There are typically three reasons why someone in
a house gets sick. They are because one member of the household:
Still goes to school, which is a germ factory without equal
Works in an office where the boss frowns upon people calling in sick, leading to creation of a germ factory
Just took an airplane flight
It doesn’t take Alexander Fleming to know that
airplanes are a petri dish of germs. People from across the country and around
the world, all crammed into a compact area, and who knows which ones go to
school or what kind of horrible “you’re not really sick” bosses they have?
Now comes the part where we remind you that
sneezes can travel 200 feet, if not covered at the source. Ugh.
Still, plenty of seasoned travelers fly all
around the planet and don’t get sick. How do they do it? By reading tips like
the ones you are about to read.
Don’t Use the Bathroom
Right before passengers line up to board your flight, use the bathroom at the airport. Don’t drink tons of water before your flight. The reason why is that airplane bathrooms are used by, well, everyone. And germs tend to gather on the sink, toilet seats and door handles. If your flight is short enough, avoid the bathroom.
Drink Water, Not Coffee or Alcohol
You do want to drink water once you get in the
air, though. The reason why so many people pick up colds – in addition to the
close quarters with many other people – is that the humidity in the air is far
lower than what our bodies are used to on the ground. Membranes in the nose and
air passages can dry out, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Water will keep you hydrated and those membranes moist. Coffee and alcohol will
dehydrate you, so avoid them.
Keep Hands Clean
The bacteria that causes colds and flu can live for hours on skin, seatbacks and chair arms. Then you touch them. Then you eat some peanuts with your fingers. Then, you’re home with the flu a few days later. It’s always a good idea to keep your hands clean, especially on a plane. Use hand sanitizer or wash with warm, soapy water.
Don’t Touch Your Face
Yes, this is what you tell kids in certain
situations. But it really works on airplanes, too. Biting your nails, eating
with your bare fingers, scratching your nose – all this provides a really easy
transport system for any bacteria or viruses that get past your hand washing or
sanitizing. Don’t make it easy for them.
Use the Air Vent
Ever notice the seasoned business traveler who
always turns on the air vent and has it blow on her? That’s to blow any
airborne germs away from her face. And that’s a smart thing to do. As we indicated in our 2016
article “Airline Air Quality” on average, cabin air is completely refreshed 20 times
per hour, compared with just 12 times per hour in an office building. On most
aircraft, air is also circulated through hospital-grade HEPA filters, which
remove over 99% of bacteria, as well as the airborne particles that viruses use
for transport.
You especially want to follow all these rules if you are injured. Fortunately, by working with the airlines or hiring a professional non-emergency medical transport company, you can get assistance in getting a seat that is the most comfortable, staying hydrated, and managing your health needs during the flight. For other tips on traveling while injured, look here.
Let’s face it. There’s no guarantee you won’t get sick on a plane. But these tips help thousands of people get through a flight with no problems. Just be prepared and you have a better shot at arriving at your destination bacteria and virus free. Traveling with a medical condition or injury doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge. At Flying Angels, we’re committed to providing the care and expertise you need to travel safely and comfortably.
Ready to discuss your travel needs? Contact us today. Our team of medical travel experts is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your journey is smooth, secure, and free from stress.
Everyone wants to find the best seat on an airplane, but everyone has different wants and needs. Depending on your preference and situation, you can seek out a window seat for great views and the best sleeping, an aisle seat for easier access, a middle seat to get closer to the front, seats close to the exit doors for peace of mind or seats close to the bathroom (for obvious reasons).
These days, boarding a plane can become a free-for-all. Many airlines do not give out seat assignments. Finding the right seat requires having a plan. Those who don’t sometimes end up being featured on those YouTube videos about angry airplane passengers.
You don’t want to be one of those people! Consider these suggestions before you even get to the airport and have a plan before you board.
Choosing the Window Seat
This is the first choice of many. That’s why these seats fill up fast. They are great for the obvious reason – you get a view out the plane. Another advantage is that you can use a hoodie or jacket for a pillow and lay your head against the inside wall of the plane. That’s one of the best in-flight sleep positions you can find. If you want a window seat because of the view, just make sure you don’t pick one that’s over one of the wings. Avoid choosing a window seat that’s directly over the wing of the plane. Seats over the wings offer restricted views, which defeats one of the primary pleasures of choosing a window seat. Moreover, the wing area can sometimes be noisier and may slightly affect the smoothness of your ride, especially during turbulence, as this section of the plane tends to be more stable but also less sensitive to minor altitude shifts, which can dampen the overall flying experience for those keen on feeling the ascent and descent.
