Travel Tips For Winter

Travel in winter will be successful only when the traveler will be successful in navigating the weather.

When travelling in winter be mentally prepared for cancellations, delays, stranding on the airport and other woes connected to air travel. The airlines are also at the mercy of a snow storm so blaming them for delays really won’t help in anyway. Read on to know about some tips that can be followed when travelling in winter.

1. Connecting Flights

The biggest problems and confusions occur when the traveler is taking a connecting flight. In many cases it has been seen that if the first flight gets cancelled the travelers has no choice but to return home. Hence, as a rule in winters always try and book nonstop flights.

2. Check Layover Times

If there is no other option than a connecting flight, it makes sense to carefully scrutinize layover times. Always keep time in hand to reach the other airport and keep the weather in mind. And if you think that you will miss a connecting, inform your flight attendant and request her to hold the other flight.

3. Be Well Prepared

Winter weather can take a turn in no time so always travel well prepared. Dress suitably and carry your medication with you at all times. It makes sense to pack for a few days extra, keeping in mind a worse case scenario. It is also strongly advised to keep the  details of a travel medical assistance company handy. Just in case there is a medical emergency and you want help right away.

4. Do Not Wrap Gifts

If you are travelling in the festive season, do not waste your time packing gifts. The security will invariable tear them up to check. Shipping your gifts ahead of you is a more sensible and convenient option. 

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Technology-Driven Healthcare

Previously deemed as disruptive, technology has now come to drive healthcare and may soon define it.

For centuries, medical care was all at the hands and forceps with nothing but educated intuition to support the men at the center of it all. In over the past few decades, not only has the helplessness of the doctor vanished, but he has in turn become more accurate and effective. One of the major reasons for this is the force with which technology has driven healthcare and now become an inseparable part of the process. Here are some of the features that will drive healthcare for years to come:

Microchip Trials – The trials of new medication or vaccines on innocent animals has stopped since the introduction of microchip trials. The chips help to reconstruct human organs and can easily be tested upon for accurate data.

Tech like Google Glass – While wearable technology is still in its infancy, doctors believe technology like Google glass will eventually come into mainstream healthcare as it helps for better interaction with patients and a better education for learners of their practice.

3D Printing – Tissues, cells, organs, bones, you name it and it has been printed with the use of 3D printing technologies to realize to-scale models of the human body’s various parts. Consequently the study becomes easier.

Optogenetics – While previous studies of the brain were limited to attaching wires to a human being’s head. Technology is enabling doctors to do this by simply concentrating a strobe of light to a particular spot.

Digestible Sensors – Monitoring has become easier. Not only can you check blood pressure, sugar at home, sever diseases can now be monitored by sensors that can be digested like food. These sensors later supply useful data.

Cloud Based Communication – Inevitably as dark as it may sound, everyone needs some form or the other of healthcare. That implies more record keeping and data. Such vast storage can simply not be afforded at every location.

Medical Tourism: Thanks to medical transport companies and international healthcare service providers, patients can now head straight to destinations in any part of the world for cheaper medical care. 

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Understanding When to Request an Air Ambulance for Your Patient

Air ambulances have literally revolutionized medical transport all over the world. But, the service has to be used wisely.

Back in the day when patients could be transported only on wheels, there was no question of pondering over the when, why and how. Things have changed now and for good – state run and private air ambulance transport services are here to pick a patient and ensure on-time treatment.  But, when exactly is it okay to call for an air ambulance?

Here are some important points to consider.

Fear Factor – Before you choose to opt for air travel medical assistance, the question needs to be asked of yourself whether it is completely out of the fear of the situation or fear of having to take care of the patient that you are making the call.

Access Points (in case of emergency) – You need to make sure you call from a location where a helicopter can easily land and subsequently take-off. If that is not the case to begin with, you may be wasting your time making the phone calls.

