Doris Moore
Roaming Around A Pure Planet
I’m All About Healthy Eating, Exercise, Green Living & Responsible Travel
If you’re into one or all of the above, we’re going to get along real well.
I’ve been roaming our planet for just over 28 years and whilst I’ve seen some amazing things, had some incredible experiences and made lots of special friends, my bucket list is forever getting longer.
When I’m not doing yoga, meditating on the beach, in transit or hunting out the healthiest places to eat in far-flung destinations like Thailand, Peru and India, you can find me writing about all of the above.
I do hope you can take something positive away from my blog and my hope is to connect with you all at some point should our paths cross.
Traveling With Medications Tips & Tricks
When traveling with medication, especially temperature-sensitive items like insulin, it is essential to take extra precautions to ensure their integrity is maintained throughout the journey. Temperature fluctuations can negatively affect the potency and safety of many medications, so understanding how to store them correctly, whether you are traveling by car, plane, or another mode of transportation, is crucial.
Temperature-Sensitive Medications
One of the most effective ways to store temperature-sensitive medications, like insulin, during travel is by using an insulated cooler or a specialized medication travel case. These cases are designed to regulate and maintain a consistent temperature range, crucial for ensuring the medication does not become too warm or too cold. Insulin, for example, should be stored between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) to preserve its efficacy, so using a cooler with ice packs or gel packs can help maintain this temperature for several hours, or even days, depending on the product. A great resource for locating a cooler and ice packs is coolers on sale, which reviews and ranks all of the latest coolers.
When using coolers or medication cases, it is important to keep ice packs at a safe distance from the medication itself. Direct contact between ice packs and medication could cause the drug to freeze, which could lead to irreversible damage, especially for insulin. Instead, use dividers or compartments within the cooler to separate the medication from the ice packs, ensuring the cooling effect is distributed evenly but not excessively. Some cooler bags are designed with specific compartments for ice packs that ensure the medication stays cool without freezing. For instance, you might place the insulin in a zippered pouch or on a raised platform inside the case while the ice packs are placed underneath or along the side, providing a gentle and even cooling effect.
Long Haul Trip Preparations
For longer trips or for those who need to travel in more extreme conditions, investing in a temperature-controlled travel case might be necessary. These cases, such as those designed specifically for insulin or other temperature-sensitive drugs, are often equipped with built-in cooling elements, like rechargeable cooling systems or advanced gel packs, that keep medications within the required temperature range for extended periods. Some cases also come with built-in thermometers or digital temperature monitors, so you can check the internal temperature without opening the case and risking exposure to heat or cold.
Another consideration when storing medication during travel is ensuring that the medication remains protected from other environmental factors such as moisture and light. For instance, insulin should always be kept in its original packaging to prevent exposure to light, which can degrade the drug. In addition, if you are traveling in particularly humid conditions or areas where rain is common, it’s important to store the cooler or medication case in a waterproof bag or container to protect the medications from water damage.
Flying Vs Driving
If you are flying, carrying your medications in your carry-on bag is highly recommended, as checked luggage is subject to temperature fluctuations and can be exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods. Additionally, keep medications with you at all times in case of delays or changes in flight schedules. For added peace of mind, carry a copy of your prescription and a note from your doctor explaining your need to carry medication, particularly injectable drugs like insulin, which are subject to strict airport regulations.
Lastly, always monitor the ice packs or cooling elements during the trip. Many ice packs can last for several hours, but if the trip extends longer than expected, you may need to replace them or find alternative ways to keep the medication cool. Carrying extra ice packs or seeking out locations along the way to replace them can help ensure the medication remains within its safe temperature range.
In summary, when traveling with temperature-sensitive medications, using insulated coolers or specialized medication cases with ice packs is the best way to maintain the integrity of the drugs. By following proper storage guidelines, regularly checking the temperature, and protecting the medications from light, moisture, and extreme temperatures, travelers can ensure that their medications remain safe and effective throughout their journey.
