Don't Get Sick On the Road! Here Are My Basic, Best Tips

As spring break season begins and families begin making plans for summer travel, don't forget to protect yourself when you hit the road.

My tips:

• Diarrhea is the traveler's most common malady.  Take medication with you to address that should you come down with it.
• If you already have health issues, know before you go how to deal with it in new places.  Know where to find medical assistance on the road.  Be sure you take your medication in your carry-on luggage.  Make sure all prescriptions are well marked.  A doctor's declaration stating the medication your on is a good idea, especially if you're traveling abroad.  It can help with customs.
• Wash your hands frequently.  And well.
• If you have a specific affliction, such as diabetes, know how to express your needs in the language of the country you're visiting.  Diabetes patients should visit a handy web site that will provide a doctor's declaration form, a phrase book with key words in different languages, and other important tips.
• Make sure you have medical evacuation insurance.  Your premium credit card will generally only provide cab fare to the nearest hospital.  Several companies, however, will provide a medically equipped private jet to pick you up anywhere in the world (if you're away from home) should you require hospitalization; you'll be flown to the hospital of your choice.  You can purchase a protection plan for an individual or family for as little as seven days or as long as a year.  My television crew, as well as I and my family, use MedjetAssist.com.  Mention the promotion code "MAXA" if you call MedjetAssist (800-5-ASSIST) and save $10 on an individual annual membership, $20 on a family annual membership.  You'll also find those savings built into the link to the company's web site as above.