By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Follow these tips to protect your credit while traveling overseas.

1. Call your bank. Before you leave for your trip, let your credit card company or bank know that you will be traveling out of the country. Banks constantly monitor their customers’ accounts for fraud, so an international charge can raise a red flag and have your card suspended and your purchases declined.
2. Research foreign transaction fees. It can be expensive to use a credit card abroad. Call the credit card issuing company to check on their foreign transaction fees. Some cards have lower transaction fees than others. However, some can add 3-5 percent to the cost of foreign purchases.
3. Pick a card compatible with your destination country. Not all credit cards are widely accepted in other counties. Research which credit cards are accepted in your destination country.
4. Do not bring all your credit cards. Do bring a couple credit cards, just in case one is not accepted or is lost or stolen.
5. Always bring a debit card. Not all countries permit cash advances on credit cards.
6. Carry local currency. Always carry some cash with you, just in case some smaller stores do not accept credit cards, have a minimum purchase amount, or your card is rejected. Use cash when making smaller purchases and credit cards for larger ones.
7. Save your receipts. Saving receipts can ensure you are tracking expenses and not being charged for something you didn’t buy. After you return home, be sure to double check your credit card statements. Make sure you are not overcharged on any purchases or see any suspicious charges.

Happy travels,

Kevin

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

Sitting for an extended period of time on a fight can cause leg cramps, swelling, and sore joints. However, the most serious concern is a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the leg. DVT risk is increased with air travel due to the confined seating, prolonged leg immobility and low cabin pressure. Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and discoloration of the leg and dilation of the surface veins. Although the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is rare, below are a few preventative measures:

1.       Avoid heavy medication and sleeping aids. They can cause long periods of inactivity and can contribute to blood clot formation.

2.       Drink plenty of water. Planes have very dry air which can cause dehydration, muscle aches, and thickening of blood. Drinking beverages with electrolyte-fortified solutions, such as Gatorade or a similar sports drink, can increase fluid retention and keep you better hydrated than ordinary juice or water.

3.       Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These beverages can contribute to dehydration.

4.       Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and arms. Try to walk around the cabin of the aircraft every hour if possible to increase blood circulation. When seated, avoid crossing your legs for a prolonged period of time.

5.       Purchase flight stockings. Research has shown that compression stockings or flight hose can increase circulation and lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis when worn correctly. They can be bought at most pharmacies and are also available at the airport.

6.       Wear loose-fitting, unrestricting clothing. Tight fitting garments can restrict blood flow through the body.

The next health tip will cover simple in-flight exercises that can help keep your blood flowing during long flights.

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Unwary travelers can become victims of crime while traveling overseas. Below are some tips and precautions to avoid theft and scams while out of the country.

1. Be aware of pickpockets.  Pickpockets tend to work in pairs and commonly loiter is crowded places.  Keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings at all times, especially at the airport, while waiting for a taxi or subway, and walking around busy streets.
2. Blend in. Try not to project affluence. Expensive and flashy jewelry and clothing can attract the wrong type of attention while abroad. Carry the minimum number of valuables with you when you travel and keep electronics and cameras out of sight when not in use.
3. Keep valuables close to you. Wearing a money belt, a zippered nylon pouch that is hidden under your clothing, is much safer than carrying your passport and credit cards in a purse or pocket.
4. Make copies. Make copies of your passport, identification cards, credit cards and/or traveler’s checks before you leave for your vacation. Bring one copy with you and keep it in a safe place. Leave the other copy with a friend or family member back at home.
5. Look up a U.S. consulate office. Before you depart for your trip, write down the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. consulate at your destination country. Consular officers are committed to assisting American citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.

Safe travels,

Kevin Poling

By Angie Robert, Director of Marketing & Communications at Satori World Medical

Last Thursday we launched the first issue of Medical Travel Market Watch, an electronic newsletter aimed at providing information on the medical travel industry. The latest issue covered the hot topic of health care reform, in addition to information on hospitals and physicians, health and travel tips and news specific to Satori World Medical. Medical Travel Market Watch will be distributed electronically on the first Thursday of every other month.

