A Well-Stocked Traveler's First-Aid Kit

Most people skimp on first-aid supplies when traveling, thinking they'll find whatever they need once they're at their destination (should anything untoward occur). That's definitely not the case. Imagine if you're a woman in a country where you don't speak the language and, in the middle of the night, you realize you have a vaginal infection. Good luck finding treatment or relief. The same goes for going off the beaten track only to find that you've been stung by a jellyfish or you brushed against poison ivy. Or if you're sitting beside a campfire and an ash flies into your eye. What do you do?

For these and many other reasons, I always carry a well-stocked first-aid kit when I travel. Below are my recommendations. You'll notice that I've grouped the supplies into categories based on symptom or body organ/system, which makes it easier to determine what you need for what ails you.

Bites, Stings, Rashes, Burns

Benadryl cream - for itching

Aloe vera gel - for sunburn relief

IvyBlock - to prevents poison ivy rash

Calamine lotion -- for rash/itching

Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine -- for allergies or rash/itching

Hydrocortisone cream - for rash/itching

Tecnu - poison ivy skin cleanser

After Bite -- for itching after a "bug" bite

Cuts, Blisters and Bruises

Betadine or other antiseptic wipes

Bacitracin topical antibiotic cream

Blister kit with moleskin

QuikClot - to stop bleeding fast

Spenco 2nd Skin squares/pads - for blister protection

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever

Thermometer

Bandage strips (in a variety of sizes) as well as “butterfly”-type bandages

Nonstick gauze squares and gauze roll

Ace-type, elastic wrap bandages

Adhesive tape

Aquaphor ointment - for blisters 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, Teeth

Eye Wash

Lubricating Eye Drops

EarPlanes to unclog ears on the plane

Saline nasal spray

Stomach Issues

Bonine - for motion sickness

MiraLax - for constipation

Pepto Bismol chewable tabs - for diarrhea and to prevent traveler's diarrhea

Electrolyte replacement powder - for diarrhea

Peppermint Tummy drops - for stomach upset

Antacids

Women's Needs

Diflucan (single oral dose) - prescription pill for vaginal infection

Monistat vaginal cream - for vaginal infection

Replens

continue reading "A Well-Stocked Traveler's First-Aid Kit"

Necessary + Essential First-Aid Supplies

Injuries and illnesses can occur anywhere, whether at home, or traveling domestically or far afield. I carry a very complete first-aid kit with me when I'm traveling that duplicates many of the items I have readily available in my house. Whether you cut yourself in the kitchen when slicing carrots -- and, if you're on anti-clotting medication this would be especially problematic; or you're a woman who develops a vaginal infection while traveling in China, for example, where you might have difficulty easily finding a pharmacy who will understand what you need, especially if you're in a rural locale; or you're sitting beside a campfire making S'mores only to have the smoke irritate your eyes, the supplies (below) should provide relief. This list does not include the more typical items, such as gauze, adhesive bandages, a thermometer, and ACE-type elastic bandages, which are, of course, also important. Each of the supplies (below) are divided by symptom and body system to make it easier for you to determine what you need.

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, Teeth

• OcuFresh Eye Wash
  
• GenTeal, Blink Tears or other lubricating eye drops
  
• EarPlanes - for unclogging ears on the plane
  
• Saline nasal spray

Tummy Troubles

• Bonine - for motion sickness

• MiraLax - for constipation

• Pepto Bismol chewable tabs - for diarrhea and to prevent traveler's diarrhea

• Electrolyte replacement powder - for diarrhea

• Peppermint Tummy drops - for stomach upset
  

Bites, Stings, Rashes

• Benadryl cream - for itching

• IvyBlock - prevents poison ivy rash

• Calamine lotion -- for rash/itching

• Tecnu - poison ivy skin cleanser
  
• After Bite -- for itching after a "bug" bite

Cuts and Bruises

• Betadine or other antiseptic wipes

• Bacitracin topical antibiotic cream
  
• Blister kit with moleskin
  
• QuikClot - to stop bleeding fast
  
• Spenco 2nd Skin squares/pads - for a blister

Women's Needs

• Diflucan (single oral dose) - prescription

• Monistat vaginal cream

• Replens
  

continue reading "Necessary + Essential First-Aid Supplies"

What's in a Complete Travel First-Aid Kit?

When traveling domestically or far afield, I carry most, if not all, of the following first-aid items because you never know when you’ll have an accident or end up with an unexpected ailment. And, even if the city you’ll be visiting isn’t lacking a pharmacy, it might very well be closed just when you need it. This list is even more essential when your trip involves a biking, hiking or other adventure-type trips.

