Health on the Go

Before heading out the door in the morning, you probably grab your wallet, keys, purse or other essentials. But do you remember to take important health information and medicines with you?

Three simple steps could prove to be a lifesaver: keeping a health information card, wearing a medical ID tag and preparing for travel.

Personal health cards

Use an index card or similar tool to jot down major health issues that may be important in a medical emergency. Keep it into your wallet so you'll always have it. Make extra copies for your car or office.

One side of the card, include the basics: your name, birthdate, address, phone numbers and email address, along with this medical background:

• Blood type
• Health insurance information, including individual and group numbers
• Names and contact numbers of doctors
• Emergency contact numbers (e.g., family members)

On the other side of the card, list any conditions and disabilities and information about:

• Medications taken
• Medical equipment, such as an insulin pump or implanted medical or prosthetic devices
• Allergies, from seasonal woes to drug allergies
• Immunization and vaccination dates
• Any special assistance needed

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Medical alert ID tags

If you have a major medical allergy, or a disease like epilepsy or diabetes, a medical alert identification tag can save your life. You also need an alert tag for emergency care if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, or if you take certain drugs that may affect emergency treatment.

These tags are simple, affordable accessories that list your condition, which helps emergency healthcare workers if you're unconscious or unable to speak. They may also include information such as contact names of doctors.

Medical identification tags are available as bracelets, necklaces, watches, wristbands, key chains, shoe tags—even a USB tag with a digital memory chip that more detailed health information. Any emergency health provider with a computer can quickly access the information contained in the USB tag.

For family members, especially those living alone, alert buttons connected to a monitoring service provides extra security.

Tips before travel

When preparing for a trip, don't forget your medical conditions. Be sure to pack extra medicines or supplies as a "treatment cushion" for unexpected events and emergencies. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what extras you should take with you when traveling. If you have diabetes, for example, you should pack three extra days of supplies, like insulin, glucose meters, test strips, pumps, lancets and batteries.

Ask your doctor for an extra written prescription for your medications so you can get a refill if you run out while away from home. When traveling abroad, bring a letter written and signed by a doctor on letterhead stationery identifying all prescribed drugs, the name of the person taking them and the condition being treated.

When packing, keep medication bottles protected from breaking. Wrapping them in clothing should work. Make sure your bottles are accessible. If you're flying, keep them in carry-on baggage. As long as your medications are clearly marked with the manufacturer's label, they're usually allowed on the plane after they have been inspected, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

Before going overseas, check out travel advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on matters such as vaccinations and epidemics. You can find out about acceptable medical facilities and English-speaking doctors on the Internet. Organizations like the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) provide advice and access to helpful services.