Triphealthy.com http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php Take Contact Information Abroad http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100308-065333 Triphealthy.com recommends that you take your home contact information with you when you travel. Here is a suggested list of items you should write down.

1. Personal data:

Name, address (e-mail address), phone numbers, date of birth, gender, height, weight, marital status and employment information (employer name and phone numbers).

2. Emergency contacts:

Names, relationships, addresses, and most relevant phone numbers for a primary and secondary contact.

3. Medical contacts:

Names, specialties, addresses and telephone and fax numbers of your medical providers who are informed of your medical condition (include your dentist).

4. Insurance providers:

Companies’ names, addresses, and phone and fax numbers. Include your member ID and identification group numbers. List and label all companies - travel, primary and secondary insurers.

5. Legal contacts:

Name(s) of your legal representative(s) for your current living will, medical decision power of attorney and general power of attorney; as well as contact information.
(Hopefully, these people have copies of your documents.)

Notes:

1. Carry a copy of your passport with you, instead of the real thing. Keep your legal passport in the hotel safe unless you need it.

2. Leave a copy of your itinerary with your contact person at home, as well as your medical history.

Remember: If you do this once, then you merely have to update your paper work as needed.

ML
]]> Tips for Healthy Train Travel Abroad http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100304-061603
2. Visit the bathroom (“toilet”, “loo,” “WC”) before boarding the train.

3. Have loose change in local currency for the deposit on luggage carts.

4. Arrange for assistance, if you need help, several days before departure.

5. Make reservations early for a sleeping car and buy ear plugs to muffle noise.

6. Reserve a table in the dining car and/or bring food with you. Bring bottled water.

7. Pack lightly. You can always buy personal items and gifts at the train station or local stores.

8. Dress comfortably; take a sweater and comfortable shoes.

9. Do not leave luggage unattended in the station and on the train.

10. If you leave your train car or sleep on the train, secure your bags to the luggage rack with a chain lock ( which you purchased before you departed).

11. Learn a few railroad phrases and salutations in the languages of the countries you are visiting.

Readers do you have other tips for a stress free rail trip abroad?

EF]]> Is Rail Travel Abroad a Healthy Choice for You? http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100301-061208
1. Review train time schedules from your departure to your destination stations. Are these times convenient for you to be comfortably on time? See if you need to connect to other trains to reach your destination. How long are the intervals between connecting segments on different trains? You do not need to be rushed and stressed. A good site for time schedules throughout Europe is www.bahn.de. A highly recommended book is Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable.

2. Ascertain the length of your trip and whether you will be on the train during sleep hours. If overnight, you may wish to reserve a sleeping car, so your body will be more relaxed. Will you need to have meals or snacks? Is there a dining car or attendants who push carts through the cars and offer food. An excellent resource on rail travel abroad is www.seat61.com.

3. Determine the accessibility of rail stations. Must you go upstairs or downstairs to reach the train tracks? Are there elevators or escalators to use, as you will be carrying your luggage? Are there porters to help you?

Most railway companies have detailed information on facilities to help passengers who need assistance. You can look online for the rail company on which you will travel, find the English button and search for disability or special needs. The Netherlands (Netherlands) and Norway (Norway) provide a few examples in Europe.

4. See whether you can pack lightly, preferably in one bag, otherwise, your luggage will be burdensome. Are there luggage carts in the rail station; and are these able to be moved to the track? If you are returning to the same station, consider using “left luggage.” In any major city railway station (in Europe, at least), there will be a “left luggage” facility, either staffed or lockers. Check the times that they are open and the charge (usually less than 5 Euros for 24 hours).

Readers, have you run into problems that could have been avoided?

EF ]]> Sensitize Your Hotel Room http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100225-060916
1. We suggest that you pack something (e.g. a robe or casual wear) that is colorful and cozy. Buy a new one for your trip before you leave home. No need to bring your “well-used” resting or sleeping garment from home. Make your stay less of a “homebound” adventure.

2. Re-pack the room’s refrigerator with “fun” items bought locally. Cheeses, fruits, and favorite type snacks and beverages may fit the bill. No need to use the “expensive” contents found in a well-stocked hotel room.

3. Buy flowers locally. Use the room’s pitcher or ice bucket (remember that in some countries you won’t be using local ice or tap water anyway).

4. Bring a portable sound system. A little music may set a warm tone in the room.

5. Buy scented bath oils to refresh and sooth your body. Utilitarian soaps provided at most hotels are convenient, but a nice treat to your senses will be very welcome as you to recuperate from a long journey, or a long day of sight-seeing or business meetings.

