Staying Heart Healthy on The Road

Staying Heart Healthy on The Road

February is all about staying heart healthy especially on the road. However, your next great RV adventure is sure to take you away from your Primary Doctors and in some cases remove you from emergency care all together. So how do you stay heart healthy on the road? Before you leave town use the below tips to get prepared for your big trip.

• Check in with your Cardiologist and/or Primary Doctor before you leave.

  • Let your doctor know you will be out of town so it can be documented. If an out of town doctor calls the Primary Dr’s office staff can assist because they are up to date.

  • Create a healthcare plan (with your Dr.) that covers any follow up care and potential red flags that would indicate the need for medical attention on the road.

  • Have accurate & up-to-date medical records in print or on a portal.

• Renew your prescriptions

  • Use a prescription provider that is available nationwide to ease the process of medicine access.

  • Have an updated list of medications that includes the strength, times per day, Dr. contact name and number, allergies and the name of your heart or other health conditions. This can be presented quickly to a new medical professional.

  • If you are going to a foreign country be sure it is written in the native language as well as English.

• Contact your local American Heart Association for CPR & First Aid training

  • Know the new compression-only CPR.

  • Have a plan for emergency situations that you and your travel partner agree on before you leave town.

• Know your warning signs

  • TAKE ACTION – if you are feeling warning signs don’t be shy – get help.

  • Heart attack warning signs show up differently in men and women.

  • Know the various heart attack (and stroke) warning signs.

• Know the environment

  • High altitude, drastic changes in barometric pressure, or extreme heat and/or humidity can all be heart stressors.

  • Review weather, altitude and other environmental stressors before you visit.

• Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise and Rest

  • Review electrolyte options with your doctor to stay hydrated. There are several travel size packs that can be poured into your water bottle while traveling.

  • Be aware of increased sodium and fats in your foods while dining in new places.

  • Exercise and rest make for a well-rounded adventure.

Mentor Minute

KYD Insider Robert says, “Pay attention to your health on the road!”

His recent trip to Florida was delayed due to a health scare. He was having trouble staying warm and his wife said he was looking a bit gray. Prompted by his wife, Robert made an appointment to see a cardiac doctor because of the way he was feeling. They found a blockage to his main artery and immediately had to put in a stent.

Robert encourages us to stay tuned in to our warning signs and listen to family members that are trying to help. His doctors said he wouldn’t have made his way home if he hadn’t taken the action he did!