The festive season brings plenty of opportunity to connect with loved ones, enjoy a trip or a indulge in a staycation – but for alternative medicine Patients, it can bring a unique set of challenges and factors to manage.
Let’s take a look at some helpful habits to keep in mind, supporting you to manage your medicine and take care of yourself while enjoying this special time of year.
Mindful alcohol consumption
While many festive gatherings will involve the presence of alcohol, it’s crucial for you as an alternative medicine Patient to be mindful of the potential interactions between your prescription product and alcohol. Both substances can have an impact on cognitive function and motor skills, and their effects may intensify when used together, so carefully plan ahead and ensure you have a designated driver if you plan to medicate before or during any festivities.
Don’t forget: speak with your Doctor at your next consult if you have any questions regarding how your specific prescription interacts with alcohol.
Staying consistent
A change in routine with holiday plans can impact your schedule and your usual medication routine. Stay mindful of your advised dosing schedule, and try to stick closely to it, even when you’re on the go. Consistency is essential, and this may also come into play with finding time to decompress, meditate or wind-down at the end of the day, which can be especially important for those using alternative medicines to manage insomnia or sleep-related issues.
The moral here is, aim to keep core parts of your routine in place, including movement, sleep and of course, prescription dosing.
Thoughtful packing
Before you hit the road or the tarmac, plan ahead and ensure you are safely and securely packing your medication. Ensure you have adequate supply for your time away, keep all prescriptions in their original containers and do your research to ensure it complies with domestic Australian regulations.
If you’d like to deep-dive into packing your medicine safely, visit our full blog post here:
Open communication
With a stigma still surrounding alternative medicine, it can be awkward to navigate your consumption if you’re not in your own home or routine. Consider pulling in a few ‘ally’ family members or friends who you can trust, and educate them on the medication you’re prescribed, and that you may need to dose yourself during the festive period.
Ensure that your hosts are comfortable with your consumption in their home and find a quiet space you can medicate in without interruption – transparency is key to limiting negative assumptions.
Plan ahead
Ensure you have your prescriptions ordered in time for your departure (or before public holiday shipping closures!) and keep any documentation handy (such as a Patient letter or your prescription paperwork) near your medication.
So, enjoy the festivities ahead, and ensure you make your alternative medicine a healthy, safe and planned part of your holiday period.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. For accurate legal guidance, please consult with relevant legal authorities or a qualified professional.