Ever been faced with a medical emergency while travelling? Face it, we all have. Here's how to prepare, even without the latest mobile app

I'll admit it of my own free will: I'm typing this at the airport. It seems to be where I spend a fair amount of my time these days, so it comes as little surprise. By way of introduction, I'm a Canadian female family doctor who divides her time between two major Canadian provinces, one where she works and the other where her husband goes to school. Suffice to say, I travel a considerable amount.

Quite honestly, I love to travel. Airports don't bother me. In fact, they're a place where I actually get to relax a bit. That said, I'm not travelling with children. On my own or sometimes with a travel buddy or my husband, I've visited Europe, Asia, South America and of course North America over the past 3 years. During this time, I've come up with my own list to make things run smoother, especially in a medical sense. 

These don't necessarily apply just to women but I've tailored a few things particular to our gender. Here are a few I'm savvy enough to share:

1. Preparation is key - face the fact that there are going to be issues during your trip. Try to minimize them by preplanning. Travel insurance is an absolute must and be aware of what your plan covers so you're not stuck in India having heart surgery without coverage, as happened to one of my patients.
2. Shoot up - make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Tetanus updates are important every 10 yrs. If you haven't had your hepatitis A & B (twinrix) vaccines, I recommend them to domestic and international travellers. I also get asked a lot about Dukoral, the vaccine for cholera & some forms of travellers diarrhea. This is an oral vaccine that you need to take once a week for two weeks before you travel. I think it's a good idea if you're going to a place where culinary hygiene is questionable (& that means just about anywhere). Travel clinics or your family doctor should be able to answer any further questions about your particular destination.
3. Chill out - enjoy the process & cultural exchange that happens with travel. If that means talking to your family doctor about medication to help with your fear of flying or motion sickness, so be it. These things can make a big difference & have minimal side effects when taken as prescribed.
4. Check your regular medications in advance to ensure you have enough to get you through your trip. You don't want to be running to the airport on the last week of your birth control pack.
5. Pack a small first aid kit that has bandaids, a tensor roll, some polysporin or other antibiotic ointment, diphenhydramine (benadryl), dimenhydrinate (gravol), tweezers & small scissors. A little monistat cream never hurt either. You never know when a health issue is going to come up.
6. Plan your footwear properly. So many foot and ankle injuries occur from improper footwear on unusual terrain. If you're going hiking, you might want something a little more sturdy than your sports sandals.
7. Consider the nature of your trip. You could be meeting new people & making new friends. I've had so many women in my office who come back from their vacations who request tests for sexually transmitted infections. If this could apply to you, be prepared. Please pack condoms. And use them.
8. If you have questions, address them before you go. Find out whether you need malaria prophylaxis at your destination or whether you should take acetazolamide prior to climbing Kilamanjaro (the answer is: probably). I regularly refer to www.cdc.gov to update myself on the constantly changing global health scene.

Hopefully, this will help you have a more enjoyable & ultimately safe trip. Happy trails!

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Meghan Newcombe is a young, intelligent, Canadian general practitioner and a real go getter! She is a patient advocate and dynamic doctor with a strong belief in patient wellness and prevention, especially when it comes to Women's Health. Meghan is also a well rounded individual with interests in travel, cooking, fine wine, equestrian sports, the outdoors – and oh yes, more of a vice than an interest, SHOES!