Time – Is time of critical importance for your patient? If that is the case, there are other methods of medical transportation that might be beneficial. An air ambulance, though quick when in the air, usually takes significant time in the landings and taking off. It is not all that quick as you may imagine.

Extraction – Air ambulance transport is ideal for high emergency scenarios or evacuations. If the patient is severely sick and also stuck, air ambulances are just the thing. In other scenarios where a lot more medical equipment and crew is required or the patient can manage travel along the roads, regular ambulances run by non-emergency medical transport companies should do just fine.

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Medical Tourism Shapes the Future of Global Healthcare

Over the past decade Medical Tourism has been rising rapidly and the industry has been transformed from a niche marketplace to a highly competitive environment. An increasing number of people is becoming aware of the numerous medical options waiting for them abroad and many are willing to travel to a foreign country to get the treatment or procedure they need.

PlacidWay, a leader in the global medical tourism industry, has been analyzing the Medical Tourism trend over the past 8 years. The recent 2014 Medical Tourism Global Consumer Demand Survey Analysis has shed some light upon the medical tourism industry seen for the consumers' perspective, collecting information from people who have traveled abroad for medical care and those who would consider this option, people of various ages coming from 70 countries.

The reasons for traveling abroad vary from affordable prices, new technology available abroad, treatment not available in the patient's country, to simply looking for a second opinion. The survey has showed that the top 10 treatments for which patients will be willing to travel abroad are:

·         Cancer Treatments (71%)

·         Stem Cell Therapy (68%)

·         Chronic Diseases Treatment (61%)

·         Dentistry Procedures (58%)

·         Heart Surgery Procedures (58%)

·         Organ Transplant (57%)

·         Orthopedic Surgeries (56%)

·         Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery (55%)

·         Eye / Lasik Surgeries (53%)

·         Wellness Programs (52%)

When choosing the medical destinations, patients take into consideration factors such as the quality and availability of the needed treatment, prices, proximity to their home country, if the hospital has accreditation and the doctor training and experience. The results of the survey have showed that the top 10 most chosen medical destinations are: Mexico, India, Thailand, Germany, United States, Costa Rica, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and the United Kingdom.

More and more consumers are not limiting themselves to the solution local doctors are recommending. They are exploring outside the local boundaries, regionally and, in many cases, globally for the option that fits their health care buying behavior, being motivated by price, quality, accessibility and second opinions.

About PlacidWay

PlacidWay, a leader in the medical tourism industry, offers health travelers extensive, reliable information related to medical travel destinations, international medical providers, foreign treatment packages and resources. PlacidWay's network has over 250 renowned medical centers from more than 30 countries. PlacidWay is able to help customers from all over the world get access to personalized, safe, and affordable medical care, no matter where they are from, meeting their budget requirements. 

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How Ebola Kills

Ebola is a deadly virus that is all set to spread its fangs to every corner of the earth. It is incurable for now.

Ebola is causing havoc all over West Africa as we speak. It can be easily termed as a killer that is meticulous and has no mercy. The symptoms start with fever, a rash that is raised, vomiting and excessive weight loss. Soon it takes over the whole body and before you get time to think, the person has lost the battle. Let us read some more about how Ebola kills human beings.

1. Attack at Molecular Level

Ebola is very frightening because unlike other infections this one reaches the molecular level of the body. It is capable of devastating every tissue and organ in the body. Only thing it spares is bones and skeletal muscles.

2. The Onset

Once the virus settles inside the body it starts converting collagen to mush and starts dissolving the deep most layers of the skin. The blood starts clotting and the thickened blood stream leads to external and internal hemorrhage.

3. How Does it Start

Death comes after the whole body is deprived of blood. But at the onset it first goes for the immune system of the body. The lymphocytes are killed so that the defenses of the body go down. It is more aggressive than AIDs as the rate of tearing immune cells far more aggressive. The virus also produces several forms of proteins that block the signals from the immune cells to reach the antibodies. Once the first line is down, the virus is unstoppable.