Notes:

Perhaps these tips are limited to when you are traveling with a “special” companion. But, we think, they might be considered even with a familiar friend; AND even if you are staying alone.

Readers: Please share with us some tips about what you have done to make your hotel stay more “pleasant.”

ML]]> Healthy International Air Travel http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100222-060633
1. Seat selection.

Try to reserve:

a) a window seat: The body, through your eyes and sense of balance, needs some reference points to judge motion. Being able to look outside the window at the horizon can help your brain gather information to stabilize your physical environment. This tip can help reduce any symptoms of motion sickness (such as a sweat, headache and nausea).

Note: The concept of looking at the horizon is also useful while aboard a ship, to lessen the effects of motion sickness.

b) an aisle seat: It is easier to walk around, even for a short while, or to go to the bathroom as needed, if you don’t have to climb over other travelers in a tight squeeze mode.

2. Help yourself avoid cold symptoms.

a) Rest before you start your trip.

b) Keep hydrated while on board. Water is a safe bet while on the airplane. Alcohol and caffeine may dehydrate you and/or keep you awake (or make you journey to the bathroom...see the above tip on reserving an aisle seat).

3. Dress casually.

Wear comfortable, non-binding clothes on a long trip, where you will be seated for a while, sometimes with a seat belt. We have already suggested that you wear support hose that apply compression to the lower legs.

Note: Readers, please log onto our articles on “Jet Lag” through our “search” box on the right hand side of our web site, for our previous tips on this topic.

Thanks to www.magellans.com, for some of the reminders above.


ML
]]> Obtaining Eurail Passes http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100218-065859
Most rail passes must be purchased in the U.S. and are not available in Europe. There are some exceptions: Eurail passes are sold at some of Europe's major railway stations for 10-20% more than the U.S. price. If you decide that a Eurail pass is for you, you must plan ahead and obtain one before you leave home. Most passes can be purchased anywhere from six months in advance to several weeks ahead. After you buy a pass, you have six months to validate it in Europe.

The Eurail pass allows for consecutive day travel from 15 to 60 days within the Eurail Network. The Eurail Flexipass allows non-consecutive day travel in all 20 Eurail countries, while the popular Eurail Select Pass gives you the flexibility to travel to 3 - 5 adjoining Eurail countries. Remember that you will still need to make seat reservations for first class and for sleep accommodations, while abroad.

Your best bet is to book directly via RailEurope.com, as they are the only official distributor of European rail products in North America. This web site allows you to compare point-to-point rail ticket prices with the cost of the various Eurail pass costs.

Remember a rail pass allows for more flexibility, usually letting you hop on and off trains spontaneously. A rail pass protects your valuable vacation time from being wasted standing on line at ticket offices. Plus, your pass allows you the luxury of adding on side trips that you may not have originally planned, but once there, feel inspired to do.

The stress factor, associated with travel, may be lessened.

EF ]]> Preparing for Train Travel via a Eurail Pass http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100215-065804
Your destination station is in the heart of the city. Train stations abroad, especially in Europe, are busy and interesting landmarks. Large European stations have everything: banks, hairdressers, places to buy food, flowers and stamps, and places to store your luggage, and get your shoes polished.

Taking a train is unlike driving a car; you have no worries about where to park and where to get gas. Unlike plane travel, you have no concern how to get into and out of cities.

If you would like to travel within one country or to travel between two, you are best off to purchase rail passes while abroad. However, to visit three or more countries, Eurail passes (purchased before you leave home) are the best value for your money.

What is a Eurailpass?:

Eurail Passes are train tickets that allow users unlimited day travel in 20 European countries called the "Eurail Network". The Eurail Network includes:

·Austria ·Finland ·Hungary
·France ·Slovenia ·Belgium
·Ireland ·Norway ·Switzerland
·Croatia ·Germany ·Italy
·Portugal ·Sweden ·Denmark
·Greece ·Luxembourg ·Romania
·Spain ·Netherlands

These passes offer deeply discounted European rail travel, as an incentive to encourage more tourism from overseas. You will not find a better value, and purchasing individual train tickets in Europe can easily cost 2-6 times more.

Continued on February 18, 2010: Obtaining Eurail Passes

EF]]> Healthy Hotel Rooms http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100211-063101
Bed covers: While sheets and pillow cases may be changed daily (one of the pleasures of renting vacation rooms), remember that bedspreads and blankets are not!

Tip: Remove the bedspread...fold it up and put it in the closet. Avoid direct contact with the blanket while asleep.

Barware: Often, we find newly wrapped plastic glasses in our rooms. Great! But what about the glass ones…are they clean?

