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Are You On Board?

Posted on July 25, 2010
Filed Under Health, Medjet, Safety, Travel, Travel Products, Videos | Comments Off

Are you on board with what to do if a medical emergency interrupts your next trip? If you are a Medjet member then the answer is yes. As a Medjet member there are various ways you can utilize your member benefits including medical evacuation to the hospital of your choice. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with this first installment of Medjet’s Safety On Board video series.

Montreal – An Epicurean City

Posted on July 19, 2010
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I love food and I love experiencing new things. I love Montreal…

Besides the fact that the city is delightful from top to bottom, has an easily navigational and accessible metro system and lets not forget the phenomenal shopping, Montreal also has a wealth of epicurean delights. So whether you are in the mood for street food or a tower of fresh seafood I have a great list of my foodie favorites for you.

The Trinity of Fine Dining: In my research for dinner spots in Montreal I kept coming across three restaurants: Restaurant Garde-Manger, Joe Beef and Au Pied De Cochon. Unable to select just one I splurged and hit all three. They were each as fantastic as my research had indicated and had very distinct personalities. Here is my take:

Restaurant Garde-Manger: A classic young, hip downtown experience. The atmosphere was big and the space was small. The people were as beautiful as the food and the service was impeccable. My favorite bite was the towering seafood sampler that overflowed with sweet raw oysters and giant clawing crab legs. By far my favorite food as a whole. Make reservations in advance as there are only two seatings each night and limited tables. You are going to want to dress up for this one.

Joe Beef: A destination in itself and full of personality and fine food. The atmosphere here was best described by a New York Times article, “It is like going to a friends house for dinner.” What more can I say? It was one of my favorite moments in Montreal and the food was out of this world. Favorite bite is again the raw oysters. Shucked out in the middle of the restaurant these sweet and petite oysters are some of the best that I have ever eaten. Reservations are necessary. Dress comfortably but make sure you look dapper.

Au Pied De Cochon: A classic French cafe setting with giant windows that open out onto the sidewalk. The atmosphere was the most European and one would swear they were in Paris. The food was wonderful but be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. My favorite bite was the foie gras poutine. It was like your favorite cashmere sweater, luxuriously decadent but simple enough to feel casual. This dish was my favorite of the entire trip. Make reservations. Press your khakis and pull out your favorite polo shirt – think dressy casual.

Street Food: If you want the best wrap in your life then head to Boustan. This Lebanese ‘hole in the wall’ serves up the best shawarma I have ever eaten. Dressed with the most garlicky hummus I have ever eaten then placed on a hot grill until  it is warm and crunchy  this sandwich is a must. I went for lunch there three times…

Deli: Schwartz’s is a narrow, no-frill quintessential Hebrew deli and is a Montreal icon. They serve up a smoked meat sandwich that is as delicious as the half sour pickle it comes with. Bring cash and don’t wait until you are starving because there will be a line.

First Stop For a Newcomer: The first place you are going to want to eat is La Banquise. This landmark serves up a classic poutine, Montreal’s signature comfort food. Besides serving the original version which consist of a mound of french fries sprinkled with cheese curds and drowned in gravy, La Banquise also has a two page menu packed with every possible variation you can imagine. Pull up a chair and order the classic poutine and a good Canadian beer. Once you are done you will feel right at home in Montreal for the rest of your stay.

Breakfast: Hands down, the dim sum breakfast at Maison Kam Fung in Chinatown is the way to go. Okay, maybe not for everyone but personally, I am not a big breakfast food person and when I heard that I could get Dim Sum at 9:00 in the morning I was sold. The food was great and the atmosphere was genuinely just what one would expect. Try it at least once if for nothing more than the experience.

Member Comment – Alaska to Montana

Posted on July 19, 2010
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Thank you for the remarkable service that I recently received during medical evacuation involving MedjetAssist. I was in-between Petersburg and Juneau, Alaska on a trip when I became very ill on board a live aboard yacht. I was able to make it to a regional hospital in Juneau. MedjetAssist was contacted to arrange my medivac back to Billings, Montana to my hospital of record so I could be treated by my personal physician and surgeon.

As a surgeon myself, I am particularly keen to how important it is for somebody to be able to receive care where they are known and by providers from whom they have received previous care. I was very important to me to return t to Billings due to my illness and my MedjetAssist membership made that possible. The care that I received in coordination from your main office was extraordinary. The life-flight picked me up on Saturday and had me home in Billings in the morning hours. I was immediately transported to my local Emergency Room. I am happy to say that I have made a full recovery since my illness.

