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This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive
Taking a Trip? Be Prepared
We're living longer, healthier lives as a nation. And older Americans are using their leisure time and hefty disposable incomes to see the world. People over 60 now spend more time traveling for pleasure than ever before, according to a study by the CDC in Atlanta.
"We drive so much that it seems like we're always on the road going somewhere or going back home," says Linda Smith, 59, a retired teacher who lives in Cincinnati. "Sometimes I think we try to travel too much, in fact.
Smith and her husband, Chris, 62, spend about a week per month traveling from their home in Ohio to their vacation home in northern Michigan. They also travel frequently by air all over the U.S. -- from New York to Florida to Los Angeles -- to visit their children and their friends.
"More and more older persons are healthier at later ages now," says Robert Butler, MD, president of the International Longevity Center in New York City. "Much of the traveling they do reflects their stage in life. They have the resources and time to pursue interests they've never had time to partake of."
Whether driving, flying, or kicking back on a cruise ship, people over 60 need to take special precautions to make sure the stresses of travel -- both physical and financial -- don't damage their health.
Doctor, Insurance Agent, Travel Agent
Though most travel experts agree that the same travel safety advice that applies to anyone also applies to older Americans, they stress that many seniors have special concerns -- medications, diets, insurance needs, mobility issues -- that can require special planning.
"Older people really need to do three things before they embark on long trips: see a doctor to discuss health concerns and update vaccinations; talk to an insurance agent to get travelers' insurance; and discuss any mobility issues with a travel agent to make sure they will be able to physically reach the specific sites in mind," says Hal Norvell, an expert in travel for people over 50. He works for the AARP in Washington.
"Realistic expectations are important when planning a trip," says Norvell. "You don't want to get to the Mayan ruins at Calakmul in Mexico to find that people with mobility issues can't get to it. That's why consulting with a reputable travel agent is so important. Planning around health issues can make a trip so much more successful."
It's also a good idea to make copies of your passport, visa, and airline ticket.
"These should be kept in your luggage," says Norvell. "Increased airline security means you also need a letter from your doctor detailing any need you have to bring syringes onto a plane. People with diabetes who inject insulin may have to do even more preparation than others, especially if crossing multiple time zones, which can change the times you take your insulin."
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
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