People who use metal detectors for treasure hunting do tend to run up against an image problem. The media and comedians like Steve Martin have poked a lot of fun at people who use these detectors. But perhaps treasure hunters can have the last laugh when their detectors turn up something valuable, which has happened in the past and is sure to happen again in the near future.
It's Easy To Get Started
The price of good quality, lightweight metal detectors have been going down in recent years. You can find them at Sears, for goodness' sakes. A basic metal detector will cost you less than $200. You can always add on bits and pieces from treasure hunting supply stores (usually found online) and from online auction sites like eBay. It's good to get a taste of the hobby before making a big financial commitment.
There are professional-quality metal detectors that can be used on boats, as well as other vehicles. There are those with ground radar that can usually detect how far down in the earth a piece of metal is and some even guess what the metal is and in some cases determine the shape of the metal object. Metal detectors are used in this case by surveyors, utility companies looking for pipelines and miners. The detectors used for these professions can often run into five figures.
There are many different types of detectors on the market. If you are just starting out you may want to consider the Land or Relic detectors. They have fewer features and are easy for the beginner to start with, just turn in on and go. Then can be used on land and even in a couple of inches of water. Most of the coils are waterproof, just keep the electronics out of the water and you will be ok.
As the price increases for the detectors the more complicated they become. More and more practice will be needed to become an expert with the device but in the long run you will spend less time digging up trash.
You Are Not Alone
Treasure hunting is a hobby that not only lets you get to play with big toys, perhaps make some money, but also gets your outside and exercising. You should be exercising regularly, anyway, but just doing the same old exercises over and over again can get boring. And, you can also make new friends with the treasure hunting hobby.
There are treasure hunting clubs all over the country. In order to find out the closest one to you, contact the Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs (FMDAC). Although most of these clubs cater to adults, there are some clubs strictly for kids and some clubs will allow kids to enter with an adult. There are treasure hunting clubs in other countries besides America. For example, in England, the use of metal detectors for treasure hunting has gone up 20% in the year 2006.
There have been incredible things found by regular people with metal detectors. These finds include rare coins, buried cars and ancient artifacts. And if you loose your wedding ring in a forest, chances are you'll be able to find it again before your spouse finds out about your little accident.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Treasure Hunting For Morel Mushrooms
Hunting for morel mushrooms typically runs from early April and runs through June depending on your geographical location. The Great Lakes region in the United States is the most popular hunting grounds for morel mushrooms but they have also been found in almost all of the lower 48 states.
Most hunters will agree that the weather has the most effect on the availability and quality of these elusive mushrooms. Typically the day time temperature around 60 to 70 degrees, night time temperatures not less than 40 degrees and the soil temperatures of about 50 to 60 degrees with good ground moisture levels are ideal for moral growing.
Moral mushrooms are found in small patches under dead or dying elms, ash, apple and even pine trees. The seem to like to hide under or near thickets or other plant small plants growing in the area but since the ground cover varies a lot each patch of mushrooms you come upon may be growing in totally different conditions. Once you find a good spot you will need to check it year after year.
After a forest fire the moral mushroom seems to grow abundantly for the next two or three years and a lot of commercial pickers will follow the forest fire reports and first hunt in these recently burned areas.
Morel mushrooms can last for about two weeks before it starts to decay if the weather is good. Morels have been known to grow as much as one half of an inch in 24 hours. Since the shrooms do not have a use-by-date on them it is necessary that you examine each one collected for any decay. Look under the caps for any signs of decay. Many collectors will use the 50 percent rule when dealing with these mushrooms; if 50 percent is still good then bag it. It is also recommended that you do not keep them for more than three or four days before eating.
To harvest simply pinch or twist of the mushroom at ground level. It is recommended that your collection bag be a large open weave design. Some hunters believe that the open bag will facilitate the spoors falling to the ground, during your travels, allowing for a crop next year. Others think this is an old wives tell but at the very least the open weave design will allow tiny nasty forest critters to fall off the mushroom.
After harvesting, take them to a sink and rinse them in cold water to remove any foreign particles which include bugs. Then cut then lengthwise and rinse them again. Sore the clean mushrooms in a bowl with a cloth draped over them.
If this is your first time hunting, you should always go with someone who has several years shroom hunting experience. They can show you how and where to hunt successfully and in addition they can show you what a good moral looks like. Never eat a mushroom before you check to see if it is poisonous or not. Many good web sites exist that have very good pictures and description of the edible and poisonous verities of mushrooms.
Attending a Moral Mushroom Festival are excellent sources of information for the newbie and seasoned hunter alike. Muscoda, Wisconsin is the self-styled Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin and this may be a good place to start.
Most hunters will agree that the weather has the most effect on the availability and quality of these elusive mushrooms. Typically the day time temperature around 60 to 70 degrees, night time temperatures not less than 40 degrees and the soil temperatures of about 50 to 60 degrees with good ground moisture levels are ideal for moral growing.
Moral mushrooms are found in small patches under dead or dying elms, ash, apple and even pine trees. The seem to like to hide under or near thickets or other plant small plants growing in the area but since the ground cover varies a lot each patch of mushrooms you come upon may be growing in totally different conditions. Once you find a good spot you will need to check it year after year.
After a forest fire the moral mushroom seems to grow abundantly for the next two or three years and a lot of commercial pickers will follow the forest fire reports and first hunt in these recently burned areas.
Morel mushrooms can last for about two weeks before it starts to decay if the weather is good. Morels have been known to grow as much as one half of an inch in 24 hours. Since the shrooms do not have a use-by-date on them it is necessary that you examine each one collected for any decay. Look under the caps for any signs of decay. Many collectors will use the 50 percent rule when dealing with these mushrooms; if 50 percent is still good then bag it. It is also recommended that you do not keep them for more than three or four days before eating.
To harvest simply pinch or twist of the mushroom at ground level. It is recommended that your collection bag be a large open weave design. Some hunters believe that the open bag will facilitate the spoors falling to the ground, during your travels, allowing for a crop next year. Others think this is an old wives tell but at the very least the open weave design will allow tiny nasty forest critters to fall off the mushroom.
After harvesting, take them to a sink and rinse them in cold water to remove any foreign particles which include bugs. Then cut then lengthwise and rinse them again. Sore the clean mushrooms in a bowl with a cloth draped over them.
If this is your first time hunting, you should always go with someone who has several years shroom hunting experience. They can show you how and where to hunt successfully and in addition they can show you what a good moral looks like. Never eat a mushroom before you check to see if it is poisonous or not. Many good web sites exist that have very good pictures and description of the edible and poisonous verities of mushrooms.
Attending a Moral Mushroom Festival are excellent sources of information for the newbie and seasoned hunter alike. Muscoda, Wisconsin is the self-styled Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin and this may be a good place to start.
Health care for globe trotters
50% of people, who travel, suffer a travel – related illness. All travelers should be well prepared for travel and be prepared to protect themselves from travel related illness. In this issue various aspects of travel related illness have been discussed with related protective measures.
According to ayurveda traveling causes vitiation of vata dosha. Vata dosha regulates all the activities of body like digestion, respiration, excretion, transmission of nerve impulses ,reflexes, body movements etc. When vata gets vitiated due to traveling all these normal functions of body also get imbalanced .The imbalances in body functions project themselves as travel related illness.
Motion sickness: Almost every body are susceptible to motion sickness. Fatigue, giddiness, deprivation of sleep, nausea and vomiting are the main unwelcome symptoms of motion sickness. Avoid consuming alcohol, pain killers, spicy foods, fried foods and junk foods during traveling. Try to relax and chose a window seat. Do not read or talk. Or watch someone who is motion sick.
Eat light food. Include pomegranate, ginger and curds in your diet while traveling. Rinse your mouth and wash your face with cold water as soon as you take your food.
Diarrhea: Though travelers’ diarrhea is mild inconvenience to a traveler, it may at times be life threatening too. Upsets in digestive system frequently occur in travelers due to stress, time zone changes, irregular meal times and new foods. But serious diarrhea during traveling is caused by bacteria, viruses or parasitic infections. The best way out is to take ample precautionary measures.
Wash your hands frequently. Use sanitizing liquids, hand washes or gels which cleanse the hands without water. Always use disposable hygienically packed tissue papers than towels. Avoid street, roadside foods, buffet meals. Select food which is well cooked and served hot. Thick-skinned fruits which you can peel yourself are usually safe. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, uncooked vegetables, salads. Be care full with unpasteurized milk and milk products. Always use sealed mineral water, canned juices and beverages. Never use ice cubes or unsealed bottled beverages. Bottled Beer, wine and hot coffee or tea are safe. Drink from original containers or clean glasses
If you get mild diarrhea eat light ,soft and semi solid foods like idli, soups etc which are easily digestible. Avoid heavy, spicy and non vegetarian foods. Drink plenty of fruit juices.(canned or hygienically packed.). Keep yourself well hydrated. Consult a doctor immediately if diarrhea leads to dehydration.
