Write It All Down

Even if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest while you're traveling, you might still get sick. The good news is that you'll probably be able to find competent medical care. The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can be found. For this reason, it's wise to always carry a written copy of your medical history with you.

Having such important information available in one place can help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset and not thinking clearly.

Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history form that includes the following information:

• your name, address, and home phone number as well as a parent's daytime phone number
• your blood type
• immunizations
• your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers
• the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number
• a list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or AIDS>
• a list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy name and phone number
• a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals
• a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
• the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than your parent

It also helps if you have some basic emergency medical knowledge, not only for yourself but for helping others you may be traveling with. A great way to prepare for your trip is to take a first aid or basic life support course before you go; if you're traveling with a group, you should know where the first aid kit is and what's in it.

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