Tip: Be sure to wash or rinse the glass ones provided, even if they appear to have been cleaned by the maid service. Similarly, rinse out the ice buckets and coffee maker carafes before you use them.

Flooring: While carpets may be vacuumed often, they are rarely shampooed.

Tip: Think about wearing shoes or slippers while you are in your room, rather than going barefoot.

Doorknobs, TV remote, phone, and light switches: Most likely, these are not cleaned regularly.

Tip: You may consider using a disinfectant wipe when you first settle into your room. In any event, don’t forget to keep washing your hands.

Drawers: These are probably not cleaned daily.

Tip: A quick wipe of your dresser drawers, before putting in your clothes, is a useful suggestion.

ML
]]> Bringing Service Animals into the United Kingdom http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100208-060028
Pets (including guide and hearing dogs) from the US mainland can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the Scheme. Animals which do not meet all the rules, must be “licensed into quarantine” for six months. They might be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary PETS requirements.

The procedures

* Have your pet micro-chipped. Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

* Have your pet vaccinated. After the microchip has been fitted, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination

* Arrange a blood test. After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

* Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against tick and tapeworm. Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

The six month rule for entry or re-entry to the UK

Your dog or cat may not enter the UK under PETS until six calendar months have passed from the date that your veterinarian (vet) took the blood sample, with a satisfactory test result. Once your vet has issued the PETS documentation and that six month period has passed, the PETS documentation is valid for your pet to enter the UK.

Remember that your pet must enter the UK with an approved transport company on an authorized route.

This information was derived from the UK Government, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that is charged with the administration of the PETS regulations. http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets

EF]]> Airplane Exercises You can do in Your Seat http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100204-065812
If you can’t comply with your doctor’s advice, or even if you can, here are exercises that you can do at your seat. Repeat every two hours.

1. Squeeze a tennis or rubber ball and then relax. Repeat for two minutes in each hand.

2. Extend your leg, one at a time. Repeat 10 times on each leg.

3. Keep your heels on the ground and raise your toes as high as you can and hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

4. Place your arms on your armrests and raise your knees slowly, then lower them slowly. Repeat 5-10 times.

5. Cross your legs. Rotate the foot in a wide circle, then reverse. Repeat 5 times in each direction, with each foot.

6. Stretch your neck by keeping your chin down and tilt forward. Roll your head from one shoulder to the other. Repeat 5-10 times.

7. Do shoulder hunches, by raising your shoulders toward your ears and hold for 5 seconds. Then lower your shoulders and relax. Repeat 10 times.

8. Arch your torso gently backward and forward like a cat. Repeat 10 times.

9. Flex your butt and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times.

We have adapted this list from an article “How to Exercise on a Plane,” http:www.ehow.com.

Readers, please share any seat exercises and like to do. Click on the “add comment” phrase at the end of this entry (you can leave the URL box blank).

EF]]> Healthy and Stress Free Travel Tips http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100128-061925
Remember, that to enjoy your stay at a foreign destination, you do not have to wake up early and rush through a full day of activities! You may encounter fewer sights; but you will see and enjoy them more! Plan on sleeping in, people-watching, and slipping back to the hotel for a rest and relaxation period.

Don’t stress about trying to obtain special reservations to events. Maybe you will luck into last minute ticket deals. Anyway, a change of plans can still lead to exciting and wholesome adventures. Realize that if you have never seen an event or sight before, then it will be new and exciting.

2. Upgrade!

Treat yourself to a more luxurious experience that you think you should have. Stay at a sumptuous lodging. Rent a more comfortable car. You may be on vacation (that is, no-one may be subsidizing your expenses), yet you are on an adventure. So, spoil yourself. And your health will benefit.

3. Go “local”!

Try some unfamiliar, local food. Keep in mind that food should be safely prepared and thoroughly cooked.

4. Travel with a companion!

Add to your enjoyment of a new situation, with someone to share your excitement. ou may feel more secure, if you are not alone should you fall ill.

5. Learn a few foreign phrases!

Triphealthy.com has always suggested that you learn, or carry with you, a few phrases that can be used if you need some immediate health, pharmaceutical, or dietary help. This, certainly, can make your tip more relaxing and safe.

6. Plan...plan...plan!

We have tried to get you to realize that you can travel with a chronic illness. Simply plan your trip beforehand; and plan to follow healthy and safe guidelines while abroad.

ML]]> Healthy Travel to the Middle East http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100125-062029 Is a trip to the Middle East a healthy idea? We asked one of our foreign correspondents to select a part of the world that Triphealthy.com has not yet written about. The focus, as always, is on what can our readers, who travel with chronic diseases or who are concerned about health related issues, expect if they go to that part of the world. His report targeted the Middle East, based on his medical experience and observations there.

