BALTIMORE, Maryland (PRWEB) May 13, 2006 -- From backpackers to luxury excursion enthusiasts, more and more Americans are exploring the wonders of exotic destinations. In fact, according to U.S. Department of Travel and Tourism statistics, nearly 40 million Americans traveled abroad in 2005, many to new travel hot spots well off the beaten path in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
"Our clients are seeking exotic locales to explore," notes Kimberly Wilson Wetty, co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. a leader in luxury travel based in New York City. Top destinations include Costa Rica, India, Egypt, Jordan, and Africa. "The next generation of travelers is more adventurous. They're looking for unique experiences and are willing to go off the beaten track to find them."
But exotic travel poses the threat of exotic diseases. PinnacleCare, the premier healthcare advocacy firm, advises its members to take special precautions to protect their health from well-publicized risks like Avian Flu and more common but equally devastating conditions like Lyme Disease and meningitis while traveling abroad. Miles J. Varn, M.D., PinnacleCare Medical Director, notes, "The less sensationalized diseases are far more likely to affect travelers, in particular, food-, water-, and insect-borne illnesses. It's wise to plan ahead to both avoid illness and have a definitive plan in place to deal with illness while traveling."
Newly-popular, less civilized destinations require greater caution, yet according to Brigham and Women's Hospital, one of PinnacleCare's Centers of Excellence, only 19% of Americans seek pre-travel medical advice.
Dr. Varn recommends a four-point approach for overseas travelers or people who will be away from home for longer than a few weeks. It includes a pre-travel check-up to get needed vaccinations and immunization boosters and check for undiagnosed problems. Travelers should also talk with their physicians to get advice on how to manage existing conditions while traveling and ensure they have an adequate supply of their regular medications.
The Mayo Clinic, another PinnacleCare Center of Excellence, advises travelers to carry a signed, dated physician document outlining health history and medication listing. "PinnacleCare Members have an additional advantage: complete electronic medical records transmittable to healthcare providers anywhere in the world if they become ill or injured," adds Dr. Varn. In particular, the new PinnacleCare Key has become popular among the new adventurous generation of travelers, according to Kimberly Wilson Wetty.
When travel plans include exotic locales, careful research of the current health risks and political situation in the areas to be visited is also important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler's Health web site is one good starting point, while the State Department site can provide information on dangers caused by political instability. "We take on the job of providing that research for our members and create a complete travel and health advisory report for each of their destinations," Dr. Varn explains.
Contingency planning and international medical insurance are also essential. Increasingly important back-up plans which include medical air evacuations, a list of qualified physicians and treatment facilities in the region, and an international medical insurance letter of guarantee should be made well in advance. Hospitals overseas often require full payment before treatment, even in medical crises, so a medical insurance letter of guarantee can be a literal life-saver.
"Taking these four pre-travel steps is one of the most effective ways for international travelers of all ages to protect their health," advises Dr. Varn.
About PinnacleCare
PinnacleCare, the premier healthcare advocacy firm, is dedicated to families and senior executives, connecting individuals to the world's most advanced healthcare, advising them on all medical issues and managing their interactions with the healthcare system. Each Member family is assigned personal PinnacleCare Advocates™ available 24/7 who coordinate the family's healthcare, consolidate all records into detailed medical histories for instant availability, conduct best practices research and collaborate with top medical specialists worldwide. PinnacleCare is the only company to offer the pinnacle of comprehensive advocacy -- from disease prevention and wellness management to superior medical response and treatment in times of emergency, injury or illness. For more information, visit www.pinnaclecare.com.
Press Contact: Sara Hasert
Company Name: PinnacleCare
Email: shasert@pinnaclecare.com
Phone: 410-752-1712
Website: http://www.pinnaclecare.com
AndhraNews.net News for May 13, 2006
