On-the-Road Adventurers Face Trouble at Every Turn

As many of you know, I am on the road quite a bit. At Health Alliance Medicare, we understand the value of face-to-face contacts and relationship building. It takes a concerted effort, but the payback is worth it. Nothing can replace an in-person conversation or the dynamic of a group meeting.

That said, all us road warriors face a number of challenges over and above the typical adventures with weather and mechanical failure. Here I’ll share a few of them and the solutions I have developed over the years.

The Big Gulp accident: Unleashing 32 ounces of diet soda in your car is an occasional hazard for the committed soft drink fan. Loose lids, sharp turns and over filling can all contribute to the occasional intra-auto deluge. I have stocked my trunk with ShamWow! to soak up the occasional spill. I recently had to dry my wallet under the floor vent. The less said about this incident the better. I did meet with the Health Alliance Medicare beneficiaries I needed to, so fear not.

Food spills on your clothes: It’s going to happen, especially if you are an eat-on-the-run type. That’s why I proudly display a Clorox Bleach Pen and a Tide-to-Go in my center console. It’s important to not mix them up, of course, and remember to do your spot cleaning when the car is parked in a secure, well-lit area.

Personal grooming while traveling: Breath fresheners (your choice) are invaluable, but do not use Listerine Breath Spray while your air conditioner is on full blast because the minty mist tends to end up in your eyes and makes driving difficult. Flossing is a necessity, but we all know it takes two hands and should only be done when your car is stationary. Lip balm can be a challenge. I found out the hard way that a little jar of Carmex will liquefy during the summer, and it’s impossible to get the mess out of a pair of cotton blend pants. Test this at home if you doubt me.

I think you get the idea that traveling for work can be a challenging endeavor, but it’s still important that you get a chance to talk to us and let us know what’s on your mind—whether you have Health Alliance Medicare coverage or work with those who do. Please be understanding if I am a little disheveled at times. You might be seeing me after an adventure-filled ride across central Illinois.