Traveling Tips, Tricks, and Troubles

November 2024

The holiday season is a wonderful time for traveling to visit friends or family that we do not get to see on a regular basis. While the time with family and friends is cherished, the actual travel itself can be a source of stress and frustration. Let's review some troubles that you may run into as well as some tips and tricks to help alleviate some of the more stressful aspects of travel.

Taking the Tools

Traveling can cause quite of bit of trouble if you are unprepared, from delayed flights and lost luggage to physical symptoms such as fluid retention and elevated blood pressure.

Remember to pack your blood pressure monitor and/or scale whenever possible so that you can continue to have your hypertension monitored and receive intervention as necessary.

Your devices are travel friendly! Our 4g devices work anywhere that they are able to pick up a cell phone signal; we have even received readings from Europe! If you are utilizing a Bluetooth device, readings can be received so long as your phone has available data or wifi connection, and is able to connect to your device.

Travel Troubles

Having trouble knowing what to expect when you travel with conditions such as hypertension and fluid retention? Let's looks at some of the most common things that can be encountered and then look at ways to plan ahead to help manage some of those potential problems.

Stress from travel can cause your blood pressure to be temporarily elevated, this can sometimes result in physical symptoms such as headaches.

Fluid retention is another physical symptom that is commonly seen with long periods of travel, this can cause quite a bit of discomfort if not properly managed.

Changes in diet are also very common when you travel. There are not as much fresh foods available when you are on the go. These premade products or restaurant foods have a much higher sodium content (50-100% of your recommended daily value in ONE serving!). This can also lead to increased swelling and elevated blood pressure.

Delayed or canceled flights can cause unexpected shifts in your timeline which can result in being gone longer than anticipated and possibly ending up without necessary medications for a period of time.

For reference on food choices and sodium, see our previous monthly education segments linked below:

Singling Out Sodium (Preservatives)

Figuring out Food Labels

Finding the Balance (Fluid Retention)

Travel Tips and Tricks

Now that we have identified some of the most common travel troubles, how can we either avoid them or lessen their effects?

First and foremost, travel with your devices, this will allow you to help identify changes in your blood pressure and weight before it reaches a critical point.

Pack your whole bottle of your rescue medications. Diuretics (Lasix, Bumex, etc.) and antihypertensives (clonidine, hydralazine, etc.) can help you manage your physical symptoms.

When possible, stretch and walk around. Fluid retention is a common physical symptom during travel due to the prolonged periods of sitting in a car or plane.

Eat as close to your normal diet as possible. When it is not possible, look for things that ae labeled "No Salt Added" or "Reduced Sodium". If you know that you will be eating at a restaurant, consider eating fresher, lighter meals the rest of the day, or only consume half of your meal and take the other half home to enjoy another day, to help balance out the overall amount of sodium being consumed.

When packing medications, pack more than you think you will need. Several days to one week's worth of extra medications will help to ensure you remain on your medication schedule and regiment in the event of travel delays. Be sure to contact your provider prior to traveling if your medications are getting close to needing a refill (appointments may be necessary)!

Additional Resources

Websites, Articles, and/or Videos

Blog Posts

Community Events

Art with a Heart in Healthcare

Deck the Chairs

Glowing Gardens

Still Have Questions?

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