The school year is coming to an end at New Mexico Tech and Socorro Consolidated Schools with seniors looking forward to graduation and everyone else hoping to make a getaway from the daily grind.
More than half of families in the United States will take a vacation this year. Several studies have found that taking a vacation can make you more productive while reducing your stress.
Even taking a few days at Memorial Day to visit places in New Mexico that you have heard about but never seen can be a mini adventure for the family that allows you and your gang to enjoy a change of pace while making new memories.
As you plan your time away, whether hitting the rapids of northern New Mexico or the caves in Carlsbad, from camping to staying at a resort hotel there are some preparations you might consider to avoid potential problems while away from home.
First, it is always a good idea to be current on your medical and dental exams to screen for any potential problems. We tend to believe that our health has not changed, but if you have not had a recent physical or dental exam, you might not realize that you have developed a condition that needs attention.
Second, it is a good idea to have an emergency kit to cover various situations. If you are traveling by car AAA recommends you should have the following:
- A basic first aid kit (more on that)
- A fire extinguisher,
- Three reflective triangles,
- A tire gauge,
- Foam tire sealant,
- Jumper cables,
- A good flashlight with extra batteries,
- Gloves,
- Rags,
- Duct tape,
- A tow strap,
- A multipurpose tool,
- Rain poncho and
- Drinking water.
You can buy an already assembled kit online if you prefer too.
The first aid kits come in many shapes and sizes, and these too can be bought online, but if you want to put your own together, you should read the recommendations from the Red Cross website.
Third, in addition to a well done first aid kit, you can prepare for dental emergencies too.
A simple dental first aid kit would include:
- Some sterile gauze,
- A small container with a lid (to hold a knocked out tooth or crown),
- Dental wax if someone has braces,
- Temporary filling material and
- Vaseline, it might sound strange, but it is a better way to reattach a crown temporarily, just fill the crown up and pop it on. If you are away for longer, you can use temporary cement sold in many pharmacy departments.
Be sure to include over the counter pain relievers such as:
- Ibuprofen,
- Topical anesthetic (don’t forget the cotton swabs) and
- Some disposable cold compresses.
Again, there are many premade kits sold online to tackle common mishaps and unexpected situations. In addition to first aid kits, you could have a small sewing kit for wardrobe malfunctions or ripped clothes, camping kits and so many more.
The important thing is to enjoy your vacation and prepare for the interruptions that inevitably happen. While you shouldn’t worry or fret over what might happen, you should be ready for your garden variety mishaps. Preparation will ultimately reduce your stress which is the point of taking your vacation in the first place.
