Q: We're planning a long road trip soon. I know to pack an emergency kit in the car, but what about any other medical needs not found within the kit? - Carl Careful

A: Dear Mr. Careful: You're smart to know more than a few Band-Aids and sunscreen go in your medical kit. As I haven't an MD in front of my name, I consulted with a family (doctor) friend who tells me the following items are most important to have on hand when traveling:

• Electronic medical records. Be sure to use a USB drive to store any and all medical info, such as family physician's phone, all meds and doses, allergies and so forth. In the event of a problem, this little device could literally save your life.

• Benadryl. Take these 25-milligram tabs with you to relive congestion, seasonable and food allergies (nonlife-threatening), bug bites and rashes. My buddy tells me this medicine also can double as a sleep aid and can prevent motion sickness.

• Naproxen. Used as a pain reliever, naproxen is more effective than either acetaminophen or ibuprofen; plus, the benefits last longer.

• Johnson and Johnson First Aid waterproof tape. Use the tape to dress wounds and to splint broken fingers and toes. Take it a step further to fix torn clothing, tents, sleeping bags and suitcases. (I've used the tape before to strap a torn suitcase and it worked great!)

• Antacids with calcium. Because on vacation we tend to eat foods with which our diet isn't familiar and to perhaps drink more, the antacid helps both heartburn and indigestion.

• Water, food (peanut butter is perfect), and "space" blankets for warmth. It's always a smart idea to prepare in case you get stranded on the road.