Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when combined with travel plans and chronic health issues, it can become even more of a concern.
Dr. Mary Boylan, a cardiothoracic surgeon and president of the American Heart Association’s Midwest Regional Board of Directors, believes that whether you’re flying to a warmer destination or driving several hours to visit a relative, chronic health conditions He said that preparation is essential for those in need. such as the risk of heart disease and stroke.
She recommended checking with your doctor first to make sure you’re healthy enough to travel. If so, stopping logistics should be the next priority.
“It’s easy to think, ‘Oh, let’s fly here, fly there,’ and forget about the details,” Boylan said. “If we can take the actual itinerary items off the table and arrange for a cart to take them to the gate if they need a cart, that’s a really good step.”
Safely transporting medical equipment, such as portable oxygen machines, is also a top priority. Boylan encouraged transportation agencies and companies to check their storage and inspection policies. It is also important to take sufficient doses of your medication. Also, if you travel to another time zone, experts recommend talking to your doctor about adjusting your medication schedule.
Boylan said the goal is to have fun once you get to your destination, but don’t feel like you have to go beyond your comfort zone.
“And you have to really build in your downtime,” Boylan advised. “It’s very, very nice to settle down and have a little bit of peace before the day or evening ends.”
She added that it helps keep blood pressure in check during a time of travel and activity. Her other tips include finding a nearby medical facility during her travels and wearing compression socks on long flights to prevent blood clots.