protect your eyes from too much UV exposure.”
Living with diabetes makes it even more important to protect yourself from the sun because sunburn can elevate your blood glucose levels. Whatsmore, certain diabetes medications may make you more susceptible to sunburn.
4. Where are your meds?
Just remembering to pack them isn’t enough. A trip disrupts daily schedules, so “don’t forget to take them at the right times,” Neeland says.
And don’t stash them in the trunk, Mehta advises. “A lot of medications are temperature-sensitive,” she says. “If you leave them in a hot car, that’s probably not a good idea. They can lose their effectiveness.”
You May Also Like
Keeping them in the passenger compartment keeps them cool – and accessible.
“People have told me, ‘I had the pills, but they were in the suitcase,'” Mehta shares. “If you have angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart), you might need nitroglycerin. But it doesn’t do you any good if you don’t have access to it.”
RELATED: Road Trip With Kids: Are We There Yet?
5. Medical conditions don’t stay home.
“If you do develop symptoms or issues, it’s important not to say, ‘I’ll wait till we get to wherever we’re going to check it out,'” Neeland says. “If it’s serious, it’s important to get it checked out right away. Pull over, call for help or find the nearest emergency room.”
6. Health and safety go together.
Don’t be sleepy while on the road. Change drivers and pull over at night, Neeland adds.
You May Also Like
Preserve a good night’s sleep by getting at least seven hours a night. Kids need more depending on their age.
7. Search your cellphone map for a grocery store.
Those fast-food emporiums and gas station convenience stores may be right at the highway exit, but they’re probably loaded with unhealthy temptations that aren’t good, especially if you are living with diabetes or heart-related conditions.
“There’s [a] lot of chips and cookies and candy,” Neeland adds. “It’s pretty difficult to find fresh fruit or vegetables at a convenience store.”
Just as at home, Mehta says, grocery stores balance those temptations with healthy options: fruits, vegetables, nuts and something for everyone.
“When you’re traveling with a family, everybody has a different choice,” she notes. “At a grocery store, at least you can try to pick the healthier choices.”
With these tips, your health doesn’t have to take a backseat (pun intended) while you are on the road.
By American Heart Association News