Constipation: people often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted. Drink plenty of water and consume food which are rich in fibers to avoid constipation .
Try to adhere to routine food timings .Drink a big glass of water every day morning. Avoid frequent consumption of tea or coffee. Taking two thriphala tablets with warm water before going to bed helps to normalize bowel movements. These tablets should be avoided during pregnancy.
Tired feet Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long hours of traveling. Try to walk every now and then. Drink water, stretch your calf muscles while you're sitting and wear support stockings.
Foot bath for tired feet: Massage your foot with little coconut oil and soak them in warm water . You can add few drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil or sandal wood oil to warm water. After a foot bath rub your foot. Relax after a foot bath.
Prevention of Malaria: To prevent mosquito bites and malaria wear mosquito repellent .Stay indoors between dusk and dawn. The malaria spreading mosquitoes generally feed at this time. Apply mosquito repellent, to your clothes and bedding. Wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors. Use a mosquito net while sleeping. Stay in air-conditioned, screened accommodation.
Jet lag To avoid jet lag get plenty of sleep before you leave. Don't drink a lot of alcohol while on flight. Eat well-balanced meals and avoid over eating. Exercise as much as you can on your trip. Get used to a new time zone by going along with the local meal and bedtime schedules.
Accidents: Do not drive in unfamiliar places where you know less about that regional language, road conditions, rules of the road, condition of the vehicles. etc. Choose your transportation carefully. Check the security, life saving facilities provided in the transport. Chose, the cab with seat belts, hotels with fire escape and ferries with life preservers. Never swim in unknown rivers or seas when you are not familiar with sea currents and waves.
Sex: Have a safe sex when you are with unfamiliar new partners. Alcohol, drugs and sex are dangerous combination
Immunization: Get immunized with vaccines before traveling. Avoid animal bites and saliva. If you are bitten by dog wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Travel during pregnancy: If you chose to travel during pregnancy the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is the best time. Before traveling take the opinion of your consulting doctor and provide him the sufficient details about the places you are visiting, mode of transport etc.
Tips for older travelers See your doctor for a checkup and discuss your fitness .See your dentist and ophthalmologist. Keep a spare pair of glasses, any medications you need in a small medical kit. Organize travel health insurance with pre-existing illness cover if needed. Make sure it covers emergency evacuation. Make sure routine immunizations are done before traveling. Consider your back - use luggage with built in wheels. Take clothes and hats to suit the climate.
Other safety precautions: Check with the regional office or through internet the situation of places you are planning to visit. The destination places must be free from riots, terrorism, floods or other calamities.
Mental tensions: Preparations for traveling lead to worry and tensions. Here are few relaxing tips before and during traveling.
1. Close your eyes , take five deep breaths through your nose and pay attention only to your breathing while doing this.
2. Taking a hot shower relaxes your muscles, and the break from more stressful activities helps too.
3. Laugh. Laughing helps to relax. Find people who can make you laugh and make your moments lighter..
4. Listen to relaxing music.
5. Take a walk.
6. Get a hug.
A visit to your family physician and some thought and planning ahead make your trip more successful and memorable. We wish you a rewarding, memorable, safe and healthy trip.
According to ayurveda traveling causes vitiation of vata dosha. Vata dosha regulates all the activities of body like digestion, respiration, excretion, transmission of nerve impulses ,reflexes, body movements etc. When vata gets vitiated due to traveling all these normal functions of body also get imbalanced .The imbalances in body functions project themselves as travel related illness.
Motion sickness: Almost every body are susceptible to motion sickness. Fatigue, giddiness, deprivation of sleep, nausea and vomiting are the main unwelcome symptoms of motion sickness. Avoid consuming alcohol, pain killers, spicy foods, fried foods and junk foods during traveling. Try to relax and chose a window seat. Do not read or talk. Or watch someone who is motion sick.
Eat light food. Include pomegranate, ginger and curds in your diet while traveling. Rinse your mouth and wash your face with cold water as soon as you take your food.
Diarrhea: Though travelers’ diarrhea is mild inconvenience to a traveler, it may at times be life threatening too. Upsets in digestive system frequently occur in travelers due to stress, time zone changes, irregular meal times and new foods. But serious diarrhea during traveling is caused by bacteria, viruses or parasitic infections. The best way out is to take ample precautionary measures.
Wash your hands frequently. Use sanitizing liquids, hand washes or gels which cleanse the hands without water. Always use disposable hygienically packed tissue papers than towels. Avoid street, roadside foods, buffet meals. Select food which is well cooked and served hot. Thick-skinned fruits which you can peel yourself are usually safe. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, uncooked vegetables, salads. Be care full with unpasteurized milk and milk products. Always use sealed mineral water, canned juices and beverages. Never use ice cubes or unsealed bottled beverages. Bottled Beer, wine and hot coffee or tea are safe. Drink from original containers or clean glasses
If you get mild diarrhea eat light ,soft and semi solid foods like idli, soups etc which are easily digestible. Avoid heavy, spicy and non vegetarian foods. Drink plenty of fruit juices.(canned or hygienically packed.). Keep yourself well hydrated. Consult a doctor immediately if diarrhea leads to dehydration.
Constipation: people often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted. Drink plenty of water and consume food which are rich in fibers to avoid constipation .
Try to adhere to routine food timings .Drink a big glass of water every day morning. Avoid frequent consumption of tea or coffee. Taking two thriphala tablets with warm water before going to bed helps to normalize bowel movements. These tablets should be avoided during pregnancy.
Tired feet Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long hours of traveling. Try to walk every now and then. Drink water, stretch your calf muscles while you're sitting and wear support stockings.
Foot bath for tired feet: Massage your foot with little coconut oil and soak them in warm water . You can add few drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil or sandal wood oil to warm water. After a foot bath rub your foot. Relax after a foot bath.
Prevention of Malaria: To prevent mosquito bites and malaria wear mosquito repellent .Stay indoors between dusk and dawn. The malaria spreading mosquitoes generally feed at this time. Apply mosquito repellent, to your clothes and bedding. Wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors. Use a mosquito net while sleeping. Stay in air-conditioned, screened accommodation.
Jet lag To avoid jet lag get plenty of sleep before you leave. Don't drink a lot of alcohol while on flight. Eat well-balanced meals and avoid over eating. Exercise as much as you can on your trip. Get used to a new time zone by going along with the local meal and bedtime schedules.
Accidents: Do not drive in unfamiliar places where you know less about that regional language, road conditions, rules of the road, condition of the vehicles. etc. Choose your transportation carefully. Check the security, life saving facilities provided in the transport. Chose, the cab with seat belts, hotels with fire escape and ferries with life preservers. Never swim in unknown rivers or seas when you are not familiar with sea currents and waves.
Sex: Have a safe sex when you are with unfamiliar new partners. Alcohol, drugs and sex are dangerous combination
Immunization: Get immunized with vaccines before traveling. Avoid animal bites and saliva. If you are bitten by dog wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Travel during pregnancy: If you chose to travel during pregnancy the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is the best time. Before traveling take the opinion of your consulting doctor and provide him the sufficient details about the places you are visiting, mode of transport etc.
Tips for older travelers See your doctor for a checkup and discuss your fitness .See your dentist and ophthalmologist. Keep a spare pair of glasses, any medications you need in a small medical kit. Organize travel health insurance with pre-existing illness cover if needed. Make sure it covers emergency evacuation. Make sure routine immunizations are done before traveling. Consider your back - use luggage with built in wheels. Take clothes and hats to suit the climate.
Other safety precautions: Check with the regional office or through internet the situation of places you are planning to visit. The destination places must be free from riots, terrorism, floods or other calamities.
Mental tensions: Preparations for traveling lead to worry and tensions. Here are few relaxing tips before and during traveling.
1. Close your eyes , take five deep breaths through your nose and pay attention only to your breathing while doing this.
2. Taking a hot shower relaxes your muscles, and the break from more stressful activities helps too.
3. Laugh. Laughing helps to relax. Find people who can make you laugh and make your moments lighter..
4. Listen to relaxing music.
5. Take a walk.
6. Get a hug.
A visit to your family physician and some thought and planning ahead make your trip more successful and memorable. We wish you a rewarding, memorable, safe and healthy trip.
