The holiday season presents specific health management challenges — disrupted routines, different food environments, travel across time zones and, for many people, periods of high stress punctuated by periods of complete inactivity. Our clinical team has compiled practical guidance for navigating all of them.
Managing medications during travel
If you take regular medications, ensure you have enough supply to last the full duration of your travel plus a five-day buffer for delays. Carry medications in your hand luggage, not checked bags. Keep a digital copy of each prescription in your Looms account — accessible even without an internet connection once downloaded.
For medications requiring refrigeration, most hotels and airlines can accommodate you if you contact them in advance.
Managing chronic conditions
Blood glucose can become harder to control during the holidays due to changes in diet, activity level and meal timing. If you manage diabetes, log your readings in Looms even during travel — the trend data will be valuable context for your doctor at your next appointment.
For patients with hypertension, reduced sleep, increased alcohol consumption and holiday stress can all push blood pressure higher. Keep your monitoring routine consistent even when your schedule isn't.
Know before you go
Before international travel, check whether your health insurance covers emergency care in your destination country. Update your Emergency Card in Looms to ensure it reflects your current medications and emergency contacts. If you're travelling with young children, ensure their vaccination records are current and accessible in your Family Hub.