• Quik-Clot - an ultra-specialized bandage to stop bleeding when you know that simply holding a gauze pad won’t work, such as in someone taking anti-clotting medication or who suffers from a clotting disorder.

• Bonine - to prevent motion sickness

• Saline eye wash - to wash out debris from your eye

• Aleve (naproxen) - for pain

• Aspirin - for fever or a heart attack

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Gauze pads and adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

• ACE bandage - for sprains, strains, pulled muscles

• Bacitracin - topical triple antibiotic ointment

• Topical cortisone - for itching/rash

• Oral Benadryl - antihistamine for allergies

• Caladryl lotion - for itching/rashes

• Mylanta or Tums chewable tabs - antacid

• Sudafed - oral decongestant

• Afrin nasal spray - nasal decongestant

• Pepto-Bismol - chewable tabs to prevent traveler’s diarrhea

• Imodium AD - to treat diarrhea

• Probiotic - for good intestinal health (or a mild laxative such as OTC Miralax)

• Azithromycin or Zithromax (Z-pac) - a prescription antibiotic for severe diarrhea

• EpiPen - a prescription of injectable adrenalin in case of a severe, life threatening allergy (anaphylactic) reaction

• Digital oral thermometer

• Sawyer Controlled Release - DEET-based insect repellent OR

All Terrain Herbal Armor - a DEET-free insect repellent

• Blister kit, including moleskin, Spenco Second Skin, and Band-Aid blister bandages

• Robitussin liquid gel - cough suppressant

• Ricola throat lozenges

• Tweezers - to help remove a splinter or even a tick

• Neutrogena or another broad-spectrum sunscreen - at least SPF 30

• Steripen - UV device to decontaminate water

• Monistat cream - for women in case of a vaginal yeast infection

• Blistex lip ointment/balm

• Aloe gel - for sunburn

continue reading "What's in a Complete Travel First-Aid Kit?"

Kids First-Aid Kit Organizer - Only 2 Left

A well-stocked first-aid kit is often an afterthought when packing for travels, whether it's a short road trip or a journey to far-flung lands. But, if you're traveling with children, it's especially important to pack items that can tackle anything from a simple skin rash to an insect bite. A well-stocked first-aid kit certainly doesn't preclude visiting a pediatrician should your child develop a fever or have an allergy reaction. But it can take away the worry for minor cuts, bruises or ills.

My Kids Doc-in-a-Bag is not stocked with first-aid supplies. Rather, this is a zippered vinyl sac that comes with a comprehensive laminated list of what you need to include in your kids first-aid kit. On the list are things such as child-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, topical cortisone for rashes or insect bites, as well as kids Benadryl (antihistamine) for mild allergic reactions.

There are only two Kids Doc-in-a-Bag left in stock.
I'm including samples of Tummy Drops, a natural product containing ginger created by a gastroenterologist. (Perfect for motion sickness, whether on the plane, in a car, or on a ferry.)

continue reading "Kids First-Aid Kit Organizer - Only 2 Left"

What to Pack for Travel in Developing Countries

Having just returned from Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, I knew to be prepared, for tap water that may or may not be contaminated, for medical care that may be hours away, for a lack of feminine hygiene products as well as other hygiene issues as I bicycled for two weeks, often picnicking on the road side.  Below is what I carry in the small backpack when I travel to developing countries. The Pepto-Bismol is to prevent traveler's diarrhea; Imodium (or, in a worse case scenario, Zithromax) in case that didn't work. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the best way of disinfecting surfaces, including your hands, which you should do when you touch anything -- especially the paper currency -- and then intend on touching your mouth. Baby wipes are especially useful when the toilet facilities are lacking. Alcohol swabs for wiping down a can of soda just in case. Cups that I found in hotel rooms and other places may or may not be clean so I brought my own. Utensils for my picnics where I enjoyed peanut butter sandwiches -- a high protein source which, along with carbs, is needed when cycling intensely. SteriPen -- it easily slips in your pocket --  to take care of all the potential microbes in questionable water sources


1- Baby Wipes

2- Tampons or sanitary pads

3- SteriPen
(https://www.steripen.com/classic3/)

4- Pepto-Bismol chewable tabs

5- Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

6- Alcohol Swabs

7- Foldable Cup
(https://www.rei.com/product/787278/sea-to-summit-x-mug)

8- Plastic (or bamboo) Utensils
(https://www.rei.com/product/867618/sea-to-summit-delta-cutlery-set)

9- One-dose Anti-Vaginitis Drug: Diflucan
(https://www.drugs.com/diflucan.html)

