Friday, December 3, 2010

Varicella Vaccine

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease in the U. S.; however it is an adult disease in many tropical climates. Traveling adults should consider vaccination if they have not had the disease. People raised in tropical or subtropical areas now working in or visiting the U.S. who have not had the disease or been previously vaccinated should also consider vaccination. Proof of vaccination against Chickenpox is now required for immigration into the U.S

Monday, November 29, 2010

Travel Evacuation Insurance

The BAD NEWS: Did you know? Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally. Many foreign hospitals require patients to demonstrate ability to pay before treatment is started. Unfortunately this can result in delayed treatment and high medical bills for individuals who thought they were covered.


The GOOD NEWS: Passport Health has found the best deals on travel insurance. You can even print your insurance ID card immediately! No watching the mail and hoping your card arrives before you depart. From medical coverage and emergency evacuation to trip cancelation and lost baggage we've got you covered. The 24 hour assistance service with a toll free phone number provides immediate assistance if you forget your medication or need care at a local medical facility. The assistance center will make arrangements for your care and for payment of medical expenses. This service is essential while traveling abroad.

It's fast and easy. Why not get a quote for your next trip and take along the additional peace of mind. You will be pleasantly surprised at the very affordable pricing.

Friday, November 26, 2010

SteriPEN



Named one of the best inventions of 2001 by TIME magazine, the SteriPEN zaps and sterilizes a 16-oz. cup of water in less than a minute with ultraviolet light that eliminates over 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause waterborne illness. The best part is that it doesn't need to be plugged in. It's portable, packable and powered by AA batteries

Passport Health offices stock the full line of SteriPen Products.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teens. Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that usually results from viruses or bacteria. Not all types of meningitis can be prevented with vaccines. Fortunately, immunization does protect against four types of meningococcal disease.


Why do teens need a meningococcal vaccine?
Of the 1,000- 2,600 people who get meningococcal disease each year, one-third are teens and young adults. Ten percent to 15% of those who get sick with the disease will die, even with antibiotic treatment. Up to 20% will have permanent side effects, such as hearing loss or brain damage. This is why immunization against meningococcal disease so important. It can help prevent this serious disease.

Please take a few minutes and watch this video

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Pneumonia Vaccine

Passport Health offices in New Jersey have the Pneumonia Vaccine Available to New Jersey Residents for Just $40.00 ( NJVFC excluded)

According to the CDC people over 65, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic diseases such as heart or lung disease or diabetes should be vaccinated.

Check out this Video from the CDC about the benefit of being vaccinated.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Listen to your Mama and get your flu shot

Passport Health offices in New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area have the Seasonal Flu Vaccine, including Flumist, High Dose, and Preservative free vaccine.



So Listen to your Mama!
Call 1-800-741-0504 and make an appointment today to get yourself and your family Vaccinated.

www.passporthealthnj.com

www.passporthealthphilly.com

vaccineprograms@passporthealthnj.com

post_master@passporthealthphilly.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

We at Passport Health are happy to provide this link to an informative video produced by the Cleavland Clinic. Dr Ellen Rome discusses whooping cough symptoms and Prevention.
Adult immunizations are a crucial part of keeping a family protected.



Passport Health Offices in Lawrenceville, Morristown, East Brunswick, and Shrewsbury, NJ
have the vaccine in stock and available through a great program.
Please call today 1-800-741-0504 ask about the ARRA vaccine program, and schedule your appointment.

http://www.passporthealthnj.com/

vaccineprograms@passporthealthnj.com

Sunday, November 14, 2010

ARRA Vaccine Available







1-800-741-0504
http://www.passporthealthnj.com/
vaccineprograms@passporthealthnj.com

Passport Health offices in East Brunswick, Lawrenceville, Morristown, and Shrewsbury are proud to be a part of the ARRA Vaccine program. Tdap, Meningitis, Pneumonia and HPV Vaccines are in stock and available.
The vaccines are provided by the Federal Government at no cost to New Jersey residents.
NJVFC eligible children excluded
Passport Health will Charge an office visit fee of $23.36 plus an administration fee of $16.64
Total cost to recipient is $40.00
Clients must ask for the ARRA program vaccine when making an appointment

Menactra approved for ages 2-55 only
Menveo approved for ages 11-55 only
Pneumovax 23 approved for ages 2 and up
Tdap approved for ages Boostrix 10-64, Adacel 11-64
Gardasil ** approved for ages 9-26
Cervarix ** approved for ages 10-25

** indicates series necessary for optimal immunity.
$ 40. charge is per dose.

Passport Health is not a Medicare Provider and does no insurance billing or filing of forms.
Payment is by cash or credit card only (No Checks).
Medically coded receipts are provided.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

how to travel on a student's budget: May in Montreal

Student travel is a huge industry: from Semesters at Sea to a Summer in Greece, universities around the country participate in international exchange programs that enhance student study. Every location has its natural benefits for certain students (I wrote about my friend who went to Bolivia last summer for Social Justice and another who just returned from South Africa for engineering.)

But for the student who isn't able to travel formally with a university, whether constraints are money or time based, all students can find a way to live the adventurous lifestyle they want without breaking the bank (or the calendar).

Montreal, from The Metropark Amtrak station, is a 10 hour trip. (I've had friends who've driven there in 8 hours... but the driver ended up with a $90 dollar speeding ticket from a NY State Trooper, I do not advise.) Prices aren't horrible, especially compared to what an international flight runs on average. And let me tell you, Montreal really is a European treasure on the North American Continent. And don't let anyone hear you say Mon-TREE-all, especially if you're exercsing that nice and rusty high school French, it's pronounced Mon-reah-al (with accent on the "r" if you can manage a throat slurring).

Old Montreal is where the traditional European vibe is, with a ton of great local pubs and plenty of museums to visit. In that district there are also a lot of independent artisans and vendors who make art by hand. I found a beautiful blue glass ring that I'm wearing right now!

One of the most spectacular views comes from the heart of the city's mountain, properly called Mount Royal. The city is actually an island, so the middle is the highest point for miles around. In French, if you say Montreal (as my expert pronunciation directions suggest) fast enough, and for long enough, you start to hear "Mont Royal," and *ahh* it is all becoming clear to me!



Personally, I would always opt for hostel stays if you're with five or six friends because most places have cabin-like rooms with that many beds, so you'll effectively share a huge room (often with a bathroom attached) for a fraction of the cost as if you'd each gotten your own room. I've seen prices as low as $24 (US) a night, and it's been well worth it.

One of the top spots during the day was the Botanical Gardens, filled with absolutely beautiful varieties of domestic and exotic species of flowers, shrubs, and trees. In the gift shop area, there's an artist who makes his own clay figurines from hand. The details on my baby panda were incredible, there were even claws on his tiny black paws and every grass stem was rolled and assembled on its own. The clay isn't baked, but is left to dry naturally; the figurines hold all of their color and you can often get things custom made.

Food is another one of Montreal's notable treats, and not just French-style cafes or seven-course dinners (of which there are many awesome options). Actually, one of the best meals was a Greek place just a few blocks from the hostel, a delicious gyro was only four bucks!

Late night fun (after the bars close), there are lots of little crepe houses that are open 24/7, it was the best way to end a really long and terrific night! Anyway, the point is, with all of these activities, and all the friends to be made in this uber-social and friendly