Enjoy a Happy and Healthy Summer Vacation

Summer has almost officially started and so have the thoughts of summer vacation. It conjures up visions of relaxation, sports, and sunny days spent on a sandy beach or a mountain trail.

Summer Vacation!
Summer Vacation!

For individuals and families with allergies and asthma though, it means extra thought and preparation before letting the “good times roll”

As we head full tilt into summer here are some common sense but commonly missed suggestions for a healthy vacation.

Medications – Make a detailed list of any medications showing prescription refill numbers, prescribing doctor, phone number, and dosage. Make sure you pack your medications in a carry-on bag just in case the airline happens to misplace your checked bags. One would think that could not happen with what they charge for checking a bag these days but it does.

Also, make sure to pack an extra Epipen in case someone has an allergic reaction to an insect sting or something they ate. Another good thing to pack is topical hydrocortisone cream.

Essential Gear – If someone has asthma and is using a peak flow meter be sure to bring it and their chart to record results. I don’t need to tell you not to forget the nebulizer but if you are traveling overseas don’t forget the electrical converter.

We have heard from many customers over the years they could not use their nebulizer because of power problems. For people who are camping, you can either use a power converter that hooks into your car or buy a portable one that runs on batteries.

To protect yourself from dust mites it may be wise to pack your own allergy-proof pillow and mattress covers. Many of our customers use the king-size fitted mattress covers and king-size pillow encasing the when I travel.  They are easy to use and the king-size covers fit any bed.

Insurance – Don’t forget to check your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the area that you’re traveling. Way too many people get a big surprise if they run into a problem and need to go to a clinic or emergency room.

Sensible Behavior – During the hot summer months, people with allergies and asthma should drink plenty of fluids, especially water.  Try to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke whenever possible. Make sure you request a hotel room that is non-smoking and mold-free.

If you have food allergies call ahead and order a special meal on the airplane or better yet pack your own snacks. When eating out make sure you let your server know you have allergies.

Just because you have allergies does not mean you cannot have a great summer vacation. You just need to do a bit more planning.

Have a great Summer!

Mike

Allergy Control You Don’t Leave Home Without

luggage photo So you’re packing for your trip.  Once you gather your clothes and shoes you probably pack toiletries next.  You probably don’t leave home without these bottles.

  • A small bottle of shampoo – check
  • A small bottle of conditioner – check
  • Travel size toothpaste and mouthwash – check
  • Travel size allergy control spray – what?

Allergy control spray, what’s up with that?

Allergy Control To Go

ADS allergy control sprayWe encourage everyone that stays in a hotel, motel, or even a friend’s home to travel with a fitted mattress cover.  But we know most people don’t follow that advice so they spend part of each vacation sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing.

If you want allergy control but not the cover, there is an alternative.  Travel size bottles of allergy control spray like Ecologyworks Anti-allergen Spray and Vital Oxide Anti-Microbial Spray.

Quickly Treat a Hotel Room for Allergies

So once you’ve checked in and checked the room for bed bugs, it’s time to unpack your spray and get to work.  Many motels have air conditioning units that harbor mold and mildew.  Spray the top of the unit and the vent area with either ADS or Vital Oxide Spray.  ADS will neutralize the allergens and Vital Oxide will kill and denature any molds or other allergens in the AC.  Vital Oxide will luggage phototake care of that  “funky” ac smell as well.

Spray down the sheets, bedspread, and pillows.  Since the bed is already unmade from your bed bug inspection, go ahead and spray it down with your ADS or Vital Oxide allergy control sprays.  You don’t need to saturate the linens, just a light mist will do.

While you are at it, spray down the carpeting very lightly as well.  Don’t forget to spray both sides of the curtains too.  Housekeeping may vacuum each day, but they never clean those draperies.

Complete Allergy Control Coverage

We carry many allergy control sprays, but then we recommend only 2 for travel.  That’s because these products are powerful and cover a wide spectrum of common indoor allergens.

Even if the room has hosted a cat, dog, or other small furry animals you are protected.

ADS and Vital Oxide will neutralize allergens from:

  • animals
  • dust mites
  • molds
  • pollen
  • cockroaches

luggage photoOrder your travel size of allergy control spray today. Then worry about how to fit that extra pair of shoes in your bag!

Til Next Time

Cheryl

Allergies and Flying

I’ve written before about allergies and travel.  But what about allergies and flying?  This was a great topic suggested by one of the blog readers.

“Peanut fares” and “flying for peanuts” turned Southwest Airlines from a regional carrier to a major national airline.  Even though their peanuts are iconic, they offer peanut-free flights.

If you have a nut allergy, it is imperative that you let the airline know when you book the flight.  This way, they can accommodate your need to be nut free and the other passengers’ desire for a snack.  I know nut allergy can be life-threatening, but I will admit, when Southwest announces that a flight will be nut-free I inwardly groan.  Pretzels are usually the substitute snack of choice and I despise pretzels.  But I digress.

Also, book your flight for early in the day as possible.  Because airlines turn around flights quickly on the ground, the plane isn’t really cleaned between flights as much as “tidied up”.  This means that peanut residue may linger from earlier flights.  The first flight in the morning will be the cleanest.  Even if you are on the first flight, be sure to have your Epi-Pen handy.

If you are concerned about the spread of viruses and bacteria due to recirculated air, the only mask that is going to protect you is an N95-type mask.

These are designed and manufactured to prevent the inhalation of particles as small as 0.1 microns.  This will protect against viruses and bacteria.  If you remember from the recent swine flu, bird flu, and SARS scares, these were the types of masks you saw people wearing in public.

As far as dust mites and pollens go, the bad news is that the seats and carpets of airplanes aren’t frequently cleaned to remove allergens.  This means that everyone that walks on the plane is bringing a small amount of pollen from the location they are leaving.

The good news is that dust mites aren’t found in large numbers on our clothing.  This means that you shouldn’t have high dust mite populations on your seat.  That is a good thing because it is hard to get liquid through security in your carry-on.

You could put 3 or 4 ounces of ADMS Anti Allergen Spray in a small bottle and spray it around your seat, but do you really want to waste that precious space in your one allowed quart bag of 4-ounce liquids?  Not me!  I’ll save that room for toothpaste and deodorant every time!

If you are having an allergy attack when you are flying, you need to pay close attention to your ears.  Sometimes allergy can lead to the Eustachian tubes being swollen.  It is important that this passage be clear when you experience changes in altitude.

It might be necessary to take a decongestant before your flight.  If so, remember to allow plenty of time for it to enter your bloodstream.  Speaking of medications, if you are like me and suffer from an occasional bout of motion sickness when flying, your allergies are in luck.  The active ingredient in Dramamine is very similar to the antihistamine found in Benadryl.

Don’t let your allergies keep you grounded…flying is not a problem if you are prepared!

Til Next Time