10- One-dose Zithromax antibiotic
(https://www.drugs.com/mtm/zithromax-z-pak.html)

11- Imodium
(http://www.imodium.ca/products/calming-liquid)

12- Justin's Squeezable Peanut Butter Packs
(http://shop.justins.com/Classic-Peanut-Butter/p/JNB-003004&c=Justins@NutButters)

continue reading "What to Pack for Travel in Developing Countries"

How To Stay Healthy When Traveling

We all know not to drink the water or eat the raw fruit when traveling. But there's so much more to staying healthy when you're on the road. A couple of days ago, I gave a roundtable presentation at the New York Travel Festival entitled "How to Stay Healthy When Traveling." I revealed a variety of less-known ways to avoid foodborne illness, including avoiding fruit juices that can often be diluted with tap water as well as swearing off buffets because various flying insects that are vectors for disease can alight; what small device you should always pack when visiting developing countries -- it's the Steri-Pen, a UV-light water purifer; why you should take Pepto Bismol before you ever get sick -- if you follow a particular protocol of taking two chewable tabs before each meal and at bedtime it can significantly reduce the risk of traveler's belly; and what device can prevent motion sickness - it's the Relief-Band, a battery-powered device that stimulates the anti-nausea acupressure point on the risk. This private link bit.ly/BaroneHealth is an abbreviated list of recommended travel first-aid supplies. For the full-list as well as several free samples/product discount coupons, visit my store where I sell Doc-in-a-Bag, the unique travel first-aid kit organizer.

continue reading "How To Stay Healthy When Traveling"

Packing a First-Aid Kit for your Kids

Nothing ruins a trip more than an injury or illness, whether it affect you or your kids. And, though most people think they know what to pack in a first-aid kit, that’s generally not the case. The items end up being an afterthought and often revolve around aspirin, Tylenol and Band-aids.

I’ve designed a Kids Doc-in-a-Bag to help with the planning. It comes with a comprehensive laminated list of what to include in your kids first-aid kit, including:

kids Benadryl (antihistamine) for allergic reactions

topical cortisone cream for rashes + insect bites

child-safe sunscreen

child-safe insect repellant

I’m especially fond of the products manufactured by All Terrain like their child-safe insect repellant and sunscreen.

Check out Kids Doc-in-a-Bag for the entire list of everything you should pack in their first aid kit.

continue reading "Packing a First-Aid Kit for your Kids"

Safety and Security During Spring Break

I was born a geek. When I was 14, I was reading the American Journal of Cardiology and teaching myself how to read ECGs. Yes, geek, for sure. So, when I went on spring break, I was my usual overly cautious self, to the dismay of my peers who, of course, threw caution to the wind.

We're now in the spring break season which often means accidents, injuries, illnesses and overall risky behavior. There's the binge drinking, all night partying, sizzling on the sand sans sunscreen, chowing down on fatty foods, forgoing condoms, operating motor vehicles in a less than optimal mental state. The list goes on.

I could give you a list of all the do's and don'ts to assure that you come back in one piece. But instead I'll simply suggest bringing two simple, inexpensive products with you. One I produce and another is an app that I highly recommend.

LifeLine Response is a personal security app that I reviewed on my blog. This is a must for anyone traveling in North America. You never know when you'll find yourself in a dangerous situation, such as on the beach at night, outside a club, on campus, or in a hotel.

Then there's my travel first-aid kit organizer, Doc-in-a-Bag, that provides the most complete list of everything you need to pack to keep you healthy during spring break. It tells you exactly what sunscreen gives you the most protection, what items every woman should carry, and what prescription meds you should ask your doctor to give you before you leave on your trip.

Here's what some people are saying about Doc-in-a-Bag:


Dominick Gervasi of Made in Brooklyn Tours:

"I've been to many countries myself and with each trip, carry less and less. It's paramount to be prepared with the essentials. Doc-in-a-Bag is a fun, practical and nifty way to organize what's important. The series of durable zip-lock clear pouches are labeled with images that obviously reflect what's inside. I plan to use this organizing tool for my trip to Colombia. No doubt, Doc-in-a-Bag will give me some good orderly direction."


You can read a longer review from Dom here:


Jeff Titelius of EuroTravelogue:

"What a convenient solution to a problem we all suffer through when traveling. How do we keep all the meds, vitamins, bandaids, etc. organized? These little packs are fun way to maintain order with all those countless little bottles that always seem to end up where they shouldn't be in our travel bags. Thank you Doc In A Bag!!"


