Christmas folly: Medicate, don't procrastinate

Even though you might be taking a holiday this Christmas, your illness or infections won't be. Routines get disrupted and we can forget to take, or even buy, our medications – especially if you're jet setting or on the road. With only a little planning, you can get a lot of pay-off. Just because the season is silly, doesn't mean you have to be.

Plan it, don't can it

It can be hard to pin down doctors in the holidays; they have families too! So instead of just flagging your next appointment, why not make it now? That way, you won't be having a medical emergency when you're giving Grandma Maisy her Christmas present.

If you think you'll be 'right over the summer BBQ bonanza, it will be because you are still taking your meds. So go to your cabinet right now and check you have enough! If not, schedule an appointment to get a repeat before everything is closed.

On the road

If you are experiencing any infections or illnesses while travelling, be prepared.

Remember to:

Fill your prescriptions early – before you have to catch a plane!
Arrange a letter from your doctor explaining your bag of prescription medications, just in case.
Get prior advice about what you should do if you miss a dose, especially if you're trekking on the Bibbulmun or living in a random Roman hostel.
Know your medication – can it mix with booze? This question is most important around Christmas and New Year. You don't want a medical episode after a quiet glass of eggnog with your Aunty.

Cool and the gang

Some medications need to be stored in the fridge, or at least need to be kept cool and dry. So invest in a travel bag that will ensure your medications are not only with you, but working the way they should. If need be, you can pick up a refrigerated bag.

Keep the medication packaging or Consumer Medical Information from inside the packet. It's got important information about how to use the medicine correctly and what to do if you miss a dose – so you won't be panicking or anxious on your holiday.

The professionals

Get professional about taking your medications over Christmas, and you'll find your routine will save you the grief of feeling ill when you should be having a ball. It's easy to create a habit when you're working every day, but over the public holidays you may need to be a little more conscious.

Set alarms and reminders to take your meds every day, at the right times. Put them on your phone, because you take it everywhere.
Set mental alarms too. Each time you eat or brush your teeth, think, "Take meds."
Put them in front of your nose so you can see them. Just ensure they are away from kids!
If you have 'to-do' lists, then add "take meds" to them.
Grab a pill box from your pharmacy next time you're out Christmas shopping. That way you'll know if you missed a dose.
Put stickies and reminder notes in obvious places, like on the fridge or on the front door.

Devil's in the detail

Little things can go a long way. If you plan ahead now and maintain an easy routine over the coming month, you will find you don't need another holiday after your holiday just because you got sick from not sticking to your meds.

Take two minutes out of your schedule right now and plan some reminders and notes. Give yourself the gift of health this season – Santa's watching!

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