Doctor Warns Papal Visit In September May Be Grueling For Visitors With Medical Concerns
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- If you want to see Pope Francis this September, it will take some planning. Philadelphia officials are expecting massive crowds, but for some it could prove to be quite a difficult trip.
City officials are warning people they'll have to walk long distances and stand outside in the elements for hours.
Dr. Jack Kelly, an emergency room physician at Albert Einstein Medical Center, suggests a dry run to experience how far you'll be walking.
"It might be good for them to buy a light chair," he advised. "You're going to be standing a long time, and you're going to be walking, and having a place to sit down for a little while might be very prudent to plan for."
Kelly says if you're going, put a list of your conditions and the medications you take in your pocket.
"If you were to get into medical trouble, there will be medical tents, but it's really essential that we quickly understand what medical problems you have, what medicines you're on, and how that relates to the emergency you might have," he explains.
Wear comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and take water and snacks. This could be a long and very tiring day.
Hear the extended interview with Dr. Kelly in this CBS Philly podcast (runs 3:24)...