The Middle-East is essentially a geographical term; however, its political, religious and social implications are unmistakable. The health concerns which beset a traveler to this region are linked to the different socio-religious practices occurring in this region. In most cases (quaint as they may seem), these practices are healthier than what is thought about them. Let us examine a few.

There is a practice of removing one’s shoes before entering the parlor of a host. It is not a practice found in western countries. However, the exclusion of footwear carrying pathogens into a home implies a built-in sanitization in the system.

Another custom is to find mouthwash in the rest-room of restaurants. This is to be used after a meal is over; although, no eyebrows will be raised if it is not used by a tourist. Its usefulness as a practice, however, is unquestionable.

As a rule, the use of deodorants is very much the mode in the Middle-East. Amongst the women, whenever one lady comes to meet the hostess of the house, she is offered a box full of “ittar” (deodorant) in small vials. A guest uses it with refined grace; especially in a hot region.

Most of the cities in the Middle-East are well-covered by a healthcare system quite akin to western countries. The doctors are usually highly trained. In general, a tourist can find satisfactory health care.

Dr. Satyabrata (“Shelley”) Chaudhuri is a well traveled Surgeon Commander, Indian Navy (Retd.), as a consultant physician and rheumatologist at the University of Bombay. Annually, he attends the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, DC, as an auditor in their training programs.]]> Travel Agents can Assist Those with Special Health Needs Travel Abroad http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100121-061235
There were over 85,000 travel agents in the US, as of May 2007 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Travel agents book 85% of cruises and 70% of tours and packages (American Society of Travel Agents, ASTA).

ASTA also reports that “younger travelers are more likely to use the
services of a travel agent than those who are 55 years of age or older.”

Travel agents usually charge fees for their services. You should ask them before you book a trip with them, what the costs will be and for an explanation of each fee.

Finding and choosing the right travel agent is not all that difficult. Start with asking your relatives, neighbors and people you for the names of the travel agents they have used and trust.

Contact several well established agencies to find one that specializes in certain health conditions or can arrange for your health care needs in foreign countries.

Investigate online, and ascertain whether agents have credentials, such as Certified Travel Counselors (CTC), or Master Cruise Counselors (MCC). Organizations like CTC or MCC certify that those agents went through educational travel training administered by the Travel Institute or the Cruise Lines International Association.

A way to locate an ASTA certified travel agent in your area, who is a specialist in travel health needs, is to go online to www.asta.org. Another useful site is www.TravelSense.org .

RF ]]> CPR - A Lifesaving Action at Home or Abroad http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100118-060945
1. Call for emergency help

2. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Unfortunately, less than one-third of those people who experience cardiac arrest get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse.

Cardiac arrest can occur at home, at work, or during a trip abroad. If you are nearby, it is always stressful to witness. It’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse; but, if you do, call emergency and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Don’t be afraid! It is imperative that emergency personnel be contacted and CPR be started at once.

CPR has recently become easier to administer. The American Heart Association (AHA) is advocating the Hands-Only CPR method, This is different from the traditional method that involved breathing into someone’s mouth and chest compressions. AHA states: Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.

The Hands Only Method is not difficult and can be successfully used by people who have not received CPR training.

1. Kneel directly over the person’s chest (who has collapsed and is nonresponsive).

2. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and put the other hand on top of the first.

3. Push the center of the chest hard and fast (100 beats/minute) until emergency help arrives.

To see the method demonstrated and explained, visit: http://www.americanheart.org

By the way, the most appropriate and best song to hum that has 103 beats/minute is the Bee Gee’s song “Staying Alive. There are other songs with the correct tempo, but much less appropriate like “Another Ones Bites the Dust,” by Queen.

EF]]> For Healthy Travel, Keep Family and Friends Informed! http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100114-063216 Quick tip: Keep family and friends informed about your itinerary! This was really a very difficult thing for me to have done during my decades of travel. I never thought to talk about my travel agenda, except to note that I was going to the Virgin Islands, Germany, etc. Why? Because, I thought it was more fun to talk about the trip after I came back... when I had something to talk about, and photos to show! Now, I realize that it is useful to leave some “trail” before I go!

I think it is important to keep in touch with one selected family member or friend, in case there is an emergency. So, I suggest that you set up a contact person, as you plan your travel abroad.

