Weeks before you're slated to leave on your trip you should think about the medical and first aid supplies you will need. These supplies depend on your health and your destination. In addition to your passport, you should bring your immunization record with you and a photocopy of this record.

Bringing a list of the medicine you take and the dosages is also a good idea. Then, if you are injured and need medical treatment, doctors can cross-check your medications for adverse reactions.

Your prescription medicine should be in the original bottle so customs officials can identify the medicine(s). Do NOT repack pills in other containers or plastic zipper bags. If you have a heart condition and need to take an antibiotic before dental work, bring the heart condition card with you. Also make note of any allergies you may have.

EQUIPMENT

* Medical alert bracelet if you wear one

* Eyeglasses and case. Bring a photocopy of your eyeglasses prescription with you in case your glasses break and you have to replace them.

* Eyeglasses repair kit (the kind with the tiny screwdriver and screws)

* Sunglasses

* Lens cleaner

* Sun hat or cap with visor

* Earplugs

* Band-aids and moleskin in case you get blisters on your feet

* Support hose if your doctor has prescribed compression therapy. If you wear support stockings bring a pair of rubber gloves with you. Easing the stockings on with rubber gloves helps to prevent holes.

* If you wear a hearing aid or aids, bring a small case with you and plenty of extra batteries.

* CPAP breathing machine if you have sleep apnea. Put a name tag on the case and the machine.

MEDICATIONS

* Antibiotic (In many countries antibiotics are not available.)

* Nasal spray. (Follow directions and don't take more than the label recommends.)

* Pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen

* Prescription medicine in original bottles

* Motion sickness pills or patches

* Antacid tablets such as Tums or Gas-X

* Cough drops

* Sunscreen (15 rating or higher)

* Antibiotic creme for cuts

* Itch creme for bites and rashes

Check the prescription date of all medicines before you pack them. Dated medicine may be ineffective or dangerous. Ask your doctor for prescription refills if you need them. Travelers with special health needs should check with their doctor several weeks before departure. Have a great trip!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

Harriet Hodgson

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years. She is a member of the Association of Healh Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. A prolific writer, she is the author of 25 published books and hundreds of print and electronic articles.

Hodgson has written about parenting, recycling, sexual harassment, aging, Alzheimer's disease, caregiving, communication, nutrition, physical activity, weight management, anticipatory grief, and many other topics.

She started out as a teacher and earned a B.S. with honors from Wheelock College in Boston, MA. She went on to earn an M.A. in Art Education from the University of Minnesota and did additional graduate work. After spending a dozen years in the classroom Hodgson changed careers and turned to writing.

All of her writing comes from life experience. Hodgson has talked about her experienes on some 150 radio talk shows, including CBS Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, WCCO Radio and "Coping With Caregiving," an Internet-only radio program broadcast worldwide. In addition, she has appeared on dozens of television programs/stations including CNN.

Hodgson is a Past President of the Wing of the Aerospace Medical Association. A past president of the Minnesota Medical Association Alliance (MMAA), she represented MMAA members on the Minnesota Medical Association Health Care Reform Task Force. She is an active community volunteer and all of her volunteer efforts focus on health.

Hodgson is cited in "Something About the Author," "Who's Who of American Women," "Who's Who in America," "Who's Who in the World," "The Dictionary of International Biography," and "Contemporary Authors," published by Gale Research.

Hodgson lives in Rochester, Minnesota with her husband, C. John Hodgson. She enjoys learning, travel, antiques, singing, and spending time with her twin grandchildren.