medical

[Anonymous]

Hi folks,

I, too, chose to only get the Hep A vaccination, because the description of the traveler who should receive the typhoid vaccination did not seem to apply to me. At my medical clinic I was given some information that people might find interesting, but I'll have to share it later because the website address is at home.

In terms of deet, it is a pretty potent chemical, and should be used sparingly. Although I get my fill of the B vitamins everyday, I still get mosquito bites here and there, so I plan to use deet while traveling. You wouldn't want to use it everyday for the rest of your life, but there are times when its use outweighs the alternative.

Also, there have been a few interesting articles in the San Francisco Chronicle regarding China and Japan. I will try to post these website addresses this weekend when I'll have a little more time on my hands!

Marisa

[Anonymous]

Do you think we need sunscreen? I never wear anything but a "4" anyway, but I wonder if we chould bring some?

[Anonymous]

It is supposed to be very hot, which means it will be sunny, and I think we will be walking around outside most of the time. So, I'm bringing a good supply of sunblock, 45 SPF, and a couple of little battery operated fans. I also picked up something called "BeKool" which are soft gel sheets that stick on kids foreheads when they have a fever (they don't have to be refrigerated.)

Usually, as long as I am moving I don't feel the heat so much, but, I like to be prepared for any eventuality. That's why I am also bringing: a small water mister, an Ace ankle brace, ointment for bug bites, Pepto Bismol, bandaids, cold tablets, and of course Tylenol (actually the generic form.) I don't know what the availability of these things are where we will be so I figure its better to be safe than sorry. All these things are small, so I plan to carry them in my camera bag. This may sound rather anal, but, as I said, I like to be prepared. I guess that's why I'm in charge of earthquake supplies at my school.

[Anonymous]

You are not anal, just prepared! Were you ever a boy scout? I was a Girl Scout.
You bring your stuff, I will bring "drugs", legal of course. Between the 2 of us and the rest of our group, we should be prepared for any and all eventuialities.

[Anonymous]

Hi folks,

Has anyone obtained medical evacuation insurance? I've twice tried to contact Blue Cross regarding this -- the person with whom I first spoke had never heard of this type of insurance and didn't know where to refer me, and today when I called I was put on hold for almost half an hour before I hung up in frustration. I think they decided to leave me in hold-muzak-hell because they weren't sure how to address my inquiry in regards to purchasing medical evacuation insurance. Is anyone else having the same difficulty? Does anyone know the secret password?

Thanks,

Marisa

[Anonymous]

Medical evacuation insurance might not be availabe from Blue
Cross--your insurance carrier. You might have to contact a
travel agent directly to get the name of a company that sells
that type of specialty insurance.

Any travel agency should be able to direct you.
STA travel deals with student and teacher travel, so that might
be a start.

[Anonymous]

I've been bit in Egypt from Mosquitos and I didn't even think about it.

Be careful with the DEET it can eat through your clothes if your spill it.
I used to work at REI before teaching.

[Anonymous]

I have a great natural bug off lotion. I'm from Maine (i.e. a lot of mosquitos, black flies, noseeums, etc) and I have found it works well even there. DEET scares me.

When I was shopping at REI they showed me a spray that you can use on your clothing that lasts for 7-10 washings and prooves worth it. I did purchase a shirt/pant set that has an anti-bug (repellant) built in. I do not have experience with product, but for $5 more it seemed worth it.

[Anonymous]

What's the name of your great natural bug-off lotion?

Wondering

[Anonymous]

Skin so soft works great as bug repel.
-Julia

[Anonymous]

Nope, I was never a boy scout, but I did like the gadgets in the secret agent shows. I liked how they always had the right thing when they needed it. I know I'm a bit older now, but I still like the idea of being prepared for emergencies, or even minor everyday problems that pop up. Its been useful to be this way as a teacher. I even carry bandaids and safety pins in my wallet. My students think I'm weird for doing this, but they use them anyway.

[Anonymous]

Hello Everyone,

You are all insured for travel gap insurance by HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, which includes emergency medical evacuation. Bringing along over-the-counter medication is a good idea and highly recommended. The brands you are used to are not readily available overseas, particularly in China. Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, cold/flu/allergy medication, and even your usual contact lens products are all things to consider bringing. Trust me, you can never bring too much Pepto Bismol! :}

See you all soon,
Linda

[Anonymous]

I have my med kit ready with swabs, splints, gauze, imodium, and RX's, etc.

Does anyone know what hastle I might encounter trying to travel with syringes? I take weekly shots of Testosterone and I need to have this available to me on the trip. I've packed the syringes and my vial in my med kit, and I have traveled once before with no problem, but I just want to be on the safe side. Should I get some sort of doctor's note or something beforehand?

[Anonymous]

Hi Kyle,

After a quick look online, it looks to me that you can pack a syringe in your checked luggage, but cannot carry it on your person. It sounds like if you need to give yourself medicine on the plane, it has to be done under the supervision of an air marshall, but if it's checked, it shouldn't be a problem. It also seems like having a note from your doctor couldn't hurt, if it's not a hassle for you.

Marisa

[Anonymous]

If at all possible, bring a Dr.s perscription for the syringes. I have read this over and over in articles. Airlines, etc. get real nerous about syringes.

[Author]

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