Health Tips
This Web Edition of “Health Tips” concentrates on the special needs of seasonal residents (“snowbirds”).
Each year Central Florida becomes the winter home to thousands of seasonal residents from other states and foreign countries. All come to enjoy our warmer climate, but some come to Florida because they have health problems that would be aggravated by the colder weather “back home”. During the past twenty years it has been my privilege to care for a large number of winter residents whose problems ranged from minor acute illness to a new diagnosis of cancer or major heart disease. The following are a few recommendations based on my experience as the “local doctor” for winter residents who have their primary medical home elsewhere.
As soon as you are able, establish a relationship with a doctor near your winter residence so that he/she is already familiar with your history in the event of an emergency.
Keep an up to date listing of names and phone numbers of physicians near your winter residence who accept walk-ins and new patients for minor emergencies.
Your physician “back home” can advise whether and how soon you should seek attention for chronic medical problems during your stay here in Florida. For conditions that require close monitoring (e.g. diabetes, unstable heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, coumadin therapy), establish yourself with a health care facility in the area where you will spend most of your winter. You will also find it helpful to establish a local physician for recurring treatments such as allergy shots and B12 shots.
Arrange for access to sufficient refills of routine medications to last you throughout your months away from home. Many Florida pharmacies belong to national chains or otherwise have the capability to transfer medication refills from your home state. Ask your pharmacist.
Keep a copy of your baseline EKG and a list of your current medications in your purse or wallet. You should also travel with a summary of your medical history and reports of any major medical procedures or abnormal tests you have had in recent years.
Have a healthy and blessed stay in our area,
Vivian J. Woodard, M.D.