Below is part of the President’s Perspective segment from the current issue. To read the entire newsletter click here or to automatically receive Medical Travel Market Watch in your inbox six times a year, visit the home page of www.satoriworldmedical.com and enter an e-mail address in the newsletter sign-up field.  

As we head into the fall election cycle I would like to offer my perspective on the health care reform legislation (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – PPACA) that was signed into law by President Obama in March 2010 and how the reform measure affects Satori World Medical.

The changes in legislation will offer both positive and negative impacts to U.S. businesses. One of the benefits of the legislation is that we now know how the future of health care is going to be shaped. There are a specific set of deliverables and timetables that have been set.

With the completion of PPACA, businesses are focused again at looking for measures to save on rising health care costs. Because of this, businesses are starting to see a place in their employee benefit plans for medical travel.

With the addition of 40 million Americans, having access to health insurance there will be increased demand for health care services. You couple that with an existing shortage of nurses and doctors, queuing for medical care will be a natural by-product.

As the time to see a specialist increases, more individuals will seek to get immediate help through medical travel. Employers and employees will come to understand the high-quality health care that is available to them internationally as they look to end pain and ill health.

Click here to read the full article.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

Close contact with several passengers in a confined space is one reason people can get sick after a long flight.  Fortunately, there are easy ways to protect yourself and reduce the chances of feeling under the weather when you reach your destination.

1.       Prepare beforehand: It is important to strengthen your body’s defenses before your travels.  Get a good night’s sleep before you fly out, just in case you are unable to fall asleep during your flight. Also, a few days prior to traveling, take multivitamins to ensure your immune system is in good shape.

2.       Stay hydrated: Prior to boarding the airplane and throughout the duration of the flight, keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but try and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate.

3.       Bring anti-bacterial wipes: Touching a contaminated magazine or seat, and then touching your nose or mouth can increase your chances of becoming sick. Carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in your carryon bag and wash your hands before each meal. You can also bring anti-bacterial towelettes to wipe down your tray table and arm rest.

4.       Reduce stress: Traveling can be taxing at times and stress can lower your immune system. Reduce stress by planning the details of your trip in advance and follow these tips to avoid the hassles of airport security: http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/blog/2010/09/travel-tip-%E2%80%93-friday-september-17/

5.       Take medicine at the first sign of sickness: Colds and flues usually develop slowly. If you do catch a cold after your flight, take medication or an herbal remedy at the first sign of sickness. Sometimes you can head off a cold before it starts.

By Angie Robert, Director of Marketing & Communications at Satori World Medical

Publication Gives Voice to Industry, Provides Company News

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

It can be difficult to communicate with your family, friends or business contacts when traveling abroad. However, with modern technological advances it is easier now more than ever to keep in touch, even when you are oceans apart.

1. Take advantage of VoIP. An alternative to making a traditional phone call is to use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service such as Skype, Google Voice and Magic Jack, which all connect calls via an internet connection. Skype can be downloaded on personal laptops and at internet cafés. It is now also available on cell phones for a small fee. Make sure the people you want to keep in touch with also have a Skype account, so you can chat for free.
2. Visit an internet café. Email is a quick and simple way to stay in touch while abroad. Internet cafes charge a fee per hour or minute and are usually reasonably priced. There are plenty of cyber cafes in large cities around the world. 
3. Buy a pre-paid calling card. Calling cards are very convenient because they are pay-as-you-go, can be recharged as needed, and can be bought last minute at most airports, newsstands, and convenience stores.
4. Bring your own cell phone. Activating a global plan on your current cell phone carrier is a great way to keep in touch if you plan on making a lot of calls or want to bring your own phone with you. Many wireless carriers offer temporary international plans that include voice and data at either a fixed price or per minute/per MB cost. However, be aware of your minutes, additional charges can add up quick!
5. Rent a global cell phone. Not all cell phones can be used in other countries. If you are traveling overseas for a short period of time and would like the luxury and convenience of having a cell phone, renting an international mobile phone is an excellent alternative.

Happy travels,  

Kevin