Secrets to a Healthy Cruise
So, you're going on a cruise. That wonderful all-in travel experience which has become so popular lately. Just hop on the ship, no worries about accommodation, food, tours, entertainment and fun. Hold on there newbie, there are a few things you'll need to know before the fun begins.
Many a cruiser will tell of stories about colds, stomach flu, sunburns and cuts and bruises. Anytime you pack a few thousand human beings into a small space, even though your ship might be huge, there is always the chance of communicable illnesses. How many horror stories have surfaced in the news about ship borne viruses and bacterial infections, we've all heard of at least one. Well here are a five tips on making your cruise the most enjoyable experience possible.
1) Anti bacterial hand sanitizing liquids and lotions are your friend. Buy a travel pack of 6 or more small, i mean those tiny plastic travel versions, and carry one on you where ever you go, even the pool or beach. Just pop it in you bag or purse or pocket. Use it, they work, why do you think hospitals use them. Make sure your kids use them too or apply them to your kids, especially before meals.
2) Think about that hamburger or chicken salad sandwich you're about to put in your mouth. Has it come from an open food bar, the all you can eat type. Were there sneeze guards, was the food chilled enough or hot enough,were the serving staff wearing gloves. Dining on board is usually not the problem, it's that poolside buffet that causes the stomach aches. Slow down, relax, the food will be there. Overeating especially foods you normally don't eat, is a big problem on cruise ships. Eat something, then wait 15 minutes, if you still want that shrimp salad, take half a serving.
3) Don't eat the street food when you get off the ship. If you want to eat something when on a day trip, find a restaurant with lots of people, locals if possible. Stay away from any food that has to be washed , like fruit, unless the port you are in is known to have drinkable water. No matter where you are, now is not the time to experiment with the local specialities. If your in port for a few days , seek out a reputable restaurant to go to to taste the local fare.
4) Bring a few bandaids along when leaving the ship, not a whole box, just a few just in case. If you do scratch or cut yourself, apply a bandaid to lessen the chance of infection and have it cleaned well back on board, wash it well and apply some anti bacterial creme. Many a small cut has turned nasty, especially in the tropics. Don't forget about sun screen, sunburns are long lasting and will put a crimp in any cruise
5) If you're sleeping off the ship at all, or even if you've booked that cheapie getaway on an older ship or secondary cruise line to save a buck, you would be well served to invest in a travel sheet, like an Allersac. You never know what the bedding will be like and there is nothing that will ruin a trip like unclean bedding or bedbugs. An Allersac can be used on planes, trains or bus seats. You might not need one , but if you do...
Hundreds of thousands of people every year travel by cruise ship, only a small percentage get sick. Have a healthy trip by planning well and taking a few, but important precautions. Happy cruising.
Many a cruiser will tell of stories about colds, stomach flu, sunburns and cuts and bruises. Anytime you pack a few thousand human beings into a small space, even though your ship might be huge, there is always the chance of communicable illnesses. How many horror stories have surfaced in the news about ship borne viruses and bacterial infections, we've all heard of at least one. Well here are a five tips on making your cruise the most enjoyable experience possible.
1) Anti bacterial hand sanitizing liquids and lotions are your friend. Buy a travel pack of 6 or more small, i mean those tiny plastic travel versions, and carry one on you where ever you go, even the pool or beach. Just pop it in you bag or purse or pocket. Use it, they work, why do you think hospitals use them. Make sure your kids use them too or apply them to your kids, especially before meals.
2) Think about that hamburger or chicken salad sandwich you're about to put in your mouth. Has it come from an open food bar, the all you can eat type. Were there sneeze guards, was the food chilled enough or hot enough,were the serving staff wearing gloves. Dining on board is usually not the problem, it's that poolside buffet that causes the stomach aches. Slow down, relax, the food will be there. Overeating especially foods you normally don't eat, is a big problem on cruise ships. Eat something, then wait 15 minutes, if you still want that shrimp salad, take half a serving.
3) Don't eat the street food when you get off the ship. If you want to eat something when on a day trip, find a restaurant with lots of people, locals if possible. Stay away from any food that has to be washed , like fruit, unless the port you are in is known to have drinkable water. No matter where you are, now is not the time to experiment with the local specialities. If your in port for a few days , seek out a reputable restaurant to go to to taste the local fare.
4) Bring a few bandaids along when leaving the ship, not a whole box, just a few just in case. If you do scratch or cut yourself, apply a bandaid to lessen the chance of infection and have it cleaned well back on board, wash it well and apply some anti bacterial creme. Many a small cut has turned nasty, especially in the tropics. Don't forget about sun screen, sunburns are long lasting and will put a crimp in any cruise
5) If you're sleeping off the ship at all, or even if you've booked that cheapie getaway on an older ship or secondary cruise line to save a buck, you would be well served to invest in a travel sheet, like an Allersac. You never know what the bedding will be like and there is nothing that will ruin a trip like unclean bedding or bedbugs. An Allersac can be used on planes, trains or bus seats. You might not need one , but if you do...
Hundreds of thousands of people every year travel by cruise ship, only a small percentage get sick. Have a healthy trip by planning well and taking a few, but important precautions. Happy cruising.
Information on Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine used to prevent infection by the virus of yellow fever.
We recommend immunization against yellow fever for every person in 9 months of age and older who are traveling or living in areas of Africa, South America and other countries where yellow fever infection. In addition, people are traveling to countries that require yellow fever immunization (certificate of vaccination) should be immunized. You also need immunization against yellow fever for others who may come into contact with the virus of yellow fever.
Infants 6 to 9 months of age and pregnant women should be immunized only if they must travel to areas where there is an epidemic of yellow fever and can not be protected against mosquito bites.
Infants 4 to 6 months old can be vaccinated only if there is a high risk of infection by yellow fever.
We do not recommend immunization against yellow fever in infants under 4 months of age because they have a higher risk of suffering serious side effects from this vaccine.
The certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is effective 10 days after the first immunization and lasts 10 years. If you receive a second yellow fever vaccine less than 10 years after the first injection, vaccination certificate becomes effective the day of the second immunization.
The yellow fever vaccine is given only at the Centers for yellow fever vaccination authorized. Their health departments of state, provincial or local can tell you where to find these sites.
If some of the information in this booklet will cause particular concern or would like more information about its vaccine and its use, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
BEFORE USING
Tell your doctor, nurse and pharmacist if you. . . . .
are allergic to any medicine, whether prescribed or not;
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication;
are breast-feeding;
are taking any other medication or no treatment or had x-rays or medications that can reduce the body's protection against infections, such as those used for organ transplantation (eg, cyclosporine), cancer
medications or corticosteroids
have any other medical problems, including a weakened immune system (or family history of) or a serious illness with fever.
Use
PRECAUTIONS
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately
Rare - Confusion, convulsions, cough, rapid heartbeat, burning, tingling or tingling in the skin, headache (very strong), nervousness or irritability, redness of skin rash or itching, sneezing, stiff neck, vibration in the ears, difficulty breathing or swallowing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
These side effects usually disappear as your body adjusts to the vaccine, however, if they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Less common - Fever (mild), headache (mild), sore muscles, pain at the injection site
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
We recommend immunization against yellow fever for every person in 9 months of age and older who are traveling or living in areas of Africa, South America and other countries where yellow fever infection. In addition, people are traveling to countries that require yellow fever immunization (certificate of vaccination) should be immunized. You also need immunization against yellow fever for others who may come into contact with the virus of yellow fever.
Infants 6 to 9 months of age and pregnant women should be immunized only if they must travel to areas where there is an epidemic of yellow fever and can not be protected against mosquito bites.
Infants 4 to 6 months old can be vaccinated only if there is a high risk of infection by yellow fever.
We do not recommend immunization against yellow fever in infants under 4 months of age because they have a higher risk of suffering serious side effects from this vaccine.
The certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is effective 10 days after the first immunization and lasts 10 years. If you receive a second yellow fever vaccine less than 10 years after the first injection, vaccination certificate becomes effective the day of the second immunization.
The yellow fever vaccine is given only at the Centers for yellow fever vaccination authorized. Their health departments of state, provincial or local can tell you where to find these sites.
If some of the information in this booklet will cause particular concern or would like more information about its vaccine and its use, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
BEFORE USING
Tell your doctor, nurse and pharmacist if you. . . . .
are allergic to any medicine, whether prescribed or not;
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication;
are breast-feeding;
are taking any other medication or no treatment or had x-rays or medications that can reduce the body's protection against infections, such as those used for organ transplantation (eg, cyclosporine), cancer
medications or corticosteroids
have any other medical problems, including a weakened immune system (or family history of) or a serious illness with fever.
