Packing for a trip can be a daunting task. There’s so much to think about and remember! One thing that’s often overlooked is packing essential items from the pharmacy.

Everybody knows about Calgary’s weather and its surrounding areas and how it could be harsh. Whether it is Calgary’s sun and how it could be scorching and sending unwanted ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) to your skin, even on a seemingly pleasant day. Or maybe it is Calgary wind, which can also be challenging and cause unpleasant injuries and surprises that need to be addressed while you are on your trip.

You can check the real-time condition of Calgary weather (sun, wind, temperature, precipitation, etc.) down below:

Here’s a list of things you may not have thought to pack but definitely need:

1 – Pain relievers

Pain relievers are a must whether you’re dealing with headaches, cramps, or general aches and pains. Examples of pain relievers include any over-the-counter medication containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen, such as Option+ Acetaminophen, Option+ Ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol, etc.

2 – Antacid and heartburn OTC medicines

Heartburn and indigestion are no fun, especially when trying to enjoy a vacation. Many options are available for you, including:

• Tums, 
• Option+ Antacid, 
• Pepto-Bismol, 
• Option+ Heartburn Relief, 
• Gravol, 
• Nexium (for acid reflux), 
• Omeprazole (for excessive heartburn, which works by stopping stomach acid production), 
• Option+ Electrolyte Powder (for diarrhea cases), and
• Gas-X (for gas pain, pressure, and bloating).

3 – Antihistamine

If you’re prone to allergies, be sure to pack an antihistamine to help keep them at bay. Ogden Pharmacy in Calgary, Alberta, has a variety of generic and brand-name antihistamine medicines, including Option+ Allergy Relief, Aerius, and Claritin.

4 – Cold medicine

No one wants to get sick on vacation, but sometimes it happens. Be prepared with cold medicine to help you feel better fast.

5 – First-aid supplies

From bandages to antiseptics, having first aid supplies on hand can be a lifesaver.

6 – Prescription medications

Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need.

7 – Products for protection against and relieving insect bites

Most people are familiar with the discomfort of an insect bite: the itching, the redness, the swelling. For some of us, insect bites can be much more than just a nuisance. They can cause severe allergic reactions and even transmit diseases. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to protect yourself against insect bites and know what to do if you get bitten.

There are a number of products on the market that can help protect you against insect bites. Insect repellents are the most obvious choice, and there are many effective repellents available. Ogden Pharmacy has the famous OFF! repellent in stock. But repellents won’t protect you 100%, so it’s also good to wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, long pants, and light-coloured clothing can all help to keep insects away from your skin.

If you do get bitten, there are many products that can help relieve the discomfort. Antihistamines can help reduce swelling and itching, and ice can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Ogden Pharmacy offers very good OTCs such as After Bite and Benadryl to mitigate and soothe the symptoms of insect bites. If you have a more serious reaction, you may need to see a doctor. But for most people, a little bit of prevention and a little bit of treatment can go a long way in dealing with insect bites.

8 – Sunblock or sunscreen

There are a few critical differences between sunblock and sunscreen that are important to understand to make the best choice for your skin type and activity level.

Sunblock is a physical barrier that sits on top of the skin and deflects or reflects the sun’s UV rays. On the other hand, sunscreen is a chemical compound that absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, which is then released from the skin.

Sunblock is typically a better choice for those spending extended periods in the sun. It provides a more reliable barrier against UV rays. It’s also a good choice for sensitive skin, as it is less likely to irritate.

However, sunscreen has a few advantages over sunblock. It is typically more waterproof and sweat-resistant, making it a better choice for athletes or those likely to be sweating. It is also easier to apply and reapply, making it a better option for those on the go.

Sunscreen has an important rating called the sun protection factor (SPF). This factor represents the amount of sunlight absorbed and not passed to the skin. SPF of 30 is considered good and absorbs around 97% of the UVB (the high-energy component of the ultraviolet sunlight that causes the tanning and sunburn effects and could cause melanoma). 

So, which is the best choice for you? The answer depends on your individual needs. If you are spending extended periods in the sun, or if you have sensitive skin, sunblock is the better choice. If you are sweating or on the go, sunscreen is better.

But what should you do if you already got a sunburn?

The signs of sunburns are swelling, redness, pain, and possibly blisters in the affected area. If you are unfortunate enough to get a sunburn, you can do a few things to help ease the pain. For starters, over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to help with the discomfort.

Additionally, applying cool compresses to the affected area can also help. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as sunburn can dehydrate you. You can also use products containing Aloe Vera, vitamin E, or use Polysporin.

And lastly, a sunburn can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, but if your sunburn is severe. For example, when extreme redness and blister develop, then it is a sunburn that resulted in a second-degree burn. You may want to see a doctor for further treatment.

Bonus tip

If you have sleep disorders and you don’t want to be sleepy during your day on the trip, then you can consider getting an OTC that helps you sleep. You can get ZzzQuil, and Sleep-Eze, and combine them with Melatonin.

We consider our pharmacy in Calgary not only a prescription preparation place but a caring place for our patients and customers. If you live in Ogden or Riverbend communities, you can always drop by (or phone us at 587-391-9878 or chat with us through the website chatbots) and ask your Ogden Pharmacy pharmacist for details regarding what to pack for your future trip. You can even ask your pharmacist to prepare a “Trip Health Bag,” based on this article.

With this list in mind, you can rest assured that you’ve got all your bases covered for your pharmacy needs. So pack up your bags and enjoy your trip!