Pack Your Suitcase Online

Posted on March 25, 2008
Filed Under General, Travel, Website Tips | Leave a Comment

PhotobucketIf you are like me you start planning your trip WAY in advance. And, if you are like most frequent travelers, you plan the majority of that trip online. If so, here is a handy website/online tool that will take your trip planning to a whole new level, Suitcase. This free online tool is powered by Kaboodle and is hosted by www.concierge.com, Condé Nast Traveler’s travel website.

Suitcase is billed by Concierge.com as “The Ultimate Trip Planning Tool” and I have to say, I agree. The Suitcase tool lets you collect all the trip information you need from hotels to transportation details and saves it all in one place online so that it is accessible from any computer that has Internet access. Here is how it works:

I can’t decide what part of this new tool I like best, allowing my friends to add to my Suitcase or browsing other people’s Suitcases. This tool really opens up a whole new world of trip planning. Think of it as the FaceBook for traveling adults. Before long you will begin to meet new “virtual” traveling companions who you can share ideas and must-sees.

One important tip, take the time to install the Suitcase Toolbar on your computer. The site will give you instructions on how to do this. This will allow you to save a website to your appropriate Suitcase at the click of a mouse.

For more information and details on this handy travel tool go to http://suitcase.concierge.com. While you’re there type in a search for MedjetAssist and you will see the link to my New York Suitcase where I have started collecting information and reference sites for my favorite “Big City” in the world. And hey, if you have any ideas or comments about your favorite places in Gotham please post them for me. 

The World Wide Will 

MedjetAssist -Take Trips, Not Chances

Good Samaritan – An Announcement from Roy Berger, MedjetAssist President & CEO

Posted on March 24, 2008
Filed Under General, Health, Medjet, Safety | Leave a Comment

At MedjetAssist we are fortunate to have many valued partnerships from medical organizations to travel groups to multiple and varied trade associations stretching all the way from AARP to the National Football League.  Each of these partnerships is very important and special to us.

Our newest partnership is a bit revolutionary and defines the MedjetAssist ‘peace of mind’ concept one step beyond.  In conjunction with Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY (about 30 miles north of New York City) and their Active International Cardiovascular Institute, every patient leaving in-patient care at the Institute will receive a one-year annual MedjetAssist membership!

PhotobucketTraditionally when cardiac patients are treated and ultimately released with a new lease on life, part of their discharge package includes some take-away gifts and of course the heart shaped comfort pillow. Now they will also be entitled to a one year MedjetAssist membership.

“It’s an added patient benefit to extend care far beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Sandi Jeanette, community liaison for Good Samaritan Hospital.

The innovative concept was borne when Joe Allen, vice president of community affairs at Active International was introduced to the MedjetAssist concept some months ago.  Active International is a Pearl River, NY marketing company with a large community benevolence presence and in addition to owning the title name of the Good Samaritan Active International Cardiovascular Institute, they are also sponsoring the MedjetAssist memberships.

“We think it’s a terrific expression of confidence in the hospital,” Mr. Allen said. “With the MedjetAssist membership in place, it’s just another great reason for those treated by the Institute to feel free to resume their normal lifestyle.”

We are delighted that MedjetAssist was chosen for this very innovative program and welcome the Good Samaritan-Active International members to our program and wish everyone- safe travels and good health!

People Who Need People

Posted on March 21, 2008
Filed Under General, Medjet, Travel, Website Tips | Leave a Comment

Tired of automated phone systems? A lot of people are. In fact, this idea of getting around the automated system and straight to a human even has its own name. It is called Turboing. If you are one of these people who need people when it comes to customer service, then you need to check out http://www.gethuman.com/. The gethuman TM project is a consumer movement to improve the quality of phone support in the U.S. This free website is run by volunteers and is powered by over one million consumers who demand high quality phone support from the companies that they use.

Gethuman has a database of how to go directly to a real person for over 500 companies. The database is also organized by service category so you can go straight to the travel section and find out how to get directly to a human at companies from American Airlines to Westin Hotels. In addition to their listed companies, the website also offers tips such as the ones below on how to turbo straight to a human with most systems.