Use
PRECAUTIONS
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately
Rare - Confusion, convulsions, cough, rapid heartbeat, burning, tingling or tingling in the skin, headache (very strong), nervousness or irritability, redness of skin rash or itching, sneezing, stiff neck, vibration in the ears, difficulty breathing or swallowing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
These side effects usually disappear as your body adjusts to the vaccine, however, if they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Less common - Fever (mild), headache (mild), sore muscles, pain at the injection site
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Foreign Travel Health Tips
With just 36 hours to circle the world by air, a time well below the incubation period of most diseases can be contracted in many countries around the world. Year after year, more and more people who undertake international travel, even in developing countries that were just beaten goals: reducing the cost of flights were offered to many, the opportunity to visit distant countries, often for the first time.
The more than 700 million passengers who travel each year on the planet have a significant risk of getting sick and becoming a vehicle of infection to other people when they get back home. Every traveler should be aware that protect your health also means protecting those of others and that to do so we must also respect the culture and environment of the destination of travel.
In recent years, health authorities around the world have understood the importance of protecting human health from possible outbreaks of infection or precarious sanitary situation of the countries visited. On the one hand, the risk can be minimized through appropriate precautions, prevention and vaccination, taken prior to departure. Secondly, the identification and timely treatment of an imported disease are essential for preventing the disease from transmitting to others, to become a serious public health problem.
Before you travel
To reduce the risk of getting sick or having accidents while you are abroad, the ideal is to contact your doctor 4-6 weeks before you leave. Among the general factors to consider are:
1. Pre-existing diseases or disorders
2.Vaccination status (including the possibility of vaccines against diseases endemic in the destination of travel)
3.Allergies to foods or medicines
4.Prescriptions being
5.Any previous trips.
Depending on the destination of the journey, we must then consider all those who may become risk factors:
* Food and water, are often not thoroughly purified in many countries around the world
* Environmental conditions to which the body is not accustomed (altitude, drought, temperature too high)
* Presence of parasites in the environment and in animals with whom you may come into contact (by insects in various invertebrates, until poultry)
* Sexual behaviors that may increase the risk of transmitting infections.
The characteristics of the journey and the destination are important: a roadmap, place and length of stay, conditions of hygiene, and reason for travel (tourism, business, educational, humanitarian mission, etc.), season of the year, possible exposure to risk factors, epidemic in progress.
There are some categories of especially vulnerable people who require more care during the sight: children, elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, but also people who are preparing to make a trip "adventure."
Prophylaxis and vaccination
Vaccination can be an effective preventive of many diseases that can be contracted during travel. When you are about to leave, you should first check to be up to date with vaccinations under the national program. In particular, in Italy are compulsory immunization against diphtheria and tetanus (DT), polio (IPV) and hepatitis B (Hb), while those are strongly recommended to protect from measles, mumps and rubella (MPR) and infections with Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib).
Depending on the destination then the journey will be recommended the vaccine or prophylaxis against certain specific diseases. Today, no country requires the certificate of vaccination against smallpox and against cholera. The only certificate that should be required in international travel, up to some travelers, is that against yellow fever. Many countries require an international certificate of vaccination valuable to travelers arriving from infected areas or who have transited through those areas, while some require a certificate to all travelers entering, including those in transit. That requirement goes beyond what is stated in the International Health Regulations, however, vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside of urban areas in countries including in areas endemic for yellow fever.
As for malaria, for each country situated in endemic areas is recommended chemoprophylaxis specification, according to species and level of drug resistance parasites
Detailed information on the vaccination to visit different areas of the world can be found in many institutional sites, including the Ministry of Health, the WHO or Cdc Americans. Epicenter are also on a number of health topics relevant to those preparing to make a trip:
* Brucellosis
* Chikungunya
* Viral Hepatitis
* Dengue fever
* Lassa fever
* Marburg hemorrhagic fever
* Giardia
* Influence
* AI
* Legionellosis
* Leishmaniasis
* Listeria
* Malaria
* Sexually transmitted diseases
* Meningitis
* Norovirus
* Fever
* Rotavirus
* Salmonella
* Syphilis
* Tetanus
* Tossinfezioni food
* Toxoplasmosis
* Tuberculosis
* Vaccinations
* Smallpox
* Tick
* Zoonoses
The more than 700 million passengers who travel each year on the planet have a significant risk of getting sick and becoming a vehicle of infection to other people when they get back home. Every traveler should be aware that protect your health also means protecting those of others and that to do so we must also respect the culture and environment of the destination of travel.
In recent years, health authorities around the world have understood the importance of protecting human health from possible outbreaks of infection or precarious sanitary situation of the countries visited. On the one hand, the risk can be minimized through appropriate precautions, prevention and vaccination, taken prior to departure. Secondly, the identification and timely treatment of an imported disease are essential for preventing the disease from transmitting to others, to become a serious public health problem.
Before you travel
To reduce the risk of getting sick or having accidents while you are abroad, the ideal is to contact your doctor 4-6 weeks before you leave. Among the general factors to consider are:
1. Pre-existing diseases or disorders
2.Vaccination status (including the possibility of vaccines against diseases endemic in the destination of travel)
3.Allergies to foods or medicines
4.Prescriptions being
5.Any previous trips.
Depending on the destination of the journey, we must then consider all those who may become risk factors:
* Food and water, are often not thoroughly purified in many countries around the world
* Environmental conditions to which the body is not accustomed (altitude, drought, temperature too high)
* Presence of parasites in the environment and in animals with whom you may come into contact (by insects in various invertebrates, until poultry)
* Sexual behaviors that may increase the risk of transmitting infections.
The characteristics of the journey and the destination are important: a roadmap, place and length of stay, conditions of hygiene, and reason for travel (tourism, business, educational, humanitarian mission, etc.), season of the year, possible exposure to risk factors, epidemic in progress.
There are some categories of especially vulnerable people who require more care during the sight: children, elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, but also people who are preparing to make a trip "adventure."
Prophylaxis and vaccination
Vaccination can be an effective preventive of many diseases that can be contracted during travel. When you are about to leave, you should first check to be up to date with vaccinations under the national program. In particular, in Italy are compulsory immunization against diphtheria and tetanus (DT), polio (IPV) and hepatitis B (Hb), while those are strongly recommended to protect from measles, mumps and rubella (MPR) and infections with Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib).
Depending on the destination then the journey will be recommended the vaccine or prophylaxis against certain specific diseases. Today, no country requires the certificate of vaccination against smallpox and against cholera. The only certificate that should be required in international travel, up to some travelers, is that against yellow fever. Many countries require an international certificate of vaccination valuable to travelers arriving from infected areas or who have transited through those areas, while some require a certificate to all travelers entering, including those in transit. That requirement goes beyond what is stated in the International Health Regulations, however, vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside of urban areas in countries including in areas endemic for yellow fever.
As for malaria, for each country situated in endemic areas is recommended chemoprophylaxis specification, according to species and level of drug resistance parasites
Detailed information on the vaccination to visit different areas of the world can be found in many institutional sites, including the Ministry of Health, the WHO or Cdc Americans. Epicenter are also on a number of health topics relevant to those preparing to make a trip:
* Brucellosis
* Chikungunya
* Viral Hepatitis
* Dengue fever
* Lassa fever
* Marburg hemorrhagic fever
* Giardia
* Influence
* AI
* Legionellosis
* Leishmaniasis
* Listeria
* Malaria
* Sexually transmitted diseases
* Meningitis
* Norovirus
* Fever
* Rotavirus
* Salmonella
* Syphilis
* Tetanus
* Tossinfezioni food
* Toxoplasmosis
* Tuberculosis
* Vaccinations
* Smallpox
* Tick
* Zoonoses
Simple Safety Tips That Can Save a Loved One’s Life During Emergencies
Regardless of where you live it’s a guarantee that we’ll have some rough weather at some point. And that is just the weather related “emergencies”! Have you made your plans? Do those plans include anyone you know that might have a hard time taking care of themselves in a storm or disaster, like our senior and disabled family members and friends? With proper planning, some of the gruesome and haunting things that happened in Hurricane Katrina can be avoided when unexpected emergency situations strike.
Family caregivers and their loved ones need to take three steps to prepare for emergency situations and to do these NOW, before the watches and warnings start or something completely unexpected happens, and it’s really too late for the last minute scramble to the hardware store or grocery store or pharmacy!
