Q&A with On Call’s Dr. Wheeler: Medical Care in Sub-Saharan Africa

Johannesburg

It’s no secret that more and more companies are doing business in Africa. In June 2012, President Obama issued the U.S. Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa, committing the United States to enhancing economic growth, trade, and investment in the region. According to the campaign, U.S. trade to and from Africa has tripled over the past decade and Africa is…

Travel Emergency Prep 101: Personal Medical Information Form

We all expect our trips to go off without a hitch, and most times they do. However, if you experience a serious illness or injury away from home, recalling personal medical details during an emergency can be difficult, or in some instances, impossible. That’s why it’s so important to complete a personal medical information form…

Travel Assistance Myths…Debunked!

Family on fence (800x533)

Travel assistance… it’s something that is so important, yet sometimes overlooked. For those of you that know all about it, you’re probably asking yourself, how could anyone leave home without it? We’ve wondered that too. But the truth is, not everyone knows what it is and how it can help protect your health and safety…

Go High and Stay Well: 5 Healthy Tips for High Altitude Travel

hiking mountain (533x800)

The higher you go, the “thinner” the air gets, and when you go too high too fast, your body cannot get the oxygen it needs. While many people can reach up to 8,000 feet without any ill effects, anyone who travels from lower altitudes to above 6,500 feet could experience altitude sickness. So whether you’re…

What is an Air Ambulance and What Does it Look Like?

LA-1501-Edit

Sometimes, we travel to amazing places off the beaten path where the medical care isn’t that great. While we expect our trips to go off without a hitch (and most times they do!), if you experience a serious illness or injury away from home, an emergency medical evacuation via private air ambulance can get you…

How to Avoid the Flu While Traveling…and What to Do if You Get It

adult getting vaccinated (1024x685)

If you were to read CDC’s most recent Fluview report, you’d see some relatively good news—at least compared to last month’s headlines. While influenza activity persists in parts of the country, activity is decreasing nationally. So does this mean we’re in the clear? Most medical experts would say, “not a chance.” In fact, if you…

10 Travel Resolutions Worth Making…and Keeping!

couple planning trip (1000x665)

According to researchers, 50% of the population makes resolutions each New Year. Without fail, the top resolutions are consistently related to weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and debt reduction. If you’ve noticed yours are the same old tasks and chores, why not consider adding some travel resolutions to your list? Here are 10 travel resolutions…

Your Guide for Healthy Travel to Developing Countries

rusty faucet (680x1024)

Recent studies suggest that more than 50 million people from industrialized nations travel to developing countries each year (Travel to Developing Countries, ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia). Whether it’s for leisure, or you’re traveling to these destinations for work or study, there are plenty of precautions you can take to protect your health and well-being while…

3 Ways Travelers Can Protect Themselves (and Others) from Polio

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis.  When you first hear the word “polio,” you probably don’t think of a global health emergency. The disease has been around for 5,000 years and has been on a steady decline since the…

Healthy Travel Tips for Pregnant Travelers

travel-pregnant-resized-600

What to expect when you are eagerly awaiting the birth of your child is always a hot topic of conversation for moms to be. Whether you’re traveling for a “babymoon” with your partner or hitting the road for business, you’re not alone. Many expectant moms don’t let pregnancy stop them from taking a trip. That’s…