequent stops. Plan enough time in your trip to stop and get out of the car for a short walk or break.
• Settle the stomach. If motion sickness begins, try munching on a dry cracker. An empty stomach and greasy or hard-to-digest food can also cause an ill feeling.
• Over-the-counter drugs. Many over-the-counter remedies are available for motion sickness, such as Dramamine. However, for these to be effective, they must be taken before the trip starts.

Cleveland Clinic Pharmacies: 216.445.MEDS (6337)