Develop a Plan: A plan should consider all types of emergency situations including power outages, floods, terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
· Support –Who will be a part of the support network during an emergency - family, friends, neighbors, County resources, or a private duty in-home care company such as Right at Home?
· Consider Health Issues – Families must keep in mind the elderly or disabled individual’s specific needs and health issues. Are they currently on dialysis, receiving wound care at home, or getting infusion therapy of any kind? Do they need oxygen, electricity, refrigeration, or meals delivered on a regular basis? All Home Health Agencies and Hospices are required to plan for these emergencies, but not all seniors or disabled individuals are receiving services from these types of organizations, so support in these areas needs to be considered.
· Logistics – The plan should clearly consider how the individual should get help in a disaster situation; whether help comes to them or if they should go to a designated safe haven such as a shelter or hospital. Hillsborough County has a Special Needs Shelter which provides for those who need electricity or skilled care support on a frequent basis, however the Shelter has limited space and one must be approved prior to an emergency in order to be included. Ditto on a hospital; they can’t just take someone who has no where else to go as they will have the most critically ill and complicated cases in their care. FYI, if needed and approved, the County will also supply transportation to the Special Needs Shelter or a Red Cross Shelter.
· Communication – How are you going to know whether this person is okay or not as the emergency unfolds? More than one contact number is best, and a great plan is an out-of-town (preferably out-of-Florida) contact that is the central contact for everyone concerned. That way, if there is limited phone service in Tampa, family members and friends can contact this out-of-state person and let them know they are okay and that person can keep everyone else concerned up-to-date on unfolding events.
Emergency Kits: Basic emergency supplies should always be kept accessible such as water, non-perishable food items, batteries, flashlights, radio, and first aid kits.
· Extra Medications – A minimum of three days worth of extra medications should be kept on hand as well as medical equipment ranging from oxygen tanks to eye glasses and hearing aids.
· Backup Power Sources – Battery powered back-ups for any special medical equipment should be installed on devices that require it.
· Contacts – The kit should include a list of contacts; telephone numbers for family, friends, neighbors, medical professionals and caregivers.
Important Information: When in an emergency situation it is important to keep medical and other records available.
· Location –Those in the support network should know where to go to get access to important documents and records.
· Necessary Information – Be sure and include information such as medical history, allergies, insurance forms, medical providers and a list of medications taken on a daily basis. Also include important financial documents.
Taking the time now to make a plan for our family members who need assistance before a disaster, when things are calm and preparations can be made rationally, will pay off many times over when emergency situations occur.
Family caregivers and their loved ones need to take three steps to prepare for emergency situations and to do these NOW, before the watches and warnings start or something completely unexpected happens, and it’s really too late for the last minute scramble to the hardware store or grocery store or pharmacy!
Develop a Plan: A plan should consider all types of emergency situations including power outages, floods, terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
· Support –Who will be a part of the support network during an emergency - family, friends, neighbors, County resources, or a private duty in-home care company such as Right at Home?
· Consider Health Issues – Families must keep in mind the elderly or disabled individual’s specific needs and health issues. Are they currently on dialysis, receiving wound care at home, or getting infusion therapy of any kind? Do they need oxygen, electricity, refrigeration, or meals delivered on a regular basis? All Home Health Agencies and Hospices are required to plan for these emergencies, but not all seniors or disabled individuals are receiving services from these types of organizations, so support in these areas needs to be considered.
· Logistics – The plan should clearly consider how the individual should get help in a disaster situation; whether help comes to them or if they should go to a designated safe haven such as a shelter or hospital. Hillsborough County has a Special Needs Shelter which provides for those who need electricity or skilled care support on a frequent basis, however the Shelter has limited space and one must be approved prior to an emergency in order to be included. Ditto on a hospital; they can’t just take someone who has no where else to go as they will have the most critically ill and complicated cases in their care. FYI, if needed and approved, the County will also supply transportation to the Special Needs Shelter or a Red Cross Shelter.
· Communication – How are you going to know whether this person is okay or not as the emergency unfolds? More than one contact number is best, and a great plan is an out-of-town (preferably out-of-Florida) contact that is the central contact for everyone concerned. That way, if there is limited phone service in Tampa, family members and friends can contact this out-of-state person and let them know they are okay and that person can keep everyone else concerned up-to-date on unfolding events.
Emergency Kits: Basic emergency supplies should always be kept accessible such as water, non-perishable food items, batteries, flashlights, radio, and first aid kits.
· Extra Medications – A minimum of three days worth of extra medications should be kept on hand as well as medical equipment ranging from oxygen tanks to eye glasses and hearing aids.
· Backup Power Sources – Battery powered back-ups for any special medical equipment should be installed on devices that require it.
· Contacts – The kit should include a list of contacts; telephone numbers for family, friends, neighbors, medical professionals and caregivers.
Important Information: When in an emergency situation it is important to keep medical and other records available.
· Location –Those in the support network should know where to go to get access to important documents and records.
· Necessary Information – Be sure and include information such as medical history, allergies, insurance forms, medical providers and a list of medications taken on a daily basis. Also include important financial documents.
Taking the time now to make a plan for our family members who need assistance before a disaster, when things are calm and preparations can be made rationally, will pay off many times over when emergency situations occur.
How Not To Travel With bedbugs
Lately, we have been hearing a lot about these nasty little bloodsuckers, Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, and it's tropical cousin, Cimex hemipterus. These flattened, oval-shaped, reddish-brown mini vampires have been making the news more frequently in the last few years and have become public enemy number one in the eyes of public health officials recently.
Prolific little suckers, a female bedbug can lay as many as 12 eggs a day, which hatch between 6 and 17 days later. The nymphs will be equipped to feed immediately and will mature in anywhere between 21 and 120 days , depending on temperature. Bedbugs can live up to 1.5 years ! They are nocturnal, so you won't see them during the day.
Contrary to popular belief, bedbug infestations are not caused by unsanitary conditions. Bedbugs are spread physically, meaning they crawl into some luggage or a mattress or clothing and hitch a ride to their next home, where they proceed to multiply if conditions are good. If they can't find a blood meal, they can survive up to a year without feeding.
Once infested, a home or hotel room is very difficult to rid of these pests. They can hide almost anywhere, mattresses, cracks in walls, behind baseboards, under loose wallpaper, behind paintings, drapery,or in furniture. The most common pesticides used to kill bedbugs are becoming ineffectual and the other pesticides we used to use, like DDT, are outlawed.
Freezing is commonly mentioned, as in, " put your pillow in the freezer " but this will not kill all the eggs and you only need one to survive to re-infest. Heat is the best way to obliterate these buggers, whether it's a hot water wash and a hot air dry for clothing, or steam cleaning for furniture. The only problem with steam is, it doesn't penetrate far enough when it comes to mattresses and upholstered furniture. Most good pest control companies will use a multi-pronged approach to exterminate bedbugs. This can include pesticides, steam, vacuuming, and sealing entry points.
My kill technique of choice is diatomaceous earth. This is a white powder made of the exoskeletons of diatoms, tiny sea creatures. When a bedbug crawls through this powder, the microscopic, sharp particles, which the powder is made up of, will scratch the waxy coating of the exoskeleton of the bedbug, off, causing it to dehydrate and die. Only " food grade " diatomaceous earth can be used, otherwise your just endangering yourself, family and pets.
" So, what about traveling " you say. Bedbugs present unique problems for the average traveler. First , you have to determine if your hotel room has bedbugs. Obviously you aren't going to ransack the room checking every little nook and cranny, but there are simple methods to protect yourself. Pull back a corner of the bedding, nearest the headboard, right down to the mattress. Check for rust colored spots or actual bedbugs on the mattress and in the creases and seams at the edge of the mattress. Lift the mattress up a bit and check under it. If there is a headboard, check behind it and under it near the floor or carpet. Now check the baseboards near the bed, if there are tiny spaces between the baseboard and wall, check those too. The more areas around the bed that you inspect, the more certain you will be that your room is bedbug free.
Just because you inspect, doesn't mean there are no bedbugs, it just means you haven't found them or the room is not infested. Even after I make my decision to stay in a specific room, I still take other precautions. Here are my top 5 tips:
1) ALWAYS inspect the bed, mattress and headboard.
2) Pack a travel sheet like an Allersac, if you are unsure about the cleanliness of your room or you can't change rooms or for whatever reason, a travel sheet will help to protect and give some peace of mind. You may not need it but if you do.....
3) NEVER put your luggage on any soft surface like the bed, luggage racks or the desk are the best places to put luggage. Bedbugs are great travelers, they will get into your stuff and hitch a ride to your home.