Choosing the Aisle Seat
Aisle seats are often sought after for their convenience, despite their reputation for leaving passengers more exposed to passing traffic and service carts. If you’re someone who may need to stretch regularly, make frequent trips to the bathroom, or simply appreciate easier access to exit the plane upon landing, an aisle seat is ideal. For those who are injured, ill, or just want to rest undisturbed, securing a spot away from the main walkways, such as behind a divider or in a bulkhead row, can minimize the chances of being accidentally bumped by passersby or service carts. This strategic choice enhances comfort without sacrificing the accessibility benefits of the aisle seat.
Choosing a Seat Near a Bathroom
If you suspect you’ll need to make frequent bathroom trips, then an aisle seat near the front or the back of the plane puts you where you want to be. Choosing a seat near the bathroom is particularly advantageous for those with small children, anyone who anticipates needing to change clothes during the flight, or travelers with medical conditions that require frequent restroom use. However, be aware that these areas might be noisier and sometimes gather lines during high-usage times of the flight, such as after meals and just before landing. Opting for an aisle seat near the bathroom combines convenience with a little more legroom and ease of movement.
Choosing the Middle Seat
Who would choose the middle seat? You would, if you’re a relatively small or thin person who wants to sit near the front and be among the first people off the plane. The middle seats are often the last ones taken. You’ll be surprised to find how easy it is to find a middle seat near the front, even if you are among the last group to get on a plane. The middle seat might not be everyone’s first choice, but it offers unexpected benefits such as being typically available even on nearly full flights, providing a chance to secure a seat even with late bookings. Additionally, for those traveling in groups, selecting the middle seat often means you can sit adjacent to your companions, making communication and coordination during the flight easier.
Which Seat to Choose If You’re Injured or Impaired
Those flying with injuries or physical impairment should always call ahead and make arrangements with the airline. They will usually find the best seat for you (typically at or near the front). Make sure to arrive earlier than usual. You’ll want a seat that allows you the most room possible. You also can’t sit in the exit row. And you want to be near the bathroom to lessen the distance you must move if you need to make a bathroom trip. A smart move is to call a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation company, which not only can set all of this up for you but also have a nurse fly with you.
Other Tips
When choosing your seat, whether in advance or on the plane, consider these practical tips to enhance your comfort and flight experience:
Seat Selection Strategy: If you’re booking your seat in advance, take advantage of seat maps to choose the best available spot based on your preferences. If you’re selecting your seat on the plane, like with some airlines that offer open seating, quickly assess the environment. Aim for quieter areas away from large groups or families with small children when possible.
Engage in Quiet Activities: Bring a book, e-reader, or other personal entertainment to gently signal to others that you’re not open to chatting. This can help you maintain a quiet space around you, making the journey more relaxing.
Dress Appropriately: Airplanes can get chilly, so dressing in layers allows you to adjust your comfort level as the cabin temperature changes. Consider a lightweight sweater or a scarf that can double as a blanket.
Seat Recline Awareness: While you can’t always control whether the person in front of you will recline their seat, choosing seats in rows that are behind exit rows or in front of bulkheads can guarantee that no one will recline into your space. These spots are often more stable and offer a bit more legroom.
Remember, the key to a pleasant flight often lies in preparation and flexibility. With a thoughtful approach to selecting your seat and preparing for your travel environment, you can significantly improve your in-flight experience.
It’s almost time to take a break away from the wintry weather and embark on sping break travel where the temperatures are warm, the beaches are beautiful and your time is your own.
Thank goodness! Spring break travel offers a great escape from your routine and a chance to have some fun. People head to Florida, the Caribbean, California and other warm-weather spots. It beats shoveling snow another week and wearing layers of clothes.
When making spring break plans, it’s important
to keep some common-sense tips in mind. They include the following.
Choose the Right Spot
College students leaving town for spring break
have different travel needs than those booking a family vacation. Make sure to
check out the places you are considering through online forums and websites.
Find the one that suits what you are looking for – only you know what kind of
spring break you need.
Travel Advisories
If you plan to leave the country, then the U.S. Department of State website is a must. The federal government offers updated information on potential dangers in traveling to different countries. The countries are ranked by levels, with Level 1 meaning “exercise normal precautions” (this includes most countries) and Level 4 meaning “do not travel” (Afghanistan). A color-coded map on the site gives you a chance to quickly see if a country is safe to visit.