Thanks does not seem enough to give to the incredible flight nurse who accompanied me on my trip home. During the severe pain that I was experiencing she held my hand throughout the flight and constantly reassured me and provided all the necessary pain medications and supportive therapy to make my flight comfortable and successful. My heartfelt thanks to you and your incredible staff for making this medical evacuation possible and safe for me and my family back home. I will be a MedjetAssist member for many years to come. – Jerry

Travel Style – Baggage Can Be Good…

Posted on July 19, 2010
Filed Under Travel Style | Comments Off

by: Carolyn W. Paddock

A warm Medjet welcome to our newest guest Blogger, Carolyn W. Paddock. After more than eighteen years in commercial and corporate aviation, Carolyn brings her expertise to the world via her travel blog: In-Flight Insider. Based on her philosophy that not only should safety and comfort be mandatory, but glamour and elegance should be too. In-Flight Insider provides travelers with the latest luxury trends and practical insider tips on travel preparation, health, safety, style, and products– all designed to upgrade their flying and travel experience. Carolyn has created a resource for the discriminating traveler that combines her hands-on experience gained with over nine million miles in the air with her knowledge of the most practical and luxurious travel products the world has to offer.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing Luggage

Whether you’re buying your luggage on line or in a store, there are many options to consider before making a purchase. There are so many individual considerations, that making a decision can be difficult.

Do I want two wheels, four wheels, or none? Should I buy a large garment bag or a smaller one that holds only a suit or two? Will I be checking this bag or carrying it on board? Will I be flying commercially, privately or both?

Whatever your travel patterns and personal needs, there are specific criteria you should always consider. Keep in mind, you don’t always have to spend a lot to get a good bag, so long as it meets certain standards.

1. CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

If possible, you should test-roll the bag in person before buying it to make sure it’s comfortable for you. I’ve tried many different roll-aboards over the years, and these are the criteria and potential pitfalls I’ve discovered.

• For roll-aboard luggage I prefer soft-sided bags because they’re generally lighter, have more pockets to store things and usually expand a bit if necessary.
• Remember to get proper measurements. To be allowed on most commercial airlines, your carry-on must be no larger than 22 inches.
• Bags that expand are nice, but remember that once it’s expanded the bag may no longer fit through security or into the overhead compartment, then you will have to check it.
• Make sure the handle is the right length and comfortable for you to use. I’m tall, which means I have a long stride. If the handle is too short, the bag hits my heel which will make it tip over. I’ve also found that cushioned handles are more comfortable for your hand than hard the ones, particularly if you’re wheeling your bag long distances in airports.
• Extending and lowering the handle—not always so gently—puts a lot of stress at the point where it meets the body of the bag. Make sure that spot is reinforced and sturdy enough to withstand the frequent wear and tear.
• I prefer a bag that has a separate suit compartment. If I don’t need the space for clothing, I take out the folded separator and use it for shoes and other items to keep them separate from my clothes.
• Examine the wheels. They will be either flat or curved, like those on in-line skates. I prefer curved wheels because they’re generally quieter and roll more smoothly on sidewalks and airport floors.

2. LUGGAGE HOOKS FOR ROLL-ABOARD BAGS

• Most roll-on luggage comes with these hooks and are a blessing if you have a second bag.
• Secure the J-hook on top of the larger bag and hang the second one in front of it. You won’t have to struggle with two separate bags, you won’t have to juggle trying to balance one on the other, and the weight will be better distributed for easier maneuvering.
• If your bag doesn’t have one, you can buy a universal J-hook on line. They’re not expensive and worth every penny.

3. CHECKED LUGGAGE

• If you’re planning to check your bag, a hard-sided suitcase or roll-on will be sturdiest and withstand the most wear and tear, although a soft-sided bags made of durable material will also travel well.
• If the bag is soft-sided with a frame, make sure the frame is durable and the material tough enough to be virtually indestructible.
• Decorative buckles and protruding wheels are generally not a good idea because they can get snagged and damage your bag in the process of loading and unloading.
• Even though you won’t be carrying it, you need to consider the weight of the bag itself because airlines now impose weight restrictions and additional fees for overweight luggage.