Meryl Perlstein of MDP Publicity. Here she review my kit for her site, Travel and Food Notes

"As I pack for my next out-of-the-country trip, I find myself spending considerable time trying to anticipate every medical item I would need should I be stuck on a desert island with no access to doctors, food, or a phone. I just discovered something that can help make your travels easier..."


Read the rest of Meryl's review here:


Vera Marie Badertscher of A Traveler's Library selected Doc-in-a-Bag as one of her 10 perfect gifts for travelers. Find out what she said about it here:

continue reading "Safety and Security During Spring Break"

Who Shouldn't Buy My Travel First-Aid Kit Organizer

When you're about to hit the road for a domestic trip or an international expedition, who wants to think about injuries or illness? Perhaps that's one reason why so many people are more willing to overpack when it comes to shoes, dresses and sweaters than they are to overindulge in first-aid supplies and a well-organized first-aid kit. I'm one of those meticulous travelers who prepares for the inevitable, which is why I produced Doc-in-a-Bag, the unique travel first-aid kit organizer that comes with five zippered clear, durable pouches, each labeled with a colorful and humorous icon indicating what symptom/body system the contents treats. If you don't want to think about injuries or illnesses, then maybe this isn't your thing? Find out if you're one of those who shouldn't buy my travel first-aid kit organizer:

 1. You bring along only Band-aids, so what's to organize?

2. You prefer jamming all your tubes and bottles into one bag and rifling through it when you need something in a hurry.

3. You'd rather use ziploc bags that are cheap and will most likely unseal or tear, spilling the contents in your luggage or elsewhere.

4. You'd rather buy your own set of high-quality zippered vinyl bags, knowing that to get the same quality, you'll have to pay $8.00/bag at the rate of $40 for five. (Doc-in-a-Bag is 5 bags for $14.99.)

5. You like everything else in your life to be organized, whether it's your tunes, files, books or recipes, but not your first-aid supplies.

6. You know that Doc-in-a-Bag comes with 5 laminated lists of everything you need to pack in your kit, but you'd rather waste your time wandering the aisles of pharmacies or brainstorming your own set of lists.

7. You know that Doc-in-a-Bag comes with discount coupons for everything from pick-pocket proof pants (20% off) to a natural insect repellent, but you'd rather risk getting pickpocketed and eaten by mosquitoes when you travel. (Or maybe you just don't like getting money-saving discounts.)

8. You don't like the idea of paying $14.99 for a kit that doesn't come packed with all the supplies, even though the laminated lists take the thought out of deciding what to pack, and many of the items you may already have in your house.

9. You'd rather buy a first-aid kit that's pre-packed, even though it often has supplies that don't fit your individual needs, including those of women travelers or those with dental needs, and, because you didn't pack it yourself, you're not really sure when to use each item.

10. You don't like the idea of having a separate pouch just for women because, well, women and men are basically the same regarding health issues, right?

continue reading "Who Shouldn't Buy My Travel First-Aid Kit Organizer"

My Travel First-Aid Kit Organizer That Can Save Your Trip

 What's the biggest thing that can ruin a trip? An illness or injury probably tops the list. Consider these scenarios:

● A woman travels with her husband to rural China. In the middle of the night, she awakens with major discomfort indicating a vaginal infection. A remedy was no where to be found for days. (Clearly, she didn't carry Monistat or the equivalent in her first-aid kit.) Imagine how this messed up this couple's travels.

● A family goes mountain biking in Idaho and one of the kids falls, knocking out a tooth. If the tooth is properly preserved in the correct solution -- found with the product Save-A-Tooth -- it could be reimplanted. The family only had water bottles and a standard first-aid kit. Result: the tooth dies!

● A man is hiking in Italy's Dolomite mountains when he falls on a sharp rock, lacerating his leg. Doesn't sound like such a big deal, right? Just a few band-aids should be fine. This man was taking anti-clotting medications. He didn't carry a special gauze pad that enhances blood clotting. The result: unexpected blood loss.

● A woman is camping in a national forest in northern Florida. Sitting near the camp fire, she gets some debris in her eye. She tries sprinkling some water in her eye, to no avail. It becomes so irritating over a period of hours that she's forced to drive to the emergency room. If only she carried a saline eye wash and some lubricating eye drops. 

The solution to all these scenarios and more: Doc-in-a-Bag™  

I was just interviewed by the online magazine, The Cultureist, on this product that I just developed. Find out how it can save your next trip, whether you're traveling domestically or to a far-flung locale.

You can buy Doc-in-a-Bag™ here. And also from Amazon. 

continue reading "My Travel First-Aid Kit Organizer That Can Save Your Trip"