{"id":226233,"date":"2019-12-18T07:00:46","date_gmt":"2019-12-18T05:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=226233"},"modified":"2019-12-17T15:15:39","modified_gmt":"2019-12-17T13:15:39","slug":"handy-holiday-health-checklist-stress-free-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/12\/18\/handy-holiday-health-checklist-stress-free-festive-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Handy holiday health checklist for a stress-free festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"

At a time of year when many people take a break from work and studying to enjoy festivities and relaxation with family and friends, it is easy for health-related essentials and responsibilities to slip one\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

Health Squared medical scheme has you covered with this handy checklist to take the stress out of your holiday, whether you are spending it at home or travelling.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cOver the festive season, there often tends to be an increase in medical scheme claims for accidental injury and illness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there are certain precautions that can help reduce the chance of a health event occurring over this time, it is well worth taking the time to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the unexpected,\u201d said Health Squared spokesperson Bianca Viljoen.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

\u201cThe holiday season should be a time for rest and relaxation, and being a member of a medical scheme means that you should not have to worry about unexpected healthcare expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

To help make the summer holidays as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, she recommended that people pack the following items and take the following steps in preparation for their travels.<\/p>\n

Prescribed medication:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cEnsure you have sufficient amounts of any prescribed medicine before travelling, and keep a copy of the prescription with you. People taking chronic medications, must stick to their medicine schedule rather than taking a \u2018holiday\u2019 from their prescribed treatment, which can be detrimental to one\u2019s health and well-being,\u201d Viljoen advised.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen one is out of their usual routine on holiday, it can be harder to remember to take medicine and it is, therefore, worthwhile investing in a pill box marked with the days of the week, or setting reminders on a cellphone to help keep track of daily medicine usage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning more about the Elsburg Clinic<\/a><\/p>\n

Hospital strives for a greener future<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

First aid kit:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference in being prepared for possible mishaps when you are away from home. A good first aid kit should include paracetamol, antihistamines, treatments for insect stings, antacid, rehydration remedies and burns ointment, as well as sterile latex gloves, dressings, plasters and disinfectant. Check whether any of the medicines and ointments have expired and restock as necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is also a good idea to draw up a list of each family member\u2019s medical information, including any allergies, medication and existing health conditions. Emergency contact numbers and medical scheme membership numbers should also be included as a precaution. Keep a copy of this information handy, either in the glove compartment of your car or in the first aid kit \u2013 or both,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Car safety and emergency services stickers on your vehicle:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is always best to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, and this includes ensuring that your vehicle is equipped with a spare tyre, warning triangle and a few basic tools. Another precaution that should not be overlooked is ensuring you have emergency medical services stickers on your vehicle,\u201d Viljoen said.<\/p>\n

Sun protection:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do not underestimate the danger or discomfort of sunburn over the holidays. Apply a high sun protection factor sunscreen frequently, even on overcast days, and ensure you have a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears from the sun.<\/p>\n

Medical scheme membership card and important numbers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is vital to keep your medical scheme membership card, which can be your passport to accessing your healthcare cover benefits, with you at all times \u2013 whether you are travelling or not,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Also follow us on:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/p>
\n