Plan to:

1. Make arrangements to check in at regular intervals during your trip with this contact person. Me...I always relied on post cards (showing the place I was lodging at) and glorious color pictures of sights in that locale. OK...it was designed to make them “jealous”! But now, with cell phones and lap tops, we can keep in touch (and, quite frankly, still make them jealous!).

2. Leave your contact a copy of your passport, as well as details of your travel itinerary and ways in which to reach you.

3. Leave a copy of your prescriptions for medications that you are taking and the contact information for your doctor.

4. Plan to register your travel itinerary with the US State Department, through a free on-line service, at http://www.travel.state.gov. This will help the American Embassy call your contact, if you have a medical problem; or can contact you, if there is a family emergency in the US.

I hope that you can see that this is a necessary chore...and it is something to think about.

ML]]> Honor Code Renewed http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100111-062927 Triphealthy,com proudly announces that our HONcode, standard for trustworthy health information, accreditation has been reviewed and renewed. We received this good news over the recent holiday period and want to share part of the letter with you:


“Thank you for showing your support for the HONcode, Health On the Net Foundation's initiative to improve the quality of the medical Internet. As part of our subsequent monitoring process, we revisited your Web site and reviewed it for its HONcode compliance.

Upon this process we certify its full compliance with all HONcode principles. We are therefore very pleased to herewith inform you that your HONcode certificate has been extended for the following year.”


This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.



Search only trustworthy HONcode health websites:


]]> Cold Weather Travel Advice http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100107-064625
Did you realize that heat can also be lost from the neck? That calls for a scarf. And, it can be lost from the hands. Wearing gloves can help. Mittens are better than gloves, however, because the fingers can touch one another for warmth.
Those with heart conditions and high blood pressure, for example, should think twice about walking outside when the temperature is below 32degrees Fahrenheit (zero degree Celsius).

Illustration: I was taking a walk in London, when the temperature plummeted to freezing. With each breath, I had chest pains, as the cold air was causing my blood vessels to constrict. I bought a scarf and wrapped it around my mouth. Then found a hotel lobby, sat down and took a nitroglycerin tablet, which expanded my blood vessels.

Some hints how to stay healthy in cold weather:

* Cover to protect your skin and prevent the loss of body heat.

* Wear layered clothing. Silk and wool inner layers hold in body heat. Outerwear should be made of tightly woven water-repellent material in order to protect you from the wind.

* Avoid activities that cause you to sweat heavily. Cold weather and wet clothes produce chills.

* Stay as dry as possible. If in snow, be sure that all exposed skin surfaces are covered.

A good source for finding about climate affects on health is http://www.mayoclinic.com/health

Remember, we want to hear about your experiences and tips for preventing problems.

EF]]> Items to Carry as a Tourist Abroad http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry100104-064546
Many people carry back and/or tummy packs. I carry a long, thin pocketbook with a strap that I wear around my neck, positioning the bag in front of me. In your bag, I suggest that you carry:

- Only cash needed for one day and one widely accepted credit card.

- Your personal and medical information.

- Your medication list.

- One day supply of your required pills and those you may need.

- Your insurance cards.

Ask your hotel (or where you are staying) for a card with its address and phone number in the host country’s language. It is also wise to have a small paper with translations for:

- Help me, I am sick.

- Where is the closest hospital?

- Where is the toilet?

- Taxi; where can I get a taxi?

You should also carry important telephone numbers, such as the US embassy or consulate office.

EF]]> Happy New Year and Healthy Travel http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry091231-064413

Suggested resolutions for 2010:

1. Plan and prepare for a trip abroad.

2. Consult your doctor to clear the trip.

3. Regularly read Triphealthy.com.

4. Send your travel and health experiences to Triphealthy.com.


Best wishes for a healthy New Year,

Eleanor, Morris and Ron ]]> Retrieving Lost Items when Traveling http://www.triphealthy.com/index.php?entry=entry091228-064136
To be reunited with lost items, be sure to designate where the owner can be found away from home. Put labels on valuable items with your name and hotel name and phone number.

On your cell phone, place the number where you are staying as your first entry. I use “abode” and place the phone number of the hotel or house in which I sleep. I have had my phone returned twice with this information.

I read a tip from “PostPoint” about how to have a lost digital camera returned. Take your first picture of a note that lists your name, and your hotel’s name, address and phone number. In addition, use your camera to retrieve other useful information, such as:


* photograph maps, guidebook pages, store and museum hours,
and other information that you may want to remember;

* snap a picture your hotel with street signs to indicate where you are staying,
in case you get lost or need to show a taxi driver;

* photograph all sides of your rental car, as soon as you pick it up; to
prove that any damage was there before your use.

Readers – Any other ideas?

E.F. ]]>