Weatherford Regional Medical Center Senior Circle Have Diabetes, Will Travel

WEATHERFORD, TX — If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t think you can’t make plans to travel.  But before wishing the neighborhood bon voyage, take precautions to guarantee your getaway doesn’t become a health nightmare.  November is Diabetes Month and the American Diabetes Association suggests you begin by thinking through your trip from start to finish – because you’ll have to adjust accordingly.

MAKING SURE
• First stop:  the doctor’s office for a checkup.  While there, obtain a letter from your physician
explaining your diabetic condition, how you treat it and any allergies you may have.  And get an extra prescription in case you lose or misplace your medication.
• Bring your diabetes ID bracelet or necklace.  You may purchase one from the Medic Alert Foundation, 1-888-633-4298, or Medicool Inc., 1-800-433-2469.  For overseas trips, learn how to say “sugar” or “orange juice” in the native language.  Get inoculated against hepatitis A and other diseases, such as malaria.  Most hospitals can advise you about the vaccines needed, or you can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  But get them in time:  some vaccines take up to three weeks to be effective.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
The night before traveling, make sure you have:
• Twice the medication and syringes you’ll need (if you’re flying, pack half in your carry-on and the rest in your checked suitcase)
• Enough blood and urine test kits
• Extra batteries for your glucose meter
• Medicine for diarrhea and nausea and an antibiotic cream for cuts
• A snack of crackers and cheese, juice, fruit, peanut butter and hard candy
In addition, think about where you’ll store your insulin.  Though it doesn’t need refrigeration, insulin can lose potency if it gets too hot or too cold.  Know your itinerary to make sure you don’t miss a scheduled dose of insulin or a meal.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS:  RELAX
 After you’ve arrived, take a couple of days to ease into your vacation.  Monitor your blood sugar closely.  If you go sightseeing, stick to your meal and medication schedule religiously.
 When ordering an exotic cuisine, ask about the ingredients beforehand and avoid tap water or beverages with ice cubes unless you’re positive the local water has been purified.
 Finally, to prevent an infection, don’t go barefoot.  Wear comfortable shoes and socks, and check every night for blisters, swelling or redness.  Seek prompt medical help at the first sign of a problem.

SENIOR CIRLCLE
Weatherford Regional Medical Center’s Senior Circle Program encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for adults age 50 or better by providing programs that encourage continued learning, wellness, health and volunteering, coupled with a host of social activities. For more information, please call (817) 599-1672.