Travel Healthy Advising Patients

Transcription

1 Page 1 By: Vona Broughton, CHES & Kevin McCarthy, RPH This program has been brought to you by PharmCon PharmCon is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education Legal Disclaimer: The material presented here does not necessarily reflect the views of Pharmaceutical Education Consultants (PharmCon) or the companies that support educational programming. A qualified healthcare professional should always be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. Participants should verify all information and data before treating patients or employing any therapies described in this educational activity. Accreditation: Pharmacists: L04-P Pharmacy Technicians: L04-T CE Credits: 1.0 contact hour Target Audience: Pharmacists & Technicians Program Overview: The vacation season can be any time of year. And for some the idea of vacation may be to travel somewhere extremely cold for some snow sports, or maybe somewhere hot, with the sudden urge to shed winter layers, become sun-kissed, and relax with colorful foods and cocktails in the world's most exotic locales, As enticing as all this may be, it's important to remember that smart travel involves more than just packing, flying, and relaxing. The purpose of this knowledge based program will be to offer some healthy tips for travelers. As the local pharmacist, you can help advise your customers or patients about staying healthy and safe while visiting unknown places. I will speak as though you are the one planning the trip, and hopefully you can recall the information to pass on to those who you serve while at work. Objectives: Analyze several healthy protocols in which travelers are advised to adhere. Investigate common health problems associated with traveling. Identify ways to cope with pre-existing conditions while traveling This program has been brought to you by PharmCon Speakers: Vona Broughton, CHES received her BS degree in Health Promotion from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Additionally, she earned her certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist. She joined PharmCon as the Assistant Director of Continuing Education, where she coordinates CE programs on location nationwide, as well as moderates CE webinar programs Kevin McCarthy, RPh is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. His professional background includes being a Trustee of the Maryland Pharmacists Association, and President of the Southern Maryland Pharmacists Association. In addition to owning his own pharmacy, he has worked in management in both chain and independent pharmacies. His most recent position prior to PharmCon was Director of Managed Care for Safeway Inc., and Regional Director of Sales for the pharmacy benefits manager, SMCRx, now known as Avia Partners, Inc. Speaker Disclosure: Vona Broughton and Kevin McCarthy have no actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this program PharmCon is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education Legal Disclaimer: The material presented here does not necessarily reflect the views of Pharmaceutical Education Consultants (PharmCon) or the companies that support educational programming. A qualified healthcare professional should always be consulted before using any therapeutic product discussed. Participants should verify all information and data before treating patients or employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

2 Page 2 Analyze several healthy protocols in which traveler s are advised to adhere. Get immunized- See doctor 6 wks before Investigate common health problems associated with traveling. Identify ways to cope with pre-existing conditions while traveling. Medical/ dental checkups Health insurance Glasses/ Contacts Please type in the chat box now: As a pharmacist, what possible vaccines would you instruct your patients or customers to seek prior to travel? Hepatitis A/ B Influenza MMR Meningitis Pneumococcal Polio Rabies Tetanus Typhoid/ Yello Fever Chicken Pox

3 Page 3 Copies of passport/ travel documents Check Transportation Security Administration site for updates Check Customs and Import Restrictions section as U.S. Dept of State Tips for Traveling Abroad Medicines- in original pkgs Rx meds in carry on Special Rx s for trip OTC Meds Supplies to Prevent Injury First Aid Supplies Special Circumstance Items Wash hands with soap Eat well/ Eat well cooked foods Drink bottled H2O Do not handle animals Do not drink & drive/ wear seat belt Get medical attn ASAP if sick with fever or flu symptoms No insect bites Exercise P- Plan ahead A- Anticipate problems C- Continue taking meds on schedule K- Keep allergist s # Seek allergist at destination in advance Tips Per Modes of Travel By Car By Plane

4 Page 4 Getting ready Have a medical exam Get immunized if needed Get letter and Rx from Dr. Rx s may vary by country: International Association for Medical Assistance Travelers International Diabetes Federation Type in the chat box now: How much medication should a diabetic take on a trip? Pack 2x meds Blood/ urine test supplies ID and diabetes identity card Note temperature Where to store? Crossing Time Zones Discuss with Dr. Keep track! Check glucose often Snacks

5 Page 5 ADS and TSA work together for you! DIABETES Notify screener that you have diabetes You can take: Insulin Liquid Rx s Syringes Blood glucose meters, strips, etc. Insulin pumps Skin protection- WEAR SUNSCREEN! Avoid long term sun exposure during peak hours Apply 15+ SPF sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to exposure Check expiration date Wear sunglasses/ hats to protect your retina! Think, SLIP, SLAP, SLOP Temporary disorder Time zone differences Lasts for several days Need time to adapt Intensity and duration varies Affects younger more than older

6 Page 6 Poor / fractional sleep Poor physical/ mental performance Gastrointestinal disturbances Prior to travel Eat, exercise, rest Break up the journey Some clinicians recommend melatonin During travel Avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeine Drink plenty of H2O Move around on plane/ sleep on long flights Wear comfortable shoes/ clothes AASD recommendations Sedative hypnotics Zolpidem Benzodiazepine Temazepam 4 Infectious Agents million per yr worldwide 1 million die Mode of Transmission- Mosquitos Blood transfusion Organ transplant Needle sharing Congenitally Varies region to region Limitations on blood donations Conduct individual risk assessment to prevent Based on location, itinerary, and behaviors

7 Page 7 Vaccines Use Repellants! DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus Use as directed! Be aware of peak exposure times/ places Check labels Do not apply to eyes/ mouth Apply just enough Discontinue if rash Check for ticks Wear right clothes Bed nets Aerosols Montezuma s Revenge Take OTC meds on trip Ask about Dukoral vaccine Who? Most common illness for traveler s 10 million per year Depends on destination Symptoms? Begins abruptly Altered stool consistency Nausea, vomiting, cramping, etc.

8 Page 8 Primary Cause- Infectious agents E-coli CDC does not recommend antimicrobial drugs Some antibiotics are 90% effective but not recommended as prophylaxis Prevention: Avoid food from street vendors Avoid raw/undercooked foods Peel your own veggies Avoid dairy products/ Tap water Safer to use pkg d products Use Bismuth Subsalicylate 2 tablets QID 2 fluid ounces QID Great for prevention May resolve w/o Tx Oral rehydration Clear liquids Antimicrobial therapy if issue not resolved Antibiotics for 3-5 days sometimes Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline are no longer recommended Reduces diarrhea by slowing transit time in gut Useful for decreasing duration of diarrhea Don t sure with fever or bloody stools Adverse complications reported!

9 Page 9 CDC has a role Improve food and water safety globally Investigates risk factors Working with international agencies Check out CDC s Traveler s Health site for more info. For more info about TD: Consult local or state health depts. Contact WHO