Organisation and Preparation (4) : Doctors and prevention

We know you are expecting some nice pics and funny stories. No worries there will be hopefully plenty of them in couple days. But, once this should be also kind of "how to" manual, let me take care of the Health and Prevention first. Serious first and fun later. Better than otherwise.

The Dentist

I have just returned from last of our scheduled appointments with our family dentist. It is great to teach kids that they should take care of their teeth and to regularly visit a dentist for preventive check-up. And it is also important to do it before the travel just to be sure there is no toothache or other related problems coming your way. We recommend to call your dentist 2-3 months prior to departure as it should allow some time if any to-solve problem appears. Also, as a tip, ask your dentist to schedule you on "just in case"appointment couple of days prior to your departure. If everything is fine you can just cancel it.

Also, teeth problems while travelling might be, if not expensive, than, at least, cash consuming. The insurance coverage limits on dental care are often relatively low. (or lower compared to other coverage). So while this could be fine for a small issues it could not be enough if some serious trouble appears. And even if you are covered you are often required to pay in cash and claim it from your insurance company after coming back home.

Paediatrician, other specialists and medication

Visiting well in advance your kids physician is also wise. Even if it seems that everyone is healthy and has no problem why not to check-up, consult your questions and have piece in mind. And this applies to the adult physician visit as well. Plus, if anyone is taking any medication than make sure you will have enough for the whole length of the travel.

Immunity tuning

It is a matter of a parents choice, preferences, experience and even beliefs but anything that you use (and is truly working) to keep everyone immunity high is good . Traveling means exposing everyone to yet not met viruses and bacteria. Someone has it better and someone worse by default but it is worth to take care of your immunity. Entering the unknown space with better shield raises your chances to successfully fight back if attacked by aliens.

For kids we use probiotics (Lacidofil), homeopatics (Engystol, Osscilloccoccinum) and vitamin C. I, for example, use beer (vitamin B is good as a mosquito bite prevention), Vitamin C and Slivovice*. Plus there is a backup in our first-aid kit we will tell you in the pack-up post.

*Spirit made of plums. Any other spirit in small daily amounts will do;)