Travel Budget
You need one. Then, you need to stick to one. A budget works best if you set it before you pick a spot to visit for spring break. That way, you won’t set your sights on going somewhere that you cannot afford. Once the budget is set, look for places to visit that fit within your budget. Don’t forget to include airfare, car rentals, hotels, food and souvenirs. You don’t want to blow your spring break travel budget for the entire year on spring break. You will regret it come summer.
Look For Spring Break Travel Deals
Once you have your budget and destination in place, look for deals. The travel and leisure industry is very competitive and they know all the spring break places people want to visit. Many hotels will offer great deals to beat out the competition. Look for deals early and you can save a lot of cash on your trip.
Make A Plan for Emergencies
Many people do not take the time to plan for
what happens if you get hurt on vacation. You’ll want to have the right kind of insurance for your trip.
You also want to have emergency numbers for where you are going and pack all
medications and supplies you need. It’s also a smart move to have contract
information for non-emergency medical transport in case you need help getting
back home. Experts in NEMT can bring you back safely even if you are in a
foreign country.
Pack What You Need
This applies to families especially. Don’t wait
to buy sunglasses, flip flops and t-shirts when you arrive at your spring break
spot. Instead, buy what you can before you leave and pack it for the flight.
You will save a lot of money by not waiting. That said, don’t pack more than
you need. Spring break is one of those times when you want to travel light.
Keeping these tips in mind
can make your spring break trip that much better. Plan early, save money and
take steps to make sure you and your family are safe. That way, you can spend
more time doing what you are supposed to do on spring break – have fun!
The generation that gave us “flower power” as
teenagers is now entering their golden years. While healthier than those who
came before, Baby Boomers still need plans in place to manage potential
problems with personal finances, medical transport, insurance and what happens when
they are gone.
Baby Boomers are the generation born between 1946
and 1964. With 76 million people, they represent about 29% of the country’s
population.
The generation is so big they have tilted the United States population older. The U.S. Census Bureau reports 15% of all Americans were over 65 in 2015. That number is expected to reach 25% by 2060.
Baby Boomer Tips
Baby Boomers should keep the following in mind when
planning for the worst. Smart plans can help them avoid the worst results when
life throws them a hard curve ball. The following four areas rank among the
most frequent causes for concern.
Personal Finances
Baby Boomers enjoy great medical care. Many live
healthy lifestyles. That’s why they are expected to outlive previous
generations. That’s the great news! But that also means they will need their
money to last longer.
About 10,000 Baby Boomers retire every day. Saving early is the best way to feather the retirement nest. If that is not an option, some seniors become consultants or work part-time. Another good move is to own a home in a low-cost area, rather than renting in a major city. Many Baby Boomers also benefit by downsizing their lifestyle as seniors. Less really is more.
Medical Transport
Older Baby Boomers may need transport for medical procedures or operations. Others enjoy traveling with medical experts on long vacations for security and support. Choosing a reliable and trusted non-emergency medical transport company (NEMT) is a smart move. Experienced NEMT nurses handle all medical needs while flying on a commercial airline. They also can book all travel plans.
Insuring Against
Disaster
Car accidents. Health issues. Natural disasters. All cause personal injury and financial headaches. Baby Boomers should have insurance in place that supports them if these events occur. That means health, home and automobile insurance. Experts project senior couples face $275,000 in health care costs alone. They need to take steps to prevent bad events from becoming huge financial setbacks.
What Happens When
You’re Gone?
As they enter their senior years, Baby Boomers should take time to write a will. They also should consider life insurance that helps loved ones continue once they are gone. Another smart step is to choose someone to make decisions if you become disabled and cannot make them on your own. These are weighty issues. But responsible Baby Boomers take them on. It not only helps them lead better lives but supports their loved ones. Those are two good reasons to plan for the worst.
Moving loved ones or choosing to relocate your parents is never an easy task. There are ways to make it go more smoothly, including good communication, making a detailed plan, choosing what type of living arrangement best suits them and hiring professional help.
Nothing will make the process perfect. While the tips below will help, it’s perhaps most important to remember why you are doing this in the first place: out of love and caring. That can help you maintain a positive attitude, which will benefit you and your loved ones more than anything else.