Natural Herbs Vs Supplements, Which Are Better For Absorption
When it comes to absorbing nutrients, natural herbs and supplements each have their advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice often depends on the individual’s health goals, needs, and preferences. Natural herbs are typically consumed in their whole, unprocessed form, providing not only specific nutrients but also a complex mix of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that work synergistically to support health. These compounds can often enhance nutrient absorption and have a broader therapeutic effect on the body. For instance, herbs like ginger, turmeric, and peppermint offer digestive benefits that may help with the absorption of other nutrients from food. Since herbs are often consumed in their natural state, they tend to have fewer artificial additives and are usually considered gentler on the body.
Supplement
On the other hand, supplements are concentrated forms of nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, or amino acids—that are designed to provide higher doses of a specific nutrient. Supplements can be beneficial for addressing nutrient deficiencies or for people who have difficulty getting certain nutrients from their diet alone. However, because supplements are isolated forms of nutrients, they may not be absorbed as efficiently as those found in whole foods or herbs. The body often absorbs nutrients from whole foods and herbs better, thanks to the presence of fiber and other co-nutrients that aid in digestion and utilization. Moreover, high doses of some supplements can sometimes lead to nutrient imbalances or unintended side effects if not taken carefully.
Natural Herbs
Senna ligustrina, it is a lesser-known herb that belongs to the Senna genus, known for its use in traditional medicine. Senna ligustrina, like other members of the Senna family, is often used for its natural laxative properties, helping to stimulate bowel movements. However, it is important to note that while herbs like Senna can offer medicinal benefits, they should be used with caution. Overuse or misuse of laxative herbs can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or dependency. As with any herb or supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right choice for your specific needs and to ensure safe and effective use.
In conclusion, whether natural herbs or supplements are better for absorbing nutrients depends on individual circumstances. Whole herbs offer a broader range of health benefits and are more likely to enhance nutrient absorption in a natural, balanced way, while supplements may be more suitable for targeting specific deficiencies. When it comes to herbs like Senna ligustrina, it’s important to use them appropriately, ensuring they are part of a balanced and informed approach to health.
Crafting- A Relaxing Mental Break
Our day to day lives are often filled with stress. Deadlines to meet at work, children to run to after school activities, chores around the home to deal with, and even errands to deal with. With all that we have going on at any given time, it can make us feel as though we have no time for ourselves. This is where crafting comes in for many people. Late at night when all has settled, they may seal themselves up in a room or a corner and enjoy crafting. It is a relaxing mental break that is much deserved by all!
Importance of Crafting
There are many crafting projects for you to choose from. You can make them a part of your daily routine if you are feeling as though you never have a moment of time for yourself. These little projects, or crafts, can be something that you are proud of. If you need to justify the time that you spend on them, you can do that by creating things that you will use around the home. For instance, a painting project that you will one day hang on the wall or as an excuse to paint an entire room with clouds. The important thing is that you are putting a piece of yourself into a crafting project and releasing your mind from all that you are dealing with throughout the day.
The Things You Can Create
There are numerous crafts that you can take part in. There is painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, and many other types of projects that involve thread and needles. If this does not appeal to you, you can take up woodworking or the hobby of refinishing old furniture to make it new again. The great thing about crafting is that it is what ever you need for it to be. If you have an old coffee table that you feel looks abused, then you can refinish it in an evening. A little creativity can turn it into a one of a kind piece that all who see it will talk about. You can even use epoxy to create artwork on a table top. You can use acrylic material to create castings which you will then set on your mantle. There are no rules and no limit to the beautiful things that you can create while “de-stressing” at the end of a long, hard day.
Let Your Imagination Soar
If you are unsure what type of crafting project will be a good, relaxing project for you to enjoy, you can always search the internet. There are numerous crafting sites that tell you how to paint, how to use woodworking tools, and even how to take up knitting. Even if you are only sitting on the couch watching a movie while creating friendship bracelets out of string, you will still be relaxing. There are numerous ways to express your creativity and give your imagination a space to roam free. If you have an interest in something, give it a try. We do not think that you will be disappointed by the results of your efforts. Just remember that even an imperfect craft is better than no crafting projects at all.
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