4. The Collagen Attack

The patient will now feel feverish, have strong headaches, his appetite will go down. The virus starts multiplying in the collagen layer and soon starts feeding on it. The skin becomes liquid to touch and on the slightest pressure starts to tear. The bleeding is unstoppable and leads to the death of the patient.

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Why People Need Air Ambulances

The first hour of any medical emergency can technically determine its outcome. Read on to find out why people and not just soldiers on the line of duty are in need of air ambulances or other travel medical assistance.

People who do not have direct access to medical facilities or live in remote areas can benefit tremendously form the facility of Air Ambulances. Travel medical assistance companies all over the world are today working with leading healthcare service providers and government agencies, to ensure medical assistance is made available to all patients in need. Let’s read some more about the necessity of air ambulances in today’s time.

1. Equipped With Latest Technology

Air ambulances today are equipped with modern technology and latest gadgets to handle all kinds of medical emergencies.

2. Get Access to Remote Locations

Air ambulances can transport a patient from a remote area where other modes of transportation might not be possible. Civilians can get access to the best medical facilities in a medical emergency.

3. Professional Handovers

Air ambulances have on board commercial medical escorts and other professional paramedic staff who are trained to take and give efficient handovers. They take a complete handover from the present facility to the receiving facility. They are also trained to handle any medical emergencies and take snap decisions.

4. Ideal for All Kinds of Categories

Air ambulances today are being used by patients from all kinds of backgrounds. From transporting civilians to soldiers form the warfront, air ambulances are now used everywhere and on a frequent basis. They are a boon in trauma situations where the patient is critically ill and needs immediate attention. 

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World Kindness Day – How I Celebrated It Last Year

November the 13^th is celebrated world over as World Kindness Day, the day we all do one thing nice for somebody else.

You do not need to learn to be kind from a handbook. It comes naturally to all human beings. The moment you put yourself in somebody else’s shoes, half the confusion is over.

Although we all should be kind all year through, but on this day a special effort is totally justified. I still remember how I spent World Kindness last year. Read on more to know all about it.

1.  Give Compliments

On this day last year I made it a point to give compliments to at least three people I met. And they were genuine compliments that made their day. On my list were my daughters teachers, my neighbor and my friend with whom I jog.

I also went to an old age home nearby and spent a complete day with them, helped them with their daily tasks, had mini enjoyable sessions. To my wife's surprise, I cooked some food too for them.

2.  A Hand Written Note

Next I wrote a note to my wife to thank her for being such a wonderful, wife, mom and my friend. I also realized how much difference a hand written note makes. Next on my list were a few of my neighbors. 

3. Said Good Morning

In our morning rush we sometimes even forget to exchange pleasantries. I made it a point to wish a pleasant good morning to everybody I met in the elevator that day. And have decided to do this every day.

4. Cleared the Park

I jog in the park daily and also take my kids there to play. On 13^th November I decided to clean it up too. I took a garbage bag with me and picked up all the litter I could see. Soon my friends joined me and made the place spick and span.

5. Spread the Message on Social Media

I decided to spread my cheer to the virtual world too. I spent the next 24 hour spreading positivity all around on all social sites. People were surprised at first but soon responded with more positive messages.

It was a happy day for me and I have a lot of plans this year too. This may include:
1. Helping poor children- at least 5.
2. I like visiting old age homes, so I will visit them this year too.

What is your idea of celebrating this day? Tell us in comments.

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Why Medical Tourism?

More and more patients are considering medical tourism as a better option on comparing the costs between domestic and international facilities. Read on to know more on why medical tourism is picking up and why you too may want to consider this option for your near and dear ones.

Before selecting an option for medical tourism, patients are advised to do thorough research and comparison of costs. They need to look for safe and affordable options. Let’s read about some benefits of medical tourism.

