World Meeting of Families: Department of Health Offers Tips for Individuals Planning to Attend the Papal Events in Philadelphia
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Department of Health is reminding everyone participating in the papal events this weekend in Philadelphia to follow some important tips to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.rnrn"With more than one million extra visitors possibly taking part in the World Meeting of Families papal festivities, it will be important for everyone to follow key health tips," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "This is especially true for older people, individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs, and parents of young children who may require a little more planning to ensure an enjoyable, safe experience."rnrnThe Department of Health has some basic tips for individuals travelling to the Papal Visit festivities in Philadelphia, including:rnrnBe Prepared to Travel: No matter how you'll be getting to or from Philadelphia, you should plan for traffic congestion in all directions – even many miles away from the city.rnWith this in mind, stock up now on items you'll need to make yourself and your loved ones more comfortable during your travels, including:rnWater and snacks that won't spoil;rnHand sanitizer;rnSmall first aid kit;rnExtra medications and medical supplies; andrnSupplies for your family and service animals.rnIf you or your loved ones have circulation issues, sitting for long periods of time could be dangerous. To stay healthy, follow these tips:rnStay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding salty foods.rnDo NOT cross your legs or ankles.rnDo ankle rolls/exercises or flex your feet.rnTalk to your health care professional before making the trip, as he or she might provide additional recommendations, such as wearing compression stockings or taking baby aspirin.rnMake sure your cell phone and other electronic devices are fully charged before you leave home, and don't forget your charger(s) and extra batteries.rnrnBe Prepared to Walk: Sections within the Francis Festival grounds will be closed to vehicles.rnWear comfortable shoes, including diabetic shoes or loose-fitting socks if recommended by your health care provider.rnWear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.rnIf you need a walker, cane, or crutches, you should use them for this trip.rnWear sunscreen.rnrnBe Prepared for Large CrowdsrnBe aware of your surroundings at all times.rnDo not wear any dangling items that could become tangled or pulled.rnTry to walk around crowds – not through them.rnIf you are caught in a tight crowd:rnStay on your feet. Don't sit down or bend over – you might get stepped on!rnIf you fall, get back on your feet quickly.rnMove with the flow and walk towards the edge of the crowd.rnrnBe Prepared for an EmergencyrnKeep your batteries charged.rnCharge batteries of your cell phone and any powered equipment you use (such as wheelchairs, oxygen generators, communication devices, etc.).rnBring extra batteries if possible.rnBring chargers for your cell phone and equipment.rnPrint and fill out a health information card for each member of your family. rnThis will help first responders assist you during an emergency. Include all of your current health information. Find the Health Information Card online at: www.phila.gov/health/pdfs/PDPH_Web_HealthInfoCard.pdfrnAttendees with medical conditions are encouraged to also have their physician's telephone numbers readily identifiable on their cell phones.rnFor more health tips and Papal Visit preparedness information, including the location of first aid tents, medical stations, and water stations, visit www.papal511.com.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Penny Ickes, DOH, 717-787-1783rnrn rnrn rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of HealthrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.state.pa.usrnMore by this SourcernrnPA Department of Health Awarded 2015 Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program PDMP Implementation and Enhancement Grantrn13:57 ETrnSecretary of Health Kicks Off Clinical Scholars Day at Pennsylvania State CapitolrnSep 21, 2015, 10:55 ETrnSpeakers Highlight Impact of Opioid Crisis at All Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions (ABC-MAP) Program Board MeetingrnSep 15, 2015, 11:11 ETrnView all news by Pennsylvania Department of HealthrnJournalists and BloggersrnrnrnrnVisit PR Newswire for Journalists, our free resources for releases, photos and customized feeds. You can also send a free ProfNet request for experts.