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Medjet Update: Tips for a Safe & Healthy Trip

Posted on May 13, 2013
Filed Under General, Health, Medjet, Safety, Travel | Comments Off

By: John Gobbels
MedjetAssist VP/COO

You’ve planned and packed and you’re all ready for your trip, but you may have overlooked one of the key ingredients for a great vacation: taking the necessary steps to make sure you and your family have a safe and healthy trip.

COMMON TRAVEL AILMENTS
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is an unpleasant problem for many travelers; however, there are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help with this. If you wish to combat motion sickness on your own, try the following:

When traveling by car, try to sit in the front seat and, if you can, avoid reading as it only heightens the feeling of motion sickness.

When traveling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon (a fixed point that will not move). Today’s high-tech cruise ships are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing, and most passengers experience little-to-no motion sickness.

When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane, or the side where you are accustomed to driving. Ear-plugs may also help.

Dehydration
It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of a vacation and get dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you even more, and limit alcohol.

Allergies
People who suffer from allergies should take the same precautions on vacation as they do at home. Bring any medications used on a regular basis. It’s a good idea to bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It may also be helpful to pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels.

Arthritis
The inflammation of the joints that occurs with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips that restrict movement. Taking frequent breaks to walk around and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane, and cruise trips more enjoyable. Remember to pack aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you normally use for arthritis.

Diarrhea
There’s nothing more miserable than getting sick while on vacation. For most destinations, the major health risk to travelers is diarrhea, which may be easily avoided. In general, common sense prevails. When in doubt, steer clear of uncooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized milk products. Drink only bottled water (although the tip of the bottle may be contaminated, so wipe it clean before drinking from it) or water that has been boiled for at least 20 minutes.

FIRST AID KIT
It’s a good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy for any emergencies that may arise during your trip. It should include:

 

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.

Hotels
Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in safer areas of any city. The more expensive hotels usually have better security. Stay on lower-level floors in case of fire or other need to evacuate quickly. Avoid the first floor, as it may not be safe from burglars.

Transportation
Your travel agent can arrange for transfers from the airport or port if necessary. Taxis or private car hires are recommended as you are more insulated. Most airports, ports and train stations have areas clearly marked for taxis and car service pick-up. Do not enter any vehicle that does not have a proper license or does not pick you up from the designated area.

If you will be renting a car, get maps in advance and clearly write out the directions from the airport to your hotel. If you need to stop for directions, go to well-lit public areas. Keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you.

Keep a Low Profile
Do not discuss your travel plans or itinerary publicly. Vary your schedule if possible and vary travel routes when you can.

Maintain a low profile and dress down if possible. Leave the expensive jewelry and watches at home and do not display large amounts of cash. Look like a person of modest means and do not leave your itinerary or other sensitive business information in your hotel room.

Out and About
Keep your valuables including passports, etc., in a money belt concealed or use the hotel safe to store valuables. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times, but separate from where you are carrying your passport. In high-risk countries it is a good idea to check in with the American Embassy and provide them with a copy of your passport in case you need to have it replaced. Pickpockets and thieves operate widely in many cities around the world, but especially near tourist attractions.

When using your credit card, keep an eye on it until it is returned to you. Always verify that it is your credit card before storing it again.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE & INSURANCE
Finally, the best thing to keep healthy and happy while on vacation is to purchase a travel assistance membership like MedjetAssist and compliment that with a good travel insurance policy to protect your financial investment. Remember, while some travel insurance policies have limited medical benefits none of them will bring you back to your hospital of choice in your home country like a MedjetAssist membership will. Take trips, not chances. Pack your Medjet Card!

 

www.tsa.gov

http://www.travelsense.org

www.cdc.gov

Skiing Safety Tips | by: Jeanine Barone

Posted on December 14, 2012
Filed Under Guest Contributors, Jeanine Barone, Safety, Travel | Comments Off

Even with the most well-planned winter vacations, mishaps and misadventures can occur. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding near your backyard or in the backcountry, you can have a collision with another skier or with a tree or other object, resulting in head trauma or other ills, such as a torn ligament or tendon. Some people go backcountry skiing and find themselves in avalanche-prone areas with potentially fatal results. Even staying at a cushy resort that’s at high altitude can result in potentially life-threatening health problems, whether you’re fit or not.

For example, it’s important to recognize the first signs of altitude sickness: you become nauseated, develop a headache, lose your appetite, and have trouble sleeping.

To reduce the likelihood of developing altitude sickness in the first place, make time in your vacation schedule to ascend slowly to your destination, especially if you live at sea level. For example, if your ski resort is 8,000 feet or higher, spend at least two days at 5,000 feet before moving higher. And, then  if you intend on going even higher, say 10,000+ feet, spend at least three days at 8,000 feet first. Most people don’t do this, of course.

