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December 15, 2009 — Making a List and Checking it Twice

Many of us will take to the roads and skies for the holidays. Between packing suitcases and wrapping presents, medications can sometimes take a back seat to the fruitcake. Here are some tips to make sure you are safe during your holiday travels:

• Bring an up-to-date medication safety list with you. It can save your life in case of an emergency. It gives medical personal the information they need to know to treat you in the event you can't speak for yourself. If you are traveling, it's unlikely that an emergency room will be able to access your medical record – even if it's computerized at your "home" hospital.
• Resist the urge to combine your medications into one bottle or bag. Keep them in their original bottles.
• Put your medications in your carry-on bag (and pull them out if the airline crew decides just before take-off that your carry on can't fit on board).
• If you forget pills that you must take daily, call the local pharmacy. Stores in national chains can generally access your pharmacy records on line. Pharmacists can also call your doctor's office.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

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