4) Don't just throw your clothing anywhere, especially dirty clothes. People tend to just leave worn clothes on a chair or corner of the room until they re-pack or clean up. Bring or use the dirty laundry bags sometimes supplied in rooms and put your used clothing in one.
5) When you get back home, don't just leave your luggage and clothing anywhere. Immediately inspect and wash ALL your clothes and inspect your luggage. If you can ,if it's cold outside, leave your luggage outside for a night or in the garage, this can help get rid of any unwanted live guests.
Prolific little suckers, a female bedbug can lay as many as 12 eggs a day, which hatch between 6 and 17 days later. The nymphs will be equipped to feed immediately and will mature in anywhere between 21 and 120 days , depending on temperature. Bedbugs can live up to 1.5 years ! They are nocturnal, so you won't see them during the day.
Contrary to popular belief, bedbug infestations are not caused by unsanitary conditions. Bedbugs are spread physically, meaning they crawl into some luggage or a mattress or clothing and hitch a ride to their next home, where they proceed to multiply if conditions are good. If they can't find a blood meal, they can survive up to a year without feeding.
Once infested, a home or hotel room is very difficult to rid of these pests. They can hide almost anywhere, mattresses, cracks in walls, behind baseboards, under loose wallpaper, behind paintings, drapery,or in furniture. The most common pesticides used to kill bedbugs are becoming ineffectual and the other pesticides we used to use, like DDT, are outlawed.
Freezing is commonly mentioned, as in, " put your pillow in the freezer " but this will not kill all the eggs and you only need one to survive to re-infest. Heat is the best way to obliterate these buggers, whether it's a hot water wash and a hot air dry for clothing, or steam cleaning for furniture. The only problem with steam is, it doesn't penetrate far enough when it comes to mattresses and upholstered furniture. Most good pest control companies will use a multi-pronged approach to exterminate bedbugs. This can include pesticides, steam, vacuuming, and sealing entry points.
My kill technique of choice is diatomaceous earth. This is a white powder made of the exoskeletons of diatoms, tiny sea creatures. When a bedbug crawls through this powder, the microscopic, sharp particles, which the powder is made up of, will scratch the waxy coating of the exoskeleton of the bedbug, off, causing it to dehydrate and die. Only " food grade " diatomaceous earth can be used, otherwise your just endangering yourself, family and pets.
" So, what about traveling " you say. Bedbugs present unique problems for the average traveler. First , you have to determine if your hotel room has bedbugs. Obviously you aren't going to ransack the room checking every little nook and cranny, but there are simple methods to protect yourself. Pull back a corner of the bedding, nearest the headboard, right down to the mattress. Check for rust colored spots or actual bedbugs on the mattress and in the creases and seams at the edge of the mattress. Lift the mattress up a bit and check under it. If there is a headboard, check behind it and under it near the floor or carpet. Now check the baseboards near the bed, if there are tiny spaces between the baseboard and wall, check those too. The more areas around the bed that you inspect, the more certain you will be that your room is bedbug free.
Just because you inspect, doesn't mean there are no bedbugs, it just means you haven't found them or the room is not infested. Even after I make my decision to stay in a specific room, I still take other precautions. Here are my top 5 tips:
1) ALWAYS inspect the bed, mattress and headboard.
2) Pack a travel sheet like an Allersac, if you are unsure about the cleanliness of your room or you can't change rooms or for whatever reason, a travel sheet will help to protect and give some peace of mind. You may not need it but if you do.....
3) NEVER put your luggage on any soft surface like the bed, luggage racks or the desk are the best places to put luggage. Bedbugs are great travelers, they will get into your stuff and hitch a ride to your home.
4) Don't just throw your clothing anywhere, especially dirty clothes. People tend to just leave worn clothes on a chair or corner of the room until they re-pack or clean up. Bring or use the dirty laundry bags sometimes supplied in rooms and put your used clothing in one.
5) When you get back home, don't just leave your luggage and clothing anywhere. Immediately inspect and wash ALL your clothes and inspect your luggage. If you can ,if it's cold outside, leave your luggage outside for a night or in the garage, this can help get rid of any unwanted live guests.
Is Your Hotel Clean ? Are You Sure ?
After doing research into the cleaning standards of the major hotel chains in North America, here is what I have found, nothing, absolutely nothing. Oh sure there are points rewards and clubs, health spas and free breakfasts, sustainability and "green" programs and mission statements up the wazoo, but I could not find one chain that published anything about cleaning, laundering and sanitizing their rooms.
You would think that a clean room, being the raison d'etre of a hotel, would merit some standards, but cleaning standards don't exist in the hospitality business. Each hotel chain has their own standards. There is no universally accepted guideline or standard when it comes to such things as permissible levels of bacteria or detergent residues, suggested time intervals for bedspread and pillow laundering or replacement, and no list of safe cleaning agents.
I am not suggesting there is no data or criteria on the subject of housekeeping in the hospitality industry, There is an interesting report written by Michael C. Sturman for the Cornel University School of Hotel Administration, funded by JohnsonDiversey Inc. a subsidiary of Johnson Wax Professional, which addresses the measuring of housekeeping performance. While this report focuses more on the efficiency of housekeeping rather than the effectiveness, it does provide a window into the way the industry thinks about cleaning and the cost of cleaning.
The CDC ( Centers for Disease Control ) publishes guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care facilities. which encompasses surface cleaning as well as bedding. There is no reason why we would hold the hotel industry up to the same standards as a hospital but there are a few constants when dealing with bedding. The need for water temperatures to exceed 70 degrees celsius, the use of chlorine bleach, required high heat drying and or pressing, the need to monitor cleaning agent residues.
While the CDC states that, " Although contaminated textiles and fabrics in health-care facilities can be a source of substantial numbers of pathogenic microorganisms, reports of health-care–associated diseases linked to contaminated fabrics are so few in number that the overall risk of disease transmission during the laundry process likely is negligible." there are no guidelines for the hotel or hospitality industry on the CDC website.
There are plenty of companies that train and certify workers as housekeepers, and other companies that certify the hotel, I have never seen any certification presented on any website or in the lobby of any hotel I have ever stayed at. Not enough hotel chains adhere or advertise that they adhere to any certification at all. It seems like hygiene is a taboo subject, the unwritten law, don't talk about how clean , talk about how soft.
The more I researched this topic, the more I realized that we, as the traveling public, look upon the Hospitality industry as just that, an industry, run by professionals to corporate standards. But in actuality, the way your room is cleaned is a more a function of how efficient, knowledgeable and conscientious the person who cleans it is and the chemicals utilized. When the odd room is inspected by management, what is the criteria, a visual inspection, a sniff of the air, swab tests ? The cleaning agents used by each hotel, are they safe, is enough used to complete the task or is too much used causing residues over the healthy limits.
I realize that it's just a hotel room, not a bio facility. That's true but, who would have thought 20 years ago that staph ( MRSA ) bacteria would transmit infection through gym towels. When you were a kid, your mom didn't ask you if the bleach residue in your underwear was causing you discomfort. Allergies were hay fever, maybe peanuts or cats, but not " chemical sensitivities ". The times, they ARE a changin'. In a study published by the University of Virginia Health System, residual rhinovirus was found on 35% of items handled by people who were asked to spend a day and night in a hotel room while they had colds.
Is it any wonder that so many protective products like anti allergy travel sheets, hand and ultra violet light sanitizers, and portable air filters are marketed towards the traveling public ? Every few weeks a new article or television news spot highlights the ongoing bedbug problems in hotels or how clean the drinking glasses are in hotel bathrooms. Why aren’t these public health matters addressed by the hospitality industry or the government ? Possibly because the problem is too big, too wide spread and too hard to police.
With all the maladies and allergies and sensitivities, the bed bugs and lice, wouldn't you rather read how your room is prepared and, with what chemicals, than what junk food in the guise of a free breakfast is offered. I would want to know my room is free of germs and pests and cleaned according to researched and proven standards, If most large hotel chains train their staff then there are standards, some one buys the cleaning agents so there are names of chemicals used. Why not just make some of this info available. You know the urban myth, "you never see a baby pigeon" well here's mine, " you never know how often the bedspread is cleaned."
You would think that a clean room, being the raison d'etre of a hotel, would merit some standards, but cleaning standards don't exist in the hospitality business. Each hotel chain has their own standards. There is no universally accepted guideline or standard when it comes to such things as permissible levels of bacteria or detergent residues, suggested time intervals for bedspread and pillow laundering or replacement, and no list of safe cleaning agents.
