Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
We’re all different (thank goodness – wouldn’t life be dull otherwise!). That means the specific challenges you may face while you’re away will often depend on what medical condition you have.
But there are some medical gadgets which can make travelling easier for people with a variety of healthy conditions.
Out and About
Take a Seat
We all know that travel can involve lots of standing around waiting. Whether you’re queuing at the gate for your plane or waiting for your transfer, prolonged standing can be exhausting if you have a chronic medical condition. A walking stick which folds out into a stool with a foldable seat lets you sit securely. Many have a tripod design which provides security against toppling over. As a bonus, you can use it in your holiday accommodation if you want to sit while brushing your teeth or preparing food.
Wheelchair Storage
If you’re using a wheelchair, a mesh under-seat storage bag allows you to free up your hands because you don’t need to hold items in your lap. It’s more secure than a backpack hung on the back of your chair and allows you easy access to items you need while you’re out and about. It’s also a good idea to wear a small cross-body bag to keep your passport and other essential documents really secure.
In and Out
If your mobility is limited, getting in and out of cars can be a struggle. The Handybar is a simple portable device you can fit in your handbag. It has a soft grip with an anti-slip handle and clamps into the U-shaped striker plate on a car door frame. Because this is one of the strongest parts of the car, you can use the Handybar safely to grip as you get out.
Packing on Wheels
It’s worth investing in a ‘spinner’ suitcase which has rotating wheels on all four corners. This allows you to push or pull your suitcase easily, even if you’re in a wheelchair. This is especially important for hand luggage, which you’ll need to get onto the plane with you.
Eating and Drinking
Get a Grip
If you have limited mobility in your hands from arthritis or a stroke, holding normal cutlery can be difficult. Feeding yourself can also be affected by issues such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke, which can lead to tremors or grip strength issues. Pack a set of specially designed cutlery – look for easy-grip, shaped handles, finger indents or one-handed designs, depending on your needs.
Water, Water Everywhere
It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated to protect your kidneys, stave off headaches or constipation and more. That can be tough in a hot climate – especially in far-flung areas where you can’t guarantee the quality of tap water. Pick up a large refillable water bottle – with a suction tube if you have swallowing difficulty or limited arm/hand mobility. You can top it up before you go out with boiled or bottled water.
READ MORE: Which Fluids Are Safe to Drink on Holiday?
Relax!
Peace and Quiet
If you’re a nervous traveller or find noise overwhelming because of anxiety, ADHD or other mental health issues noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend. You can attach them to your phone or iPod and listen to music or an audiobook. They can also really help distract you if you’re in pain. Don’t forget to pack an eye mask as well. This can be a real help if you’re trying to sleep on a plane or if you’re travelling across time zones and are disturbed by daylight when you’re trying to sleep.
Don’t Get a Crick
Painful muscle strains in the neck are a common side effect of dozing off while sitting up, whether on a plane or in a car or bus. If you already have joint problems like arthritis, the pain and stiffness that results are even more likely to ruin your holiday. Pack a travel neck pillow (inflatable if you’re travelling light) which you can slip around your neck as soon as you board your plane.
READ MORE: Beat Holiday Insomnia
Bathroom Bits
Call of Nature
If your mobility is limited, using the bathroom can be challenging – for instance on planes. The UK-made Shewee is a discreet reusable device with an extension pipe (if you’re wearing bulky clothes). It lets you pass urine standing up or sitting down, without needing to take all your clothes down. It avoids you having to squat if toilets aren’t hygienic and after use, you can pop the Shewee back into the carry case to clean with mild soap and water when convenient.
Shower Power
A portable shower chair can be adjusted to your height. This can reduce the risk of falls if your balance isn’t perfect and will give you added confidence if you’re worried about slipping in the shower. You can also pack a suction grab rail easily in your suitcase, to help getting out of the bath. Make sure you choose one with an indicator that shows when the rail is firmly attached and secure.
Medical Monitors
Measure the Pressure
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitors are cheap and very reliable as long as you have the right one. Monitors which measure pressure on your upper arm rather than your wrist are generally more accurate – and do make sure you have the correct size cuff for your arm.
The British Heart Foundation has a full list of monitors which have been validated for accuracy. Remember that a single raised reading is rarely a cause for concern – it’s the average that’s most important. Learn how to measure your average blood pressure and keep a note of the readings (hopefully you have a calculator on your phone, which makes it much easier!)
READ MORE: The Best Travel Gadgets for Managing Health Conditions
Hot Stuff
Don’t forget to take a digital thermometer, especially if you have a condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis where flare-ups can cause fever. If you’re taking medicines that damp down your immune system (for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or cancer) you may also be prone to infections. Doctors use ear thermometers, which give an accurate reading within seconds.
In conclusion, travelling can be a wonderfully enriching experience, but it often requires careful planning, particularly when managing health conditions or mobility challenges. Equipping yourself with the right tools and knowledge can significantly enhance your travel experience.
By taking proactive steps, you can minimise discomfort, maintain your health, and ultimately enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind. Remember, a little foresight goes a long way in ensuring your safety and wellbeing whilst away from home.