Plan ahead to safeguard your health on vacation
By plane, train or automobile, Americans are getting ready to take off on their spring and summer vacation, but make sure to pack your prescriptions and a healthy dose of common sense to save trouble and money on the road.
Nothing can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare faster than a medical emergency. Travelers will be better equipped to handle any health issues that might come up if they plan ahead, research their destination and carry proper documentation. Whether you’re traveling across the state or around the world, follow these tips to prevent illness and prepare for unexpected medical emergencies.
If you are traveling internationally, check on recommended or required vaccinations at your destination. You may be advised to be vaccinated for cholera, tetanus, tuberculosis and typhoid, among other diseases. Some vaccinations must be given 2 to 12 weeks before the trip so plan ahead.
Vacationers who are flying should pack medications in a carry-on in case your luggage is lost, stolen or delayed. Keep drugs in their original container. If you have a prescription for narcotics or syringes, be sure to pack a paper copy of prescriptions in your luggage. Also leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a family member or friend. It’s also a good idea to carry a backup prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.
If you have a potentially disabling health problem, such as epilepsy or diabetes, wear a MedicAlert identification bracelet or necklace to alert health professionals in the event of a problem.
Finally, remember your membership entitles you to AAA Prescription Savings. This is not insurance but a discount at participating pharmacies. AAA members save an average of 24 percent on prescriptions from nine out of 10 pharmacies. To locate a participating pharmacy, call (866) AAA-SAVE (866-222-7283) or click on AAA.com/prescriptions.
VIN Etch can help deter vehicle theft
As an effective theft deterrent, the Club will offer window etching of your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) at several AAA offices in the region.
The cost for the service is $30 for AAA members and $40 for non-members, including six etchings per car. AAA offers discounts on insurance for VIN Etching.
Call 1-800-AAA-ROAD ext. 6821 to make appointments at least 48 hours in advance of the available dates. Please have your VIN number handy when calling.
Members save on tutoring through Sylvan
With the school year ending and report cards coming out, the notion of tutoring to catch up, keep up or get ahead will come up in households across the Midwest, so AAA is partnering with Sylvan Learning to help parents help their children excel in the classroom.
The purpose of tutoring is to teach children efficient learning skills and techniques to use in the classroom and, ultimately, in the workforce as adults. If you notice that your child is struggling, the first step is talking with your child to try to determine the underlying cause. Once you know the potential source of difficulty, it will be easier to develop a strategy.
Even a child who is doing well may benefit from outside help to sharpen study and test-taking skills. A supplemental education provider can help your child prepare for a test, catch up or get ahead in a particular subject area.
Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of tutoring and education services to students of all ages and skill levels. AAA members receive an exclusive offer that includes 50 percent off Sylvan Skills Assessment, 15 percent off tuition of a Sylvan program and one month free subscription to SylvanMath Prep.com. Offer is valid for new enrollments only. For a discount coupon, call (877) 793-3822 or visit AAA.com/sylvanlearning.