I am not suggesting there is no data or criteria on the subject of housekeeping in the hospitality industry, There is an interesting report written by Michael C. Sturman for the Cornel University School of Hotel Administration, funded by JohnsonDiversey Inc. a subsidiary of Johnson Wax Professional, which addresses the measuring of housekeeping performance. While this report focuses more on the efficiency of housekeeping rather than the effectiveness, it does provide a window into the way the industry thinks about cleaning and the cost of cleaning.
The CDC ( Centers for Disease Control ) publishes guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care facilities. which encompasses surface cleaning as well as bedding. There is no reason why we would hold the hotel industry up to the same standards as a hospital but there are a few constants when dealing with bedding. The need for water temperatures to exceed 70 degrees celsius, the use of chlorine bleach, required high heat drying and or pressing, the need to monitor cleaning agent residues.
While the CDC states that, " Although contaminated textiles and fabrics in health-care facilities can be a source of substantial numbers of pathogenic microorganisms, reports of health-care–associated diseases linked to contaminated fabrics are so few in number that the overall risk of disease transmission during the laundry process likely is negligible." there are no guidelines for the hotel or hospitality industry on the CDC website.
There are plenty of companies that train and certify workers as housekeepers, and other companies that certify the hotel, I have never seen any certification presented on any website or in the lobby of any hotel I have ever stayed at. Not enough hotel chains adhere or advertise that they adhere to any certification at all. It seems like hygiene is a taboo subject, the unwritten law, don't talk about how clean , talk about how soft.
The more I researched this topic, the more I realized that we, as the traveling public, look upon the Hospitality industry as just that, an industry, run by professionals to corporate standards. But in actuality, the way your room is cleaned is a more a function of how efficient, knowledgeable and conscientious the person who cleans it is and the chemicals utilized. When the odd room is inspected by management, what is the criteria, a visual inspection, a sniff of the air, swab tests ? The cleaning agents used by each hotel, are they safe, is enough used to complete the task or is too much used causing residues over the healthy limits.
I realize that it's just a hotel room, not a bio facility. That's true but, who would have thought 20 years ago that staph ( MRSA ) bacteria would transmit infection through gym towels. When you were a kid, your mom didn't ask you if the bleach residue in your underwear was causing you discomfort. Allergies were hay fever, maybe peanuts or cats, but not " chemical sensitivities ". The times, they ARE a changin'. In a study published by the University of Virginia Health System, residual rhinovirus was found on 35% of items handled by people who were asked to spend a day and night in a hotel room while they had colds.
Is it any wonder that so many protective products like anti allergy travel sheets, hand and ultra violet light sanitizers, and portable air filters are marketed towards the traveling public ? Every few weeks a new article or television news spot highlights the ongoing bedbug problems in hotels or how clean the drinking glasses are in hotel bathrooms. Why aren’t these public health matters addressed by the hospitality industry or the government ? Possibly because the problem is too big, too wide spread and too hard to police.
With all the maladies and allergies and sensitivities, the bed bugs and lice, wouldn't you rather read how your room is prepared and, with what chemicals, than what junk food in the guise of a free breakfast is offered. I would want to know my room is free of germs and pests and cleaned according to researched and proven standards, If most large hotel chains train their staff then there are standards, some one buys the cleaning agents so there are names of chemicals used. Why not just make some of this info available. You know the urban myth, "you never see a baby pigeon" well here's mine, " you never know how often the bedspread is cleaned."
Avoiding Illness on Vacation
There are any number of things that can put a damper on your vacation. Lost luggage, overcrowding at tourist attractions, crooked cabbies, and bad weather are all common culprits. But illness is perhaps the worst. All of those other issues are inconveniences that can be overcome, but getting sick can be a serious roadblock for all your plans. If you get sick, all the time, money, and preparation you put into your trip will have been for nothing, and there will be nothing to do but hole yourself up in a hotel room and try to get better before the flight home.
Most Common Sources of Viruses on Vacation
Unsurprisingly, the two biggest sources of vacation virus are airplanes and hotel rooms, so it’s important to take extra precautions when flying and when settling into your room.
In a plane, all of the air in the cabin is continuously re-circulated. This means that any germs that the passengers may have brought on board stick around and gradually spread out through the cabin as the flight progresses. That’s why longer flights present the greatest risk of germ exposure; the longer flight gives germs more time to spread, to permeate all the corners of the cabin, and to infect passengers.
I’m not advocating that we all become germophobes when flying, but there are certain things we can do. Most importantly, wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Frequent hand-washing can be hard on airplanes, so bring some alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your carry-on, and use it every hour or so. Also, stay hydrated, which means drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. These substances contribute to dehydration, which is bad for the immune system.
Viruses can linger for up to 18 hours. This means that if a sick person has recently stayed in your hotel room, there may still be virus in the room when you check in, particularly on faucet handles, remote controls, light switches, telephones, and doorknobs. If the hotel staff doesn’t do a good enough job of cleaning up your room, there’s not much you can do. What you can do is wash your hands frequently. Also, it’s a good idea to leave your room for a few hours immediately after checking in. Leave a window open. Hopefully, by the time you return, the room will be virus free.
Avoiding Other Illnesses
Motion sickness: Motion sickness is a problem for many first-time cruise passengers. For some, it lasts only a couple of hours, while for others it doesn’t go away until they get back on solid ground. Most cruise ships have doctors who can give you motion sickness medication, and you can also use antihistamines or motion sickness disks. Also, some sufferers of motion sickness say that green tea and ginger can be helpful.
E. coli: Traveler’s Diarrhea is no fun, but fortunately it usually passes within a day or two. If you want to avoid it, only eat food that is thoroughly cooked, drink bottled water, and stay away from ice cubes.
Sunburn: If you’ve ever been severely sunburned on vacation, you already know how crippling it can be. The key is prevention: Any time you’re going to be out in the sun, slather on as much sunblock (SPF 30 at least) as you can stand. Repeat application regularly all day long. And if you do get burned, drink plenty of water and use aloe lotion until the pain passes.
Most Common Sources of Viruses on Vacation
Unsurprisingly, the two biggest sources of vacation virus are airplanes and hotel rooms, so it’s important to take extra precautions when flying and when settling into your room.
In a plane, all of the air in the cabin is continuously re-circulated. This means that any germs that the passengers may have brought on board stick around and gradually spread out through the cabin as the flight progresses. That’s why longer flights present the greatest risk of germ exposure; the longer flight gives germs more time to spread, to permeate all the corners of the cabin, and to infect passengers.
I’m not advocating that we all become germophobes when flying, but there are certain things we can do. Most importantly, wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Frequent hand-washing can be hard on airplanes, so bring some alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your carry-on, and use it every hour or so. Also, stay hydrated, which means drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. These substances contribute to dehydration, which is bad for the immune system.
Viruses can linger for up to 18 hours. This means that if a sick person has recently stayed in your hotel room, there may still be virus in the room when you check in, particularly on faucet handles, remote controls, light switches, telephones, and doorknobs. If the hotel staff doesn’t do a good enough job of cleaning up your room, there’s not much you can do. What you can do is wash your hands frequently. Also, it’s a good idea to leave your room for a few hours immediately after checking in. Leave a window open. Hopefully, by the time you return, the room will be virus free.
Avoiding Other Illnesses
Motion sickness: Motion sickness is a problem for many first-time cruise passengers. For some, it lasts only a couple of hours, while for others it doesn’t go away until they get back on solid ground. Most cruise ships have doctors who can give you motion sickness medication, and you can also use antihistamines or motion sickness disks. Also, some sufferers of motion sickness say that green tea and ginger can be helpful.
E. coli: Traveler’s Diarrhea is no fun, but fortunately it usually passes within a day or two. If you want to avoid it, only eat food that is thoroughly cooked, drink bottled water, and stay away from ice cubes.
Sunburn: If you’ve ever been severely sunburned on vacation, you already know how crippling it can be. The key is prevention: Any time you’re going to be out in the sun, slather on as much sunblock (SPF 30 at least) as you can stand. Repeat application regularly all day long. And if you do get burned, drink plenty of water and use aloe lotion until the pain passes.
How Does Air Travel Affect People with High Blood Pressure?
I read this article somewhere online. A well known director was denied a seat in an airline as he was very huge and he can only travel in two seats. He was denied seats as there is only one seat left.
He is very brilliant that he did not escalate the situation. He just took a pic of him in the next flight and posted it online. Even though he is not humiliated by the situation, he should have been embarrassed.
As I'm always fond of connecting health related issues, I started thinking about the issues that may affect a over weight person when he travels in air apart from self esteem. Earlier, i have also posted many articles on air travel and vertigo.
