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Health On the Road:
Daddy, I Don’t Feel So Good...
by Roy Wright
Twelve months of hard work have earned you the privilege of a special vacation in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. You and your family are standing on the cool path inside Shenandoah Caverns admiring the stalactites, breathing in the clean air of one of nature's miracles. Suddenly your moment of bliss is shattered by those famous, unmistakable words—"I don't feel so good..."
Oh no! Assessing the situation, it is apparent that the child has 'the look' and you know what that means. Rushing to find the exit, the only things you can think of—besides 'Which way is out?'—are, what does this mean for the rest of the vacation? Is this something serious? Is this something everyone else is going to develop? Was it just something she ate? What do I do?
After taking care of the immediate issue, and assessing whether or not it is truly an emergency, you have to decide how to proceed. The rule of thumb is, when in doubt see a doctor. Any situation can escalate to a true emergency quickly, so don’t hesitate seeking professional assistance if you are not comfortable with what’s going on.
On the road, the most accessible medical care is usually through a hospital emergency room. ERs are designed for emergencies, not everyday care, but Vicki Kirby, RN from Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville, reminds travelers that the ER is there to help evaluate your concerns. When you arrive you will be greeted by a triage team that will evaluate the medical condition and will treat appropriately.
Dr. John Moore of Carilion Botetourt Pediatric Associates offers the following advice: "Severity depends on the age of the person, how long the problem has persisted, how intense the symptoms are, and the location of the problem."
As a general rule, you should seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Fever over 103
- Abdominal pain focused in one particular area
- Persistent vomiting
- Bumps or curves in the road make abdominal pain worse
- Dehydration
Dr. Moore notes that dehydration can occur quickly in a child with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Make sure the child is urinating with normal frequency and amount, that the urine is not dark and that their pulse is not high. Another easy assessment is by checking the blood flow to the fingers. "Squeeze a finger tip and see how long it takes for the color to return. If it takes more than two seconds, the person may be dehydrated."
Children break bones more easily than adults. Be suspicious if a child does not want to bear weight or use a limb following a fall. Muscle strains usually swell less than a fracture.
Here are some tips to help avert potential medical disasters on the road:
- Pack a first aid kit with supplies that you are comfortable using at home. Make sure you have a thermometer. If Dramamine works for you, include that for motion sickness. Band-aids and antiseptic wipes take care of most cuts and scrapes. Your family physician can advise you on other items you may wish to include.
- If you take any prescription medications on a regular basis—don't forget to pack them. Keep them with you—don't check them with your luggage. Don't forget that a closed car gets hot—make sure your medicines don't get hot, too. They can lose their effectiveness!
- Use the local phone book to locate a medical facility. Call 911 if you have any doubt. Don't hesitate—that's what it's there for.
Remember, while vacationing in the Shenandoah Valley you are never very far from excellent medical care. Let's hope you won't require medical attention while you are here, but in the event that you do, you will find the finest health care.
Article text ©2003-2010, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
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