4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

• Most of the modern synthetic materials used for luggage are extremely light and durable.
• Check to be sure both the zippers and the stitching are as indestructible and the material the bag is made from. The last thing you want is for your bag to pop open, spilling out your belongings, because either the zipper or the stitching gives way—which can happen, especially if they’re strained by over packing.
• If your bag has latch closings rather than a zipper, make sure the latches of sturdy and won’t get stuck.
• “Designer” leather luggage is often both beautiful and beautifully constructed, but it’s also expensive and quite heavy. If weight and expense don’t factor into your decision-making, fine leather luggage may be well worth the investment.
• For obvious reasons, an expensive, beautiful piece of luggage should probably stay with you at all times. Therefore, this kind of suitcase would best be used for private flights.

5. COLORS AND PATTERNS

• When it comes to luggage, basic black is a thing of the past. Bags now come in a wide variety of colors and designs, which makes them a lot easier to identify. (I admit that I’ve inadvertently walked off with another person’s suitcase, and if you’ve ever been in the position standing at the carousel when the last bag rolls around and it looks exactly like yours, except that it isn’t, you know how awful that feels). When making your color and design choice, remember that:
• Darker colors are less likely than light ones to show the frequent abuse your luggage is subjected to when you travel.
• If you do select a dark suitcase, mark it in a way that will clearly differentiate it from other, similar bags. I tie colorful ribbons to both the top and side handles of mine so that I can spot it easily from any angle.

Traveling Internationally With Kids

Posted on July 19, 2010
Filed Under General | Comments Off

By John Gobbels – VP, MedjetAssist

Even in today’s economy, more and more Medjet members are traveling internationally and taking their kids along for the adventure. Many travel for vacations, educational purposes or to volunteer. Wherever your travels take you, remember the 3P’s – Being proactive, being prepared, and being protected.

Being Proactive

Taking steps to anticipate issues that can arise during your trip is very important. I recommend that you learn about your destination before they travel. From diseases to natural disasters, getting educated before you get there is a must.

Tip:

Make use of Internet resources. Some good sites that you can reference are listed below.

• CDC: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/notices.aspx
• WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html
• State Health Department Websites

Tip:

Be realistic- Let’s be honest, no one likes to admit when we are just too sick to travel. Unfortunately many travelers who may have had recent illnesses, injuries or surgeries often “roll the dice” and travel when they shouldn’t. Listen to your body and listen to your doctor.

• See your doctor before you travel. If you are at risk, and most of us are, it’s important to make sure you are physically prepared for your journey. From vaccinations to your general health condition, your health practitioner can make sure you’re “good to go” before you go.
• Remember that kids are not “Just not small adults,” but may have their own set of vaccinations or precautions when traveling internationally. Make sure that your children are protected with any possible vaccination from their physician as well.

Being Prepared

No one likes to think about the “what if” but sometimes things do happen and it’s important to plan ahead to prepare yourself if you do become ill or injured while on your journey.

Tip:

Being prepared requires smart packing. Here are some good packing points to remember.

• Pack enough medication for the length of your trip plus one week and take copies of all your medications including the generic names.
• Leave a copy of all your medications with a friend or family member not traveling with you and don’t forget to leave your physician and pharmacy information with them as well.
• Remember that some medications that are legal in the U.S may be considered illegal in other countries. Be sure to check with the American Embassy or Consulate to verify that your prescriptions are accepted as legal in the countries you’ll be visiting
• Take enough medications or over the counter medications for your kids. Depending on where you travel you might not find “Pediatric” dose medications.

Being Protected

It’s important to have healthy behaviors during your trip and after you return home. Remember that if you or your kids are not feeling well after an international trip you should see your doctor immediately and tell them that you recently traveled. Your physician may wish to consult with an infectious disease or travel medicine specialist.

Tip:

Protect your body inside and out. Here are some suggestions.

• Use sunscreen and insect repellent as directed
• Be careful about food and water – remember that ice cubes don’t kill bacteria!!
• Wear protective gear when doing adventure activities

Have a plan in place if a medical emergency interrupts your trip.

• Don’t forget to add the protection of a MedjetAssist membership to your travels.
• Check your health insurance policy and make sure you know what your coverage is for out-of-network healthcare.

Be proactive, prepared and protected. Travel smart, travel often, but don’t travel without your MedjetAssist card!

Reference:

www.cdc.gov

www.who.int

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