As much as you do not want to talk to aging parents and loved ones about the need to relocate, they want to talk about it even less. However, situations reach the point where they no longer can live on their own or in their current house (usually a large one they’ve been in for years).
An important point to keep in mind in starting these difficult conversations is to have them while your parents are still independent enough to adapt to new situations and make new friends. One mistake is waiting too long when they no longer can make these changes easily or at all.
Choosing Where To Relocate Parents
Senior relocation can mean many different things. It’s important to have conversations about what would work best for them – and possibly you. It can include moving them to a home closer to where you live. It also can mean moving them into a care facility, also possibly near where you live. In some cases, it might mean moving in with someone else (including you). The important issue is to decide what is best early on and stick with it.
This includes not only the living arrangement decision mentioned above but also every detail of the move itself. The earlier you start the plan to relocate your parents, the better. Putting it off does not help. Plan on when you will handle issues such as cleaning out the home of things that can be thrown out or given away and packing what will be taken, Take a “room by room” attitude. The sooner you start and get everyone involved, the better.
Hiring Professional Relocation Services
In many cases, it can be best to hire professional movers who can help relocate your parent’s belongings. It also is beneficial to look into charities that will come and get many of the items you wish to throw away.
This also applies to transporting your parents. Senior Relocation Services offered by Flying Angels can handle all the arrangements for traveling with elderly parents and loved ones, ensuring they have the smoothest and safest trip possible to their new destination. That includes both arranging transportation with airlines and providing an experienced nurse to travel with them during their flight.
These ideas can help with making the relocation of loved ones and parents go more smoothly. Keep them in mind as you enter this difficult period. And don’t forget the positive attitude and end goal – getting them to a place where they will have a happier, healthier life.
Air ambulances are often credited with saving patients’ lives because they quickly transport them to a hospital for medical treatment. However, air ambulances are increasingly leaving patients with staggering medical bills they cannot pay.
Recent cases have shown patients receiving bills of $45,000 and $54,000. Some have run as high as $533,000. Insurance typically covers only a fraction of the cost.
Air ambulances have become so costly that state lawmakers in Virginia have passed a new law that will give people a choice between getting transported by air ambulance or waiting for a regular ambulance.
It’s important to note that air ambulance is a different service than the non-emergency medical transport offered by companies such as Flying Angels.
Judge Left With $41,000 Air Ambulance Bill
Judge Sonna Anderson from Bismarck, ND., was thrown from her horse in September 2017. The 60-year-old lost consciousness and broke three ribs. She was brought to a hospital via air ambulance, according to CNN.
Anderson told CNN that her husband repeatedly asked why an air ambulance helicopter was necessary. A regular ambulance could have gotten her to a hospital less than an hour away. But he was told the air ambulance was necessary – although he was never told why and the official record gives no reason, according to CNN.
Anderson ended up with a $54,727.26 bill. Her insurance company paid $13,697.73, leaving her to come up with $41,029.53. Anderson told CNN the air ambulance crew had spent about 45 minutes with her and the price “shocked me…I wrote [the air ambulance company] a letter telling them that I thought it was all outrageous.”
A Worsening Problem
What happened to Anderson is becoming well known because she talked with CNN. But in looking into the cost of air ambulances around the country, CNN found it’s an issue that is drawing complaints everywhere.
They also found some bills reached as high as $533,000.
The issue has become more well-known as more air ambulance helicopters take flight. There are now about 900 helicopters operating as air ambulances in the United States, according to Bloomberg. They make more than 300,000 flights per year.
The business news service also reported that the average charge to Medicaid for air ambulance flights doubled between 2010 and 2014, from $14,000 to $30,000.
Bloomberg reported on a story similar to Anderson’s. A small child suffering from an apparent encephalitis attack and with a fever of 107 degrees was flown from a small town in West Virginia to a hospital 76 miles away.
The parents were hit with a $45,930 charge for the flight. Insurance covered only $6,704.
The mother told Bloomberg: “I was angry, and I felt like we were being taken advantage of.”
Lawsuits and Government Action
The parents of the child in West Virginia have sued the air ambulance company. The company has defended its charges.
Because federal law treats air ambulances like air carriers – just like Southwest or Delta – there are few restrictions on what they charge.
Virginia lawmakers are trying to help mitigate the problem by giving patients the right to choose a ground ambulance over an air ambulance if their injuries are not found severe enough to require a medical flight.
The law goes into effect in March 2019. It applies both to Virginians and anyone who is visiting the state and has a medical emergency.
