CAR TRAVEL
Riding in cars is acceptable, especially related to doctor’s appointments.

Long rides may need to be avoided due to fatigue and the distance. If you have a problem with traveling to your doctor’s appointments, your original surgeon should be notified.

Consider getting a stroller for your child for traveling in malls or through a large hospital. Strollers should be wide and high enough to support a halo, and should also have a firm back.

Sometimes wagons have been helpful for many people!

A wheelchair may be necessary for both inside and outside travel. This will be especially important in the first few weeks post-operative while your patient is regaining strength.

If your child travels in a car safety seat, you will need to make sure that the seat is high and wide enough to support a halo.

If you do not own a seat that is large enough, consider contacting a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or a nurse at your hospital who may be able to either lend you a seat, work with you and a local safety organization to borrow a seat, or help you with the proper alternatives such as a harness.

DO NOT leave the country, take cruises, or ride motorcycles while in the halo. These forms of travel are best left for when the halo is removed and healing has fully occurred based on the surgeon’s approval.

NO rough or off-road traveling is allowed!

EATING OUT
Visiting restaurants during the post-operative period is allowed. However, for both children and adults special consideration should be given to the possibility of choking.

For small children, cut the following foods into very small pieces:

• grapes
• hotdogs
• spaghetti
• fruit

For older children or adolescents and adults, avoid chewing gum or laughing while eating. Be conscious of chewing throughly before swallowing.

Try to avoid dropping food or fluids down into the vest while eating or drinking. Crackers, crispy flaky foods, and potato chips are susceptible to this. To help with this, place a towel or a bib over the vest.

A straw may also be useful for young children who tend to tilt their head back while drinking liquids. They will no longer be able to do this while wearing a halo.