What about high blood pressure? What ill health effects do people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, suffer and simply dismiss as side effects of travel?
If you are taking medication for blood pressure and it is in control then there is no proof that the cabin air pressurization will affect you. Then what affects the high blood pressure people? They should be concerned about long waiting lines, delays, security checks and the stress air travel brings.
When your blood pressure cannot be controlled by medication or if you have other serious side effects, then there is where you should be concerned about. Just like a person with asthma has to be prepared for an "event" when traveling, people at risk for heart attack or stroke have to consider that they won't be able to receive immediate care while flying.
Anyone can be affected by deep vein thrombosis while flying. But people with high blood pressure carry a high risk of getting affected. Apart from being painful, if the clot breaks and travels to lungs, it may create a pulmonary embolism. And everybody knows it's fatal.
Swollen feet and ankles is one side effect that everyone, especially those fly long distances suffer. This is not generally a concern but can be exacerbated by those with high blood pressure. The blood pools in the legs due to not moving for extended periods of time.
But you can pave way for movement of blood by doing these. You can walk around the cabin every 1 hour, stretching your calf, having plenty of water and minimizing the intake of alcohol.
If you are on medication for blood pressure then you should make sure that it should last for the whole trip. You should also remember that these days flight delays and cancellations are very common.
You should speak to airline heads if you are in need of oxygen. It is also advised that you should also meet your physician and discuss about any problems you might face. You need not afraid of doing all these things as there are only very limited individuals who were not cleared to fly.
I also highly recommend my all natural High Blood Pressure program. I guarantee its success. I hope it can help you as it's help so many thousands of my clients!
He is very brilliant that he did not escalate the situation. He just took a pic of him in the next flight and posted it online. Even though he is not humiliated by the situation, he should have been embarrassed.
As I'm always fond of connecting health related issues, I started thinking about the issues that may affect a over weight person when he travels in air apart from self esteem. Earlier, i have also posted many articles on air travel and vertigo.
What about high blood pressure? What ill health effects do people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, suffer and simply dismiss as side effects of travel?
If you are taking medication for blood pressure and it is in control then there is no proof that the cabin air pressurization will affect you. Then what affects the high blood pressure people? They should be concerned about long waiting lines, delays, security checks and the stress air travel brings.
When your blood pressure cannot be controlled by medication or if you have other serious side effects, then there is where you should be concerned about. Just like a person with asthma has to be prepared for an "event" when traveling, people at risk for heart attack or stroke have to consider that they won't be able to receive immediate care while flying.
Anyone can be affected by deep vein thrombosis while flying. But people with high blood pressure carry a high risk of getting affected. Apart from being painful, if the clot breaks and travels to lungs, it may create a pulmonary embolism. And everybody knows it's fatal.
Swollen feet and ankles is one side effect that everyone, especially those fly long distances suffer. This is not generally a concern but can be exacerbated by those with high blood pressure. The blood pools in the legs due to not moving for extended periods of time.
But you can pave way for movement of blood by doing these. You can walk around the cabin every 1 hour, stretching your calf, having plenty of water and minimizing the intake of alcohol.
If you are on medication for blood pressure then you should make sure that it should last for the whole trip. You should also remember that these days flight delays and cancellations are very common.
You should speak to airline heads if you are in need of oxygen. It is also advised that you should also meet your physician and discuss about any problems you might face. You need not afraid of doing all these things as there are only very limited individuals who were not cleared to fly.
I also highly recommend my all natural High Blood Pressure program. I guarantee its success. I hope it can help you as it's help so many thousands of my clients!
Kerala Ayurveda offer to Obama
A few months ago, a veteran Ayurveda practitioner and drug manufacturer in Cochin of Kerala, India, wrote to the US President Barack Obama that he would take up the challenge of darkening the President’s hair that have gone white, media reported. The Ayurvedic man, aged 74, pledged to make Obama’s hair grow black naturally with a herbal drug for internal and external use in six months.
Incredible? Yes. But the Cochin Ayurveda man (Ayurveda Vaidyar) in question is Vaidyavachaspati N K Padmanabhan. His company known for many reputed Ayurveda solutions has indeed made drugs in capsule form and oil base to put the black gloss on your hair even if you are 70- plus, for he proved it by himself. His silver hair has gone black after applying his therapy.
The Vaidyar was only reaffirming the power of Ayurveda, the ethnic Indian system of medicine that is herbal based that has a very old history and efficacy. Ayurveda, the practioners will tell you, is not about curing disease by symptoms but preserving health and wellbeing too.
No wonder three out of four visitors to Kerala ask for some form or other Ayurveda therapy, even if it is for a few days rejuvenation or relaxation. A couple of days herbal massage to 14 days of various therapies are available with reputed Ayurveda Houses of Kerala. Leading travel agents and hotels and resorts have tie-up with well known brands and names of Ayurveda which visitors can take advantage of.
Ayurveda tourism is often linked to nature tourism for when you are under Ayurveda therapy you would not be widely traveling but drinking in the local scenery and ambience. However nothing prevents you from getting a good, invigorating herbal oil massage by trained women and men while on the move.
Kerala tour and travel are well known tour managers who know where you are to be taken for the health needs you ask for. Whether it is for simple rejuvenating therapy or for cure, Kerala tour and travel people enable you to get what you want on the budget you have on hand.
Intimating kerala tour and travel for your requirement helps zeroing on the right Ayurveda firm and Vaidyar so that you waste no time and get the value for your money in terms of health. Ayurveda is another name for physical wellbeing and physical wellbeing often leads to mental sharpness, as everybody knows.
A few months ago, a veteran Ayurveda practitioner and drug manufacturer in Cochin of Kerala, India, wrote to the US President Barack Obama that he would take up the challenge of darkening the President’s hair that have gone white, media reported. The Ayurvedic man, aged 74, pledged to make Obama’s hair grow black naturally with a herbal drug for internal and external use in six months.
Incredible? Yes. But the Cochin Ayurveda man (Ayurveda Vaidyar) in question is Vaidyavachaspati N K Padmanabhan. His company known for many reputed Ayurveda solutions has indeed made drugs in capsule form and oil base to put the black gloss on your hair even if you are 70- plus, for he proved it by himself. His silver hair has gone black after applying his therapy.
Incredible? Yes. But the Cochin Ayurveda man (Ayurveda Vaidyar) in question is Vaidyavachaspati N K Padmanabhan. His company known for many reputed Ayurveda solutions has indeed made drugs in capsule form and oil base to put the black gloss on your hair even if you are 70- plus, for he proved it by himself. His silver hair has gone black after applying his therapy.
The Vaidyar was only reaffirming the power of Ayurveda, the ethnic Indian system of medicine that is herbal based that has a very old history and efficacy. Ayurveda, the practioners will tell you, is not about curing disease by symptoms but preserving health and wellbeing too.
No wonder three out of four visitors to Kerala ask for some form or other Ayurveda therapy, even if it is for a few days rejuvenation or relaxation. A couple of days herbal massage to 14 days of various therapies are available with reputed Ayurveda Houses of Kerala. Leading travel agents and hotels and resorts have tie-up with well known brands and names of Ayurveda which visitors can take advantage of.
Ayurveda tourism is often linked to nature tourism for when you are under Ayurveda therapy you would not be widely traveling but drinking in the local scenery and ambience. However nothing prevents you from getting a good, invigorating herbal oil massage by trained women and men while on the move.
Kerala tour and travel are well known tour managers who know where you are to be taken for the health needs you ask for. Whether it is for simple rejuvenating therapy or for cure, Kerala tour and travel people enable you to get what you want on the budget you have on hand.
Intimating kerala tour and travel for your requirement helps zeroing on the right Ayurveda firm and Vaidyar so that you waste no time and get the value for your money in terms of health. Ayurveda is another name for physical wellbeing and physical wellbeing often leads to mental sharpness, as everybody knows.
A few months ago, a veteran Ayurveda practitioner and drug manufacturer in Cochin of Kerala, India, wrote to the US President Barack Obama that he would take up the challenge of darkening the President’s hair that have gone white, media reported. The Ayurvedic man, aged 74, pledged to make Obama’s hair grow black naturally with a herbal drug for internal and external use in six months.
Incredible? Yes. But the Cochin Ayurveda man (Ayurveda Vaidyar) in question is Vaidyavachaspati N K Padmanabhan. His company known for many reputed Ayurveda solutions has indeed made drugs in capsule form and oil base to put the black gloss on your hair even if you are 70- plus, for he proved it by himself. His silver hair has gone black after applying his therapy.
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