Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 30)

for Disease Control and Prevention, be written in the local language if possible. Consider a medical ID bracelet or necklace that has basic medical information or a USB drive with your medical history. "Access to information is key," Spry says. "Just by knowing what medicines a patient is taking, you can get a pretty good idea of what's going on." 1 HAVE YOUR DOCTOR EVALUATE your ability to take the trip. That may mean an exam, an assessment of risks and research into the care available at your destination. For kidney patients traveling domestically, for example, medicare.gov has information that allows you to compare any dialysis treatment center in the U.S. with your center at home. 2 CARRY RECORDS that can help a doctor who doesn't know you quickly assess your condition. These should include prescriptions for your medications and a letter from your doctor at home, detailing your condition and needs; the medicines and medical supplies (e.g., syringes) you require; food or medicine allergies; and emergency contact information. Your list of medications should include generic names and, according to the Centers 3 4 5 6 TELL SOMEONE traveling with you about where your medicines are packed, where you keep your medical records and your medical needs. CARRY ENOUGH MEDICINE and supplies to last for the trip, plus a few days extra in case of spills or travel delays. Keep them in your carry-on, along with written prescriptions for emergency replacements. DETERMINE what your insurance will cover (Medicare, for example, won't cover anything outside the U.S., except in a few instances), and, if necessary, supplement it with short-term travel, health and evacuation insurance. WHEN BOOKING, let airlines know if you need special assistance or special meals, alert hotels if you have problems with stairs or distance and, if you use a travel agent, tell him or her about your special needs, too. DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM 30 SU M M E R 2 014 * Family member or close contact remaining in the United States * Healthcare provider(s) at home * Lodging at your destination * Hospitals or clinics at your destination, including emergency services * U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination country PHOTO BY EXACTOSTOCK/SUPERSTOCK Travelers with health conditions venturing out of the country need to bring extra paperwork. In addition to the list of medications you are taking and a letter from your doctor detailing your medical condition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you carry a card containing contact information for the following: http://www.medicare.gov

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
3 Ways to Give
Summer Numbers
Stress SOS
The Truth About Sunscreen
The Transformers
Get Your Head in the Game
The Journey Continues
On the Cover
The Foot Follies
Friendly Fat
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Back in the Swing
And the Beat Goes On
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center