By zp7op | Contributor
The holiday season can be overwhelming, especially when travel is involved. Arranging ground or air transportation and figuring out where to stay, even if you’re visiting family or friends, is usually just the start, and concerns about health and safety often get overlooked.
For instance, the American Heart Association indicates that the peak period for cardiac mortality occurs from Christmas to New Year’s Day. Additionally, over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are reported annually in the United States.
If you are one of the 62% of Americans planning to travel this holiday season, based on research by IPX1031, keep these tips in mind to safeguard your health and safety.
Plan Ahead
Effective planning can help you manage any unforeseen problems or delays when you leave. Check the weather not just before you go, but also at your destination, and try to travel around known storms. Depart earlier to account for potential heavy traffic and chart your route beforehand, so you are aware of any road closures or construction. This preparation can help you find alternative paths if needed, rather than having to make adjustments on the spot.
Make Sure Your Family is Vaccinated
Keeping up with routine vaccinations can shield you from contagious illnesses that spread easily in large gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that everyone aged 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu shot. Additional vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, and the measles vaccine, are crucial not only for your well-being but also for those around you.
Learn CPR
According to the American Heart Association, only about 40% of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, administering CPR right away can double or even triple the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.
To prepare for emergencies, revamped Hands-Only CPR training kiosks are now available at airports, hospitals, and other locations throughout the country. These kiosks provide a brief overview of Hands-Only CPR, followed by practice sessions and a quick test. Using a practice mannequin, these kiosks offer feedback on the depth and pace of compressions, as well as the correct hand placement—key factors that impact CPR’s effectiveness. The simple steps taught are:
1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the person experiencing cardiac arrest until help arrives
Prepare Your Vehicle
Car malfunctions are a frequent issue during holiday travel. To prevent problems, have your vehicle checked before starting a longer journey. Inspect your tires, battery, headlights, windshield wipers, and any other components that may be affected by winter conditions. Additionally, ensure your car is stocked with essentials like a spare tire or inflation kit, a jack, jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight for emergencies.
Pack a Health Kit
If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, getting a refill at your destination might not be easy, so pack enough to last your entire trip plus extras in case of delays. It’s also wise to include other essentials in your kit, such as hand sanitizer, a first aid kit, cold medicine, aspirin, and your health insurance card to address any unforeseen injuries or illnesses while traveling.
Editor’s Note: This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.
