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A first-aid kit is an absolute must when you’re traveling, be it to the Alps, a holiday by the pool, or a safari in Tanzania. With the help of ‘Haverim Le’refuah’, an Israeli organization that helps people access medication, we’ve devised a little guide on how to go about making the ideal kit - and doing your bit for the environment along the way / By Nava Marton 5 tips on how to pack a first-aid kit for a trip overseas

01 What to pack: It all and type of vacation, as well as whether there are children or elderly people with you. A basic kit should include antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts and burns, plasters, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, gauze, medication to relieve fever, and pain-relief medicine as well. And of course, any medication you usually take. 02 Type of bag: Ideally it should be water, impact, and temperature resistant, easy to access and well organized. Keep it close to hand and not in a checked suitcase which could potentially be lost. Keep your medication inside its original packaging which always includes expiration dates, and indications about the maximum temperature to keep the medicine in, as well as the leaflet with all the depends on the destination side effect indications, etc. 03 When to take your medication: Remember to sync the time zones so you take any medication you’re used to take at a specific time, at the right time - even when you’re on a plane or in the middle of a vacation. Set an alarm on your cellphone to remind you.

04 What to avoid: Make sure you don’t leave any medication in the car, even if just for an hour. Not even pills against headaches. Cars can reach extreme temperatures in the summer, and act as virtual ovens, ‘baking’ whatever’s left inside. Extreme heat can damage the quality of the medicine. If you did forget medicine inside a car, destroy it and replace it. If you’re traveling with children, keep any medication far from their reach. 05 What to do with leftover medication: Don’t throw it away. Any medication you have that

Some people struggle to afford even basic, cheap, over the counter medication. In addition, the chemical compounds that make up the medicine can contaminate groundwater and cause harm to agriculture and the health of the population. Instead, bring your leftover medicine to one of the 1000 ‘Haverim Le’refuah’ collection sites. The organization will take care of sorting the medication and getting it to those who need it. The ‘Haverim Le’refuah’ organization ensures that every person in Israel receives the medicines they need, regardless of their economic situation. haverim.org.il

you don’t need anymore could potentially save someone’s life.

12 ATMOSPHERE JULY 2024