1. Affordable and Reliable Options

People are opting for travelling abroad as the specialized procedures there are costing much less than in their own countries. They can get themselves treated and also get to visit a new country. In some cases, the cost difference can be very high.

2. Better Care and Facilities

Patients often travel abroad in search of better care options. Their domestic facilities might not be capable of offering the treatment they are looking for. When people have the money to spend, they do not want to settle for anything but the best.

3. Superior Customer Service

Long distance travel medical assistance companies come very handy in planning such trips to medical tourism destinations all around the world. They offer bed-to-bed services and top standards in customer service. They have tie ups with medical networks that ensure that the patient gets superior medical care at all times.

4. Superior and Focused Service

When a patient decides to travel to another country for a medical treatment, he has to do his homework first. He can get in touch with the concerned hospital; representatives brief him about the condition and various possible treatments he could get. Hence, when he arrives there the doctors are already briefed and aware of his medical history. The treatment is much more focused and top quality.

Download our reference PDF here: 
http://www.slideshare.net/sentinelmed/medical-tourism-a-primer-41282343 

For More, visit: http://visual.ly/medical-tourism-primer

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History of Emergency Medical Services

The concept of air ambulances was first introduced in 1926, in the US by the Army Air Corps. Read on to know more about the history of emergency medical services or air medical ambulances. 

The first air ambulance was used to transport patients from Nicaragua to Panama. Military airplanes were often used in the Word War II for evacuation of soldiers from the battlefield. Even helicopters were pressed into service in the war against Korea since reaching the injured by road was not possible.

1. Quick Evacuations

The army soon realized that air ambulances and helicopters were saving time and soldiers lives much faster than the conventional road ambulances. Soon, dedicated helicopters were converted into medical helicopters. According to records, around 22,000 troops were actually evacuated by air in the World War II. This is a huge number and the number of causalities could be much higher had there been no air medical support for the wounded soldiers on the line of duty.

2. Lack of Specialized Skills

Earlier, by the time a patient reached a specialized facility, it was all too late. Either the journey took too long or the logistics support was not able to organize the arrangements on time. It was due to this reason that healthcare service providers as well as various government health departments began to consider the use of helicopters and planes for transporting wounded and critically ill patients.

3. Air Ambulances As a Boon

Travel medical assistance companies brought about a revolution in the medical industry. Soon patients were being picked up from their homes even in the interiors and transported to specialized facilities in record time. The logistics teams were able to organize all activities beforehand, allowing the patient to get well earlier than it was previously possible.

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I Can’t Thank The Medical Transport Assistance Company Enough!

Hello everyone..!!

Its a good day for me. I got a happy mail from one of my old clients. I still remember that cute child. He is very naughty and cute. Have a look what his mom explains about her experience with SentinelMED. I wish I had some of his pictures but I am feeling overwhelmed today to read this thank you note:

I can’t thank the travel medical assistance company enough for saving the life of my three year old.

It was a normal summer afternoon. My three year old son and I decided to go to the park after lunch. The events that unfolded there leave me shuddering in fear till today. But I came to know about a wonderful group of professional that day; they were like God sent angels to for me.

We were in the park in the late afternoon when the sun was not so strong. My son likes to play in the sand pit and go up the monkey ladder. I was reading my book on the bench and my son was playing with other friends in front of me. I must mention here that we live on the outskirts of Adelaide and the closest medical facility is at an hour’s drive or more.

I heard a scream and saw my son lying flat on the ground crying in pain. He had fallen off the monkey ladder and hurt his right arm. The bone seemed to have dislocated and was jutting out of the flesh. There was profuse bleeding and I had no clue what to do. I called my husband but by the time he would reach, it would take an hour or more. I then called a long distance medical assistance company in Adelaide. They picked up the phone in one go and heard me out. I got clear instructions on how to give first aid and in a matter of 20 minutes their representative was at my doorstep. It was a smooth ride after that, they took care of everything and today my son is hail and hearty.

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