Five tipsfor keepingyourfamily healthy before, during and after a hurricane (NAPSA)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration pre- dicts there may be an aboveaverage hurricane seasonthis year. Acrossthestate, manywill stock batteries,flashlights and bottles of water, but some may neglect the importanceof having a plan in place if a family membergets sick during a natural disaster. “Thosein the path ofa naturaldisaster are often so focused on other priorities thatit’s easy to forget that everyday Properplanning can help keep you andyourfamily safe before, during life, including generalillness, doesn't and after a hurricane or other stop whenseriousstormsare forecasted?” emergency. said Dr. Zaid Fadul, a board-certified family physician and flight surgeon for the US. Air Force. “Having a hurricane plan mustinclude planning for how you andyourlovedones will receive general medicalcare for children’s fevers, upper respiratory infectionsandother illnesses that may still occur” Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prioritize your family’s health regardless of the weather. We asked Dr. Fadul forthetopfive waysto take care of yourfamily’s health before, during and after a storm. Here's whathesaid: 1. Mind Your Medications. In the event of a hurricane or other disaster, getting to your local pharmacy may be impos- sible, if is open at all. Work with your treating physician or virtual care service to make sure your medicationsare stocked priorto an event andthat you have a pharmacy locatorin case ofevacuation. 2. Check Your First-Aid Kit. First- aid kits are rarely thought about until they are absolutely needed. Make sure you have an ample supply of bandages, alcohol swabs, pain relievers, etc., to manage everything from cuts and scrapes to headaches. Keep dust masks breathing exercises (concentrate on just breathingforfive minutes), tackling one item ata timeona to-dolist, or even taking short breaks. Whenstress and anxiety are high, considertalking to a psychologist or therapist during thestressful days before, duringorafter a hurricane. Many areusing telebehavioralhealth ser- vices like BetterHelp (BetterHelp.com)to seek professionalhelp regardlessof time ofday orlocation. 5. Use Virtual Care. A child’s fever or stomachache, or an adult's respiratory infection, is not going to wait for the storm to pass and may very well get worse if you do wait. In many areas, physicians will also have evac- uated orcare will be harder to access. This is where virtual care is a powerful resource for so many.Findout before a storm hits if you have accessto virtual care serviceslike Teladoc, by visiting Teladoc.com/DisasterPrep. Teladoc has thousandsofboard-certified physicians across the country whoare readyto pro- vide care. For emergencies,call 911, but for nonemergencyillnesses, virtual care information from trusted sources like the Red Cross. Download the Red Cross mobile app at www.redcross.org/get-help/ is a smart option to get quality treatmentin a timely manner, even during a hurricane. “While it’s so important to prepare for storm damage, limited resources, and evacuation,it’salso vital that every person in the path of a natural disas- apps to monitor more than 35 different Advancements in technology, partic- nearby and even a whistle in case you need to signalforhelp. 3.Download The Right Apps. Get how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile- emergency alerts and to help youfind a shelter where food, beds andaccess to virtual health care are readily available. 4.Be Smart About Stress. Feeling anxious during an emergency is prac- tically inevitable, but there are ways to manage stress and stay focused. Try ter prepare for health-related concerns. ularly with virtual care, have helped to removebarriers to care during a storm. Knowyour virtual care options and use them,’ added Dr.Fadul. Learn More For further information, visit www. Teladoc.com/DisasterPrep.
