Do you carry a DIY basic travel first aid kit or do you hope others will take care of you when you need first aid? You would be surprised how many times while traveling I see someone in need of basic first aid without even having a first aid kit available. As more people are traveling and more information becomes available about minor incidences becoming major medical interventions it seemed like a great time to write about DIY basic travel first aid kits and being prepared for major and minor injuries. Years ago I wrote about a friend who almost lost her foot due to an infection that started while hiking in Spain and recently another friend suffered a bite in Australia that took a nasty turn which jeopardized his health. There are so many things that can go wrong while traveling domestically and internationally that having a basic first aid kit is an absolute must for one’s health, safety, and well-being. With summer and vacation travel in full swing now is a great time to focus on a DIY basic first aid kit and strategies to help keep your family happy and healthy. Unfortunately, too many people do not understand the health, safety and environmental risks one can face while traveling. There are too many instances where basic first aid could prevent a small injury from becoming a major medical emergency.

First Aid KitPrevious blog posts have addressed the importance of dealing with biting bugs, contaminated food, water, and plants that can harm you. Too many people continue to ignore basic safety precautions and simply hope no serious health hazard comes their way. Luckily there are many books, videos, and websites covering information and insights regarding first aid kits, preparedness, and safety. If you care about your self and family be sure to take action and prepare a basic first aid kit for travel to protect your health and well being.

Many people are risking their long-term health and quality of life by a lack of awareness about first aid, health, and safety. We can all benefit from education and information about basic first aid and health preparedness. We cannot depend on others to take care of us while we travel.  It is up to each of us to be better educated and prepared for basic first aid and minor medical treatment. The world can throw us a challenge at any place or any time and proper first aid can make the difference between happily ever after, a major medical issue and Rest in Peace (RIP).

Biting Bugs & Insect Stings

TickBiting bugs and insect stings can be a simple annoyance or become a life-threatening challenge depending on a variety of scenarios and situations. While a bee sting may be painful, an attack by a swarm of aggressive and angry African bees can become downright deadly. A small tick bite can result in Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted tick fever or more. A mosquito bite can be a nuisance or can become dengue fever, encephalitis, malaria or Zika disease. A Dr. Fly, gnat, noseeum or sand fly bite can create a terrible itch or if infected expose you to tropical pathogens and flesh-eating bacteria that risk life and limb. Spiders are particularly worrisome since some can kill or maim you if left untreated. No bug bite or insect sting should be taken for granted or left untreated. Even simply cleaning the bite site and treating with alcohol, essential oil or hydrogen peroxide can prevent an infection.

Food and Water Health Hazards

Water and ManFood and water can be a source of comfort, delight, and nutrition or result in a bad case of diarrhea, dehydration, and disease. Unfortunately, many people are affected by foods and water in different ways sometimes without any reason or rhyme. Thanks to the power of independent information sources and the internet we are able to educate and inform ourselves with a wealth of information on basic first aid kits for travel to keep us happy and healthy while traveling. With a small investment of time to read, research and review resources we can become better educated on basic first aid and health maintenance strategies. After many years of reading and researching first aid and health information the Boy Scout First Aid handbook and American Red Cross First Aid Handbook are two of my favorite references and trusted resources.

Poison Plants & Poisonous Snakes

Mamba SnakeIn many countries, there are plants with needles, poison, spikes, and thorns that can inflict pain and suffering. Anything that can cut or puncture your skin opens you up to infection. Poisonwood in Belize can cause large blisters that can become easily infected.  There are also many poisonous snakes in many countries to deal with. It is important to be prepared and knowledgeable about the common risks in any new area or country where you may be traveling. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Use common sense and protect your skin from undue exposure.

DIY Basic First Aid Kit for Travel

  • Adhesive tape
  • Activated Charcoal (can help eliminate ingested pathogens)
  • Alcohol (small bottle of rubbing alcohol or vodka to sanitize bites and wounds)
  • Baking soda
  • Bandanas (3 minimum)
  • Bandaids (various sizes)
  • Calcium Bentonite Clay (gel and powder can neutralize toxins)
  • Castille soap (small bottle to clean skin)
  • Colloidal silver, silver coins (antimicrobial)
  • Copper wire 2 feet (antimicrobial and useful)
  • Essential Oil (antimicrobial Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Peppermint, Tea tree)
  • First Aid Kit container (lightweight, small and waterproof)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (small bottle and dropper)
  • Iodine (sterilize bites, cuts & water)
  • Mirror (small)
  • Needles and thread
  • Neem oil (antibacterial treatment)
  • Paracord or twine. (10 feet)
  • Sea salt (electrolytes)
  • Silver spoon
  • Small Swiss Army knife (scissors & tweezers) (caution for backpackers)
  • Surgical gloves
  • Toothbrush

Healthy Habits & Habitats

In 2018 Morningstar NEWS will focus 50% on Healthy Habits and 50% on Healthy Habitats. Researching and role modeling proven principles for a fantastic future drives us to share these words with wisdom. Our vision is attracting a wide variety of eco-friendly people to help design, build and live in a more healthy and sustainable way. We invite ideas, insights, and inspiration to help us focus our planning and progress. Sharing solutions, strategies, suggestions, and systems will help us all design and develop better eco-communities and transition towns.

Where is Your Gap?

What actions, behaviors, beliefs, and decisions regarding your habits and habitats are impacting your happiness and health? What is your motivation for making better choices to avoid health hazards and adopt healthy habits? Investing in our health helps protect our wealth. When we are happy, healthy and holistic we naturally shift to a more sustainable ecological, economical and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Mastery Action Plan (MAP)

Our daily habits and habitats directly impact our happiness and health. There are many reasons to prepare and carry a DIY First Aid Kit for travel to help keep your family happy and healthy. What are you willing to do differently today to embrace better choices in 2018? Creating a healthy habits code of conduct and mastery action plan will enhance our quality of life. Our happiness and health benefit from healthy challenges, changes, and choices. Choose wisely.

Call to Action

What comments, commitments or concerns come to mind regarding healthy habits and habitats?

PS: Comment, like, plus and share this blog on the social media page links because family, fans, followers, and friends will also benefit from the Morningstar NEWS website. Thanks for your helpful support.

Next Morningstar NEWS blog

Belize Eco Village Bulletin 5