Category Archives: ALC Travel News

The gathering storm of H7N9 virus could be ‘one of the most lethal so far’

This Flu Virus COULD lead to the Pandemic (if human-human transmission occurs) we expected but did NOT get in 2009 from Swine Flu (if this one doesn’t we have H5N1 to worry about and a novel Corona (SARS like ) virus lurking!) writes Dr Charlie Easmon who believes that all companies should have a Pandemic FLU Contingency Plan for distribution that outlines

What is to be done at each stage of the spread of the disease in terms of:

Travel to and from certain locations (i.e. China)
What possible border restrictions may apply and when
What to do if a suspected case arises in another country (ie Afghanistan to UK)
What personal protection Measures (PEP) should be in place for which staff
where (ie masks etc)
What vaccination measures (seasonal flu vaccination and at a later stage
specific vaccination) should be in place when
What antiviral measure (ie Tamiflu) should be in place – To order Tamiflu we
need a signed letter on headed paper requesting an amount ( we will charge £70
per box but your own sources may be much cheaper)

What ADDITIONAL hygiene measures are to be put in place where (i.e. no hand
shaking, enhanced cleaning of door handles and computers etc)

For more information contact
Dr Charlie Easmon MBBS MRCP MSc Public Health DTM&H DOccMed by calling +44 (0)20 7580 5467

British Expat hit with €1,180 bill for one night in UK hospital

An Expat who paid taxes in the UK for 40 years was handed a whopping €1,180 bill for a one-night stay at a Bristol hospital. Read more at the Olive Press Spain’s No1 English daily news website

http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2013/04/04/expat-hit-with-e1180-bill-for-one-night-in-nhs-hospital/

ALC Health at the Health Insurance Awards. Can we have your Vote ?

Voting for the 2013 Health Insurance Awards is now open and if you would like to recognise ALC Health at this year’s prestigious awards in the International Private Medical Insurance Individual or Group Provider categories, do please click on the red button and cast your vote

“thank you for voting, we really appreciate your support”
from everyone at ALC Health

ALC Health reports another year of record breaking iPMI growth

ALC Health (à la carte healthcare) today reported a 40% growth on individual and 35% growth on group business for 2012.

Andrew Apps, Director commented “Over the past three years we have seen a steady growth across all our target markets and with 2012 continuing to break yet more records for the company. Our boutique approach to customer service and competitive pricing structure has enabled our members to get the cover they need at an affordable price whilst enjoying the very highest level of personal service and support that has become the hallmark of ALC Health’s continued success.

2012 has been another leap forward for ALC Health and during this summer we will be adding further product options to our already flexible Prima brand of international medical insurance plans, offering even greater cover choice to both individuals and group scheme members. The past year was an exciting one for ALC Health and we are looking forward to pushing forward the boundaries even further”.

How to Survive Jet Lag

It’s only been eight grueling hours on a red-eye flight from JFK to Fiumicino Airport, and you’ve already gained additional luggage — a new set of bags under your eyes. Even though it’s a brand new day in Rome, you find little delight after a sleepless night, thanks to the overly bright reading lights left on by other passengers. Now tasked with the burden of fighting extreme fatigue, you grab your real bags and hope that you don’t pass out while touring the Colosseum.

Here’s a quick definition of every traveler’s number one enemy: Jet lag occurs when you disrupt your body’s regular sleep pattern by traveling into a new time zone. You may be familiar with the notion that your body operates on an internal clock that syncs with the cycle of the sun, meaning that when we wake up and go to sleep is determined by when the sun rises and sets.

Unfortunately there’s no way to completely prevent jet lag or make it go away with one simple solution. However, there are ways in which you can minimize the effects of jet lag when you’re traveling across time zones.

Before Your Trip – Your approach to jet lag will depend upon whether you’re traveling east and losing time or west and gaining it, writes the healthytravelblog.com. Training your body to stay awake longer or go to sleep earlier will be key to adjusting to a new time zone over the next few days. So in the days leading up to your trip, start to cheat towards the time zone you’re going to be visiting. This starts with controlling your exposure to both natural and artificial light. If you’re traveling east (which is more difficult to adjust to) turn on lights earlier in the morning so your body can get accustomed to waking up earlier. If you’re headed west, expose yourself to light at dusk and the early part of the evening to delay your internal clock.

During the Flight – For long flights, booking a red-eye can put you in the advantage for overcoming jet lag easily, since you can get a little sleep at a time when you normally would. Wear an eye mask or use earplugs to shut out extra light and noise to help you sleep. If you’re considering taking a low-dose sleeping pill or synthetic melatonin, talk to your doctor about what will be best for you.

If you’re traveling during the day, try to get as much sun as possible and stay awake when you arrive at your destination. Remember, controlling your exposure to light is the key to falling asleep or staying awake longer. By staying up with the sun, the natural light will help your body adjust to a new sleep schedule.

Additionally, drink plenty of water and say NO to caffeine and alcohol to avoid dehydration, which can make jet lag even worse. Even though you may think you can drink yourself into a peaceful sleep, alcohol actually reduces your chances of sleeping soundly, as it disrupts later stages of sleep. So don’t get snockered.

