Travelers advised on medication packs and plant care for vacations

Clinical pharmacist Dr. Sue Ojageer explains how to tailor a travel medication kit. She advises packing essentials such as pain and fever reducers, antihistamines, disinfectant wipes, a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, insect repellent and electrolyte powders, adapting the selection to the destination, trip length, personal health history and age. "The travel medical kit must be customized to the individual traveler," she says.

Home gardeners are given practical tips to keep houseplants alive while away. Recommended steps include a thorough watering before departure, allowing excess water to drain from saucers, using simple homemade drip bottles or electric irrigation systems, and positioning plants in cooler, bright locations to reduce water loss. Over‑watering should be avoided to prevent root rot. These measures help plants survive a week‑long vacation without neglect.