Road Trip Ready: Bayhealth’s Guide to a Healthy Summer Adventure

Summer is road trip season. Whether you're heading to the Delaware beaches, exploring a national park or visiting family across the country, a little preparation can help keep your trip safe, comfortable and enjoyable.

Before you hit the road, Bayhealth clinicians recommend taking a few simple steps to protect your health and well-being along the way.

Build a Basic Emergency Car Care Kit

Unexpected situations can happen when you're traveling. Packing a few essentials can help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary stress.

Consider including:

• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Phone charger or portable power bank
• Jumper cables
• Basic medications
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Emergency contact information
• Nonperishable snacks

If you're traveling with children, don't forget extra diapers, wipes, medications and comfort items.

Fuel Your Body with Healthy Road Trip Snacks

It's tempting to rely on fast food and convenience store snacks, but healthier options can help you maintain energy and avoid fatigue while driving.

Good road trip snacks include:

• Mixed nuts
• Fresh fruit
• String cheese
• Protein bars
• Whole-grain crackers
• Vegetables and hummus

Most importantly, stay hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to headaches, fatigue and decreased concentration behind the wheel.

Stretch to Keep Your Body Moving

Long periods of sitting can lead to back pain, muscle stiffness and poor circulation.

Every two to three hours, consider stopping to:

• Walk for five minutes
• Stretch your hamstrings and calves
• Roll your shoulders
• Perform gentle back stretches
• Rotate your ankles to encourage circulation

These simple movements can help reduce discomfort and support healthy circulation during long drives.

Use Your PTO, Your Health Depends on It

Taking time away from work isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health. Research has shown that taking vacations and using paid time off can help:

• Reduce stress
• Improve mental health
• Lower blood pressure
• Improve sleep quality
• Support cardiovascular health
• Reduce burnout

Summer is a great reminder that rest is not a luxury; it's an important part of maintaining overall wellness.

Know Your Healthcare Locations

Even with careful planning, illnesses and injuries can happen. Before you travel, save these Bayhealth locations in your phone so you know where to turn if you need care. Bayhealth offers emergency care, walk-in care and virtual urgent care options throughout central and southern Delaware.

Emergency Departments
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus
640 S. State Street
Dover, DE 19901

Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus
100 Wellness Way
Milford, DE 19963

Bayhealth Emergency Center, Smyrna
401 N. Carter Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
Walk-In & Urgent Care

Bayhealth Emergency and Urgent Care Center, Total Care – Milton
18383 Hudson Road
Milton, DE 19968
Open 24/7 and offering both emergency and urgent care services under one roof.

Walk-In
Walk-In, Blue Hen
665 S. Bay Rd., Unit C
Dover, De 19901

Walk-In, Milford
800 N. DuPont Highway
Milford, De 19963

Virtual Urgent Care
Need care while you're away from home? Bayhealth Virtual Urgent Care allows you to connect with a healthcare provider from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Visit BayhealthAtHome.org.

To view all Bayhealth hospitals, emergency departments, walk-in care centers and outpatient locations, visit: Bayhealth.org/Locations.

Enjoy the Journey

The best road trips aren't just about the destination; they're about enjoying the experience along the way. By planning, staying active, eating well and prioritizing your health, you can make the most of your summer adventures while creating memories that last long after the trip is over.

Safe travels from all of us at Bayhealth!