Turbo Tips

By the way, I am proud to say that at MedjetAssist you always get a live person when you call in, 24/7. You never get a recording or automated attendant. Whether you are involved in a medical emergency or you need to sign your child up with our collegiate plan, you can always put your trust in us to provide comfort and support with a human touch. So give us a call – operators are standing by…     

The World Wide Will 

MedjetAssist -Take Trips, Not Chances

So You Drank the Water…Now What

Posted on March 17, 2008
Filed Under Health, Medjet, Safety, Travel | Leave a Comment

Well it may not be something that anyone wants to talk about. Okay it is definitely something that no one wants to talk about – particularly me – but it needs to be addressed. Traveler’s Diarrhea that is. So, since we are here to help travelers and since I don’t really want to get into this I am going to introduce my newest reoccurring guest blogger, Mr. John Gobbels – MedjetAssist VP/COO. In addition to being my boss Mr. Gobbels, as I like to call him, is one of our resident health experts and, well, he will talk about anything…

Advice on Traveler’s Diarrhea -  John Gobbels, MedjetAssist VP/COO

Travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers. In fact, each year between 20%-50% of international travelers, an estimated 10 million persons, develop diarrhea. Persons at high risk are those with previous inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppressed persons, and those individuals taking H-2 blockers or antacids. The primary source of the infection is fecally contaminated food or water and is usually encountered in high risk areas such as Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Travelers diarrhea usually begins abruptly resulting in an increased frequency, typically four to five loose stools each day. Other symptoms that could present would be nausea, vomiting, cramping, and fever. Most cases last between 1-2 days, but could remain for up to 4 weeks. Travelers diarrhea is rarely life threatening, but travelers with other underlying health problems could have serious complications.

In 80% of TD cases, bacterial enteropathogens are the causative agent. The most common agent has been enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Besides ETEC and other bacterial pathogens, a variety of viral and parasitic enteric pathogens also are potential causative agents.

So what can we do to prevent TD? Using a common sense approach with regard to eating and drinking is paramount. Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages purchased from street vendors or other questionable establishments. Avoid any raw or undercooked meats or seafood, and avoid any raw fruit that you don’t peel yourself. Frequent hand washing or utilizing a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer is also recommended.

In the unfortunate event that you contract TD, there are several treatments available if it does not self-resolve. Obviously, oral rehydration is beneficial in replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. Individuals who develop three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period with other associated symptoms may benefit from antibiotic therapy. One of the most commonly prescribed medications, and one that we recommend our members pack is Ciprofloxacin 500mg. Utilization of antidiarrheal medications can be used in uncomplicated cases of TD, but should not be utilized by travelers with fever or bloody diarrhea, as they can increase the severity of the disease be delaying clearance of the causative organism. If the diarrhea persists, you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

As always, MedjetAssist physicians are available 24 hours to provide medical insight and recommendations, even if you are not hospitalized. From medical consults to medical facility referrals, we’re here to help. 

Smart & Simple Travel Tips

Posted on March 4, 2008
Filed Under General, Medjet, Safety, Travel | Leave a Comment

PhotobucketIt is travel planning season. Time to start thinking about where you are going this year, what you’re going to do when you get there. It’s an exciting time because travel is a wonderful thing whether it is domestic or abroad. The exposures to new cultures, exotic foods and beautiful scenery are invaluable educational experiences. However, one should also have a healthy respect for some of the more realistic challenges of travel and tend to err to the proverb of better safe than sorry. After all, being a savvy traveler is about being prepared. Below are five simple and smart travel tips that are wise to observe. 

 

  1. Secure emergency evacuation protection: Make sure you’re in control and can get home if you should encounter any injuries, illnesses or unforeseen accidents while traveling. Make sure your MedjetAssist membership is current and will still be in place while you are traveling.

  2.  Pack essentials in carry-on bags: Items such as tickets, vouchers, photocopies of your passport, essential medicines, extra eyeglasses and small valuables need to go in your carry-on should your checked luggage become lost en route.

  3. Don’t be political: Avoid talking politics or announcing personal positions on world topics in public areas. Even if you’re speaking with a friend your voice could carry more than you realize.

  4. Watch what you ingest: Be careful with food and water en route. Follow this tried and true golden rule; if you cannot cook, boil or peel it -do not eat it. You should drink bottled water as well as brush your teeth with it. It is also good practice to wash your hands frequently and to carry anti-bacterial cleanser.

  5. Leave your ego at home: Avoid announcing work, political or financial status by using generic luggage tags. In some countries, identifying yourself as a VIP or a well-to-do traveler could be a liability.

The World Wide Will 

MedjetAssist -Take Trips, Not Chances
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