You Made It! Now What? – Once you’ve landed, avoid indulging in large meals – especially spicy ones – on your first day to prevent travel-related indigestion. Also, try to get as much sleep in 24-hour blocks as you normally would at home. If you arrive in Italy and it’s 4 p.m. their time, skip the two hour nap in your hotel room and stay awake until later, when the locals typically go to sleep. This will help you adjust to their time schedule, without the threat of becoming a nocturnal tourist.

With kind permission of the Healthy Travel blog

Billig Christian Louboutin Herren Schuhe, Qualität Louboutin Sneakers Online

Vor kurzem brachten wir Ihnen einen kurzen Blick auf das, was Sie von Louboutin Sneakers 2016 erwarten können, und zum Glück haben einige dieser Frühjahr Zubehörteile begonnen, in die Läden zu tropfen. Unsere Firma hat eine Menge zu bieten diese bevorstehende Saison, und ich wollte einen genaueren Blick auf die louboutin sneakers, die das größte Frühjahr Sneaker Debüt ist.

Der Schuh ist fett und anspruchsvoll, und die schwarze Kalbsleder-Version hat einen kontrastierenden Nackt-Top-Griff und rote Sohlen-Emblem, sowie ein rotes Innere Spähen heraus. Auf den ersten Blick fühlt es sich ein bisschen nackt für die louboutin herren schuhe, aber die Zwickel bieten eine verborgene Pop von Billig Louboutin, mit leopard-print Lackleder, Spike Detaillierung und natürlich ein wenig rot.

Die Christian Louboutin Schuh kommt auch mit einem abnehmbaren Schultergurt, was wichtig ist, weil die Tasche fühlen kann ein bisschen schwer, wenn von den oberen Griffen getragen. Da die herren schuhe sehr groß sind, glaubte ich zunächst nicht, dass der Schulterriemen funktionell oder bequem wäre, wie es oft das Problem mit großen, strukturierten Schuhen ist. Überraschenderweise erwies sich dieser verstellbare Riemen als falsch; Es fiel genau an der richtigen Stelle auf meinem Körper und die oberen Griffe waren nicht in meinem Weg. Die Kombination aus Struktur und Vielseitigkeit macht sie zu einem hervorragenden Arbeitsschuh.

Ich verliebte mich schnell in die einzigartige Struktur des Louboutin Herren Schuhe, aber es war das Innere, das mich wirklich zum Ohnmachen machte. Ich liebe Billig Louboutin Sneakers, die mir helfen, organisiert bleiben und die rote Wildleder-Portfolio-Stil Interieur ist schwer zu widerstehen. Auch nicht jeder wird mit mir einverstanden sein, aber ich persönlich liebe einen Schuh, der nicht einen oberen Verschluss hat. Ich mag Sachen am leichten Zugang haben, ohne mit Schließungen, Klammern und Knöpfen zu fummeln. Die beiden Reißverschlussfächer sind genug, um meine Wertsachen versteckt zu halten, während immer noch andere Dinge in meinem Designer leicht zugänglich, die immer ein Plus, wenn ich die Verwendung der Luxus Sneakers für die Arbeit sind. Aber nicht ärgern, es gibt noch ein verdecktes Ausziehband, wenn Sie nicht ganz bequem mit alles im Freien sind.

The 5 Healthiest Airlines – the best food in the sky over the US

If you’ve ever had a bad dining experience on an airplane and are still permanently scarred by that rubbery chicken dinner, you’re probably anxiously awaiting the day when the healthy food trend hits airline menus. Guess what? We’re here! Well, almost.

While they aren’t exactly renowned for serving five-star cuisine, a nutrition professor from the City University of New York has rated the best and worst menus of US domestic airlines, providing the perfect guide for any frequent flyer.

Over the last 12 years Charles Platkin, also known as the “Airline Food Bully,” has researched and tested numerous airline foods served to economy-class passengers, in the hope of both educating flyers and revamping menus.

Here’s Platkin’s list of the five healthiest airlines . . . read more here

 

Reproduced with kind permission of the healthytravelblog.com

 

How to Be Healthy on a Cruise

Traveling on a humongous ship from port to port with thousands of strangers is revered as one of the best ways to travel. But for better or worse, the term “cruise” has also become synonymous with the 24/7 access to extravagant buffets, endless supplies of pizza and booze, and the subsequent binge eating.

Yet in response to today’s increasingly health-conscious world, cruise lines have taken measures to improve the passengers’ experience by ensuring an amazing time without threatening your waistline.

If you’re joining in on the fun during the peak of cruising-season, you’ll definitely want to keep these tips in mind for a healthy vacation. Read more here…….

Reproduced with kind permission of the healthytravelbog.com

3rd case of Novel Coronavirus (NCoV) confirmed in the UK

The World Health Organisation has been advised of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV).  This is the third case confirmed in the country this month and is in the same family cluster as the two recently confirmed cases.

The latest confirmed case does not have recent travel history outside the UK.  The case is recovering from mild respiratory illness and is currently well.

The confirmation with NCoV in this case with no recent travel history indicates that infection was acquired in the UK. Although this new case offers further indications of person-to-person transmission, no sustained person-to-person transmission has been identified.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is following up on all close contacts

Novel coronavirus infection update in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV). The patient is a UK resident and a relative  of the case  announced on 11 February 2013. The latest confirmed case does not have any recent travel history outside the UK and is currently hospitalized in an intensive care unit. It is understood that this patient  has pre-existing medical conditions that may have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Continue reading Novel coronavirus infection update in the UK