Once you’re at altitude, even if you’re healthy, drink plenty of fluids to reduce the likelihood of dehydration, avoid taking sleeping pills or tranquilizers, exercise lightly at first, and schedule some rest days.

If you’ve had problems with altitude sickness before or even if you haven’t and you plan to travel above 12,000 feet, discuss with your physician about taking Diamox, a prescription medication that could prevent altitude sickness if you take it before you arrive at high altitude and can also help you recover from altitude sickness. Your physician will discuss potential side effects and whether you are a candidate to take this diuretic.

But staying prepared for winter sports and activities also means contingency planning with a reliable air-medical transport membership program such as MedjetAssist. Sure, there are plenty of insurance plans, some even through your platinum card. But what makes Medjet different from the rest is that they can arrange a medical transfer to the hospital of your choice anywhere in the world regardless of the medical emergency and with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions (if you’re under 75 years old) so long as the member is 150 miles from home.  And this is whether you’re vacationing in the U.S. or you’re at an international locale.

 Jeanine Barone is a travel writer whose articles can be found in National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveller (UK), and dozens of other top-tier magazines and newspapers. She’s also the author of a new travel tips e-book, The Travel Authority: Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Travel, which provides more than 200 tips to help everyone from novice travelers to road warriors, whether they’re traveling on business or in the backcountry. This e-book is available for the Kindle, Nook, iPad and as a downloadable pdf from Barone’s blog: www.jthetravelauthority.com

Staying Safe During the 2012 Summer Olympics

Posted on July 23, 2012
Filed Under Destinations, Health, Safety, Travel | Comments Off

The 2012 Summer Olympics kicks off in just a few days.  If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend the events, it will definitely be a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.  The city of London has spent the last several years upgrading their infrastructure in order to accommodate the estimated 5.3 million visitors that will converge on the city of over 8 million people.  However, local authorities have been encouraging visitors to exercise a few safety precautions to ensure that their visit is not only fun, but safe.

 

Transportation

There will be no public parking available at any of the Olympic venues, meaning travel to and from the games will be by foot or public transportation.  London already had in place one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world.  However, in preparation for the games, billions of pounds have been invested in upgrading the network, including the addition of the Javelin, a high-speed rail service.

 

London’s subway system – also known as the Tube or the Underground – will likely be the most efficient way to travel around the city.  Taxi cabs are available, but at price.  Also, don’t plan on hailing a cab curbside.  Taxis are required by law only to pick up patrons that have booked in advance.  Accepting a fare otherwise is illegal.  Because of the crowds, you should expect some travel delays.  Therefore, make plans accordingly to accommodate this.

 

Avoiding Scams and Pickpockets

If you have ever attended a highly anticipated concert or sporting event, it is likely you have encountered scalpers.  These individuals are looking to either sell real tickets at several times their face value or sell very convincing looking fake copies.  While police have successfully shut down several websites selling bogus tickets, it is impossible to locate and prosecute every criminal looking to make an extra buck at someone else’s expense.  Only buy tickets from an official Olympic dealer and be wary of individuals selling tickets outside the sporting venues.

 

Another common problem is pickpockets.  Large crowds are a pickpocket’s playground, so take a few extra precautions to make sure someone doesn’t swipe your wallet.  Men should move their wallets to their front pocket.  Women should wear their handbags slung across their chests so it can’t be snatched off their shoulder.  Don’t wear fancy or valuable jewelry and don’t flash large amounts of cash.  This is just acts as an invitation for thieves.

 

Safety Tips and Healthy Habits

If you live in a country where drivers travel on the right side of the road, it may take awhile to get accustomed London drivers traveling on the left side of the road.  Even if you do not plan on driving, you still need to be cautious crossing streets and intersections.  Also, while London is considered to be a safe city for tourists, avoid going out alone, late at night, and venturing into dark, dimly lit areas.

 

If there was ever a time to be obsessive over healthy habits, it’s while you are traveling.  Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer for those times when you don’t have access to soap and water.  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen frequently.  When purchasing food items, look for a hygiene rating from the local government posted on the restaurant’s windows or doors.  If you don’t see one, use common sense.  Does the place look clean?  Does the food look like it is properly refrigerated?  If you wouldn’t eat it at home, stay away from it.

 

Finally, there are certain diseases that may not be so common back home, but it is a different case when traveling abroad.  Before you leave, make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccines to avoid bringing something unexpected home with you.

 

In the Event of an Emergency

Should you become seriously sick or injured, dialing 999 will connect your to London’s emergency services.  If you are taken to a hospital, you will likely be admitted to the A&E (Accident and Emergency) instead of the ER.  Because many health insurance plans do not cover incidents occurring in other countries, be sure to check with your provider and consider purchasing travel insurance.  It is also a good idea to have an air-medical transport membership plan in place in the event that you need to be air-medically transported home.

Safety Tips: Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

Posted on May 25, 2012
Filed Under General, Safety | Comments Off

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles: Nine Safety Tips for Your Next Road Trip

At no point are there more roadway hazards than the span of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Roadway traffic typically increases during the summer months, in addition to construction detours, road closures, the incidence of DUI and an increase in the number of teenager drivers.

Warmer weather also brings more motorcycle owners out of hibernation. While riding down the open road with the wind in your hair and the sun on your back has its appeal, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of being injured or killed in an accident. Whether you are on a bike or in a car, taking the time to be extra cautious and adhering to a few safety tips while on the road this summer will increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable summer.

 

Motorcycle Rider Protection Tips:

There are obvious advantages to owning a motorcycle – they use less gas, are more flexible in traffic, easier to park, and of course there is the cool factor. However, the biggest disadvantage when compared to a car – you are smaller and harder to see. When riding a motorcycle, always remember to:

• Assume that you are invisible to other motorists. Because there are fewer motorcycles than cars on the road, motorists usually aren’t keeping an eye out for you. Take extra measure to make sure you are seen by always using your headlight during daytime or nighttime hours, avoid riding in blind spots and wear bright clothing.
• Be courteous: avoid tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and riding between lanes of slow moving traffic.
• Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate potential problems. A pothole, oil slick, puddle or other debris may pose little threat to a car, but can be extremely hazardous to a motorcycle.
• Take extra care when proceeding through an intersection. Approximately 70% of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle occur when a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle.  Keep a close eye on other vehicles and watch for unexpected turns. If visibility is blocked by parked cars or shrubbery, slow down and proceed with caution.
• Invest in a motorcycle protection membership program, created specifically for motorcycles if you are planning an extended road trip. Should you become injured or ill during your trip, this membership program will arrange to have you transported to the hospital of your choice. Some policies will even send your bike back home if for some reason you are unable to ride it.

Motorcycle Rider Protection Tips for Motorists:

Motorcycles have the same right to the road as a car. However, because there are more cars and trucks on the road, motorists are not necessarily trained to watch for motorcycles. The number one cause of motorcycle-related accidents was because the person driving the car failed to see the other person. Take extra care to:

• Give motorcycles the full lane. They may need to make a sudden move to avoid debris in the road or change positions within a lane to make themselves more visible to other motorists.
• Allow more distance between you and the bike. It is customary to allow two seconds between your vehicle and a car in front of you. However, when following a motorcycle a driver should allow four seconds.
• Assume a motorcycle is closer than it appears. Because of its small size, motorcycles may actually seem farther away. It is also more difficult to gauge how fast it is going.
• Do not be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals do not self-cancel like an automobile and the driver may have inadvertently forgotten to turn it off.  Make sure the rider is indeed going to turn before you continue on your way.

Medjet Update: Do I have the Flu?

Posted on March 5, 2012
Filed Under General, Travel Alerts -- From www.travel.state.gov | Comments Off

By: John Gobbels
MedjetAssist VP/COO

How do I know if I have the flu?

Your respiratory illness might be the flu if you have fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. However, influenza can also occur outside of the typical flu season. In addition, other viruses can also cause respiratory illness similar to the flu. So, it is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone. If your doctor needs to know for sure whether you have the flu, there are laboratory tests that can be done.

What kinds of flu tests are there?

A number of flu tests are available to detect influenza viruses. The most common are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests.” These tests can provide results in 30 minutes or less. Unfortunately, the ability of these tests to detect the flu can vary greatly. Therefore, you could still have the flu, even though your rapid test result is negative. In addition to rapid tests, there are several more accurate and sensitive flu tests available that must be performed in specialized laboratories, such as those found in hospitals or state public health laboratories. All of these tests require that a health care provider swipe the inside of your nose or the back of your throat with a swab and then send the swab for testing. These tests do not require a blood sample.

How well can rapid tests detect the flu?

During an influenza outbreak, a positive rapid flu test is likely to indicate influenza infection. However, rapid tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses, depending on the type of rapid test used, and on the type of flu viruses circulating. Also, rapid tests appear to be better at detecting flu in children than adults. This variation in ability to detect viruses can result in some people who are infected with the flu having a negative rapid test result. (This situation is called a false negative test result.) Despite a negative rapid test result, your health care provider may diagnose you with flu based on your symptoms and their clinical judgment.

Will my health care provider test me for flu if I have flu-like symptoms?

Not necessarily. Most people with flu symptoms do not require testing because the test results usually do not change how you are treated.

Your health care provider may diagnose you with flu based on your symptoms and their clinical judgment or they may choose to use an influenza diagnostic test. During an outbreak of respiratory illness, testing for flu can help determine if flu viruses are the cause of the outbreak. Flu testing can also be helpful for some people with suspected flu who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, and for whom a diagnosis of flu can help their doctor make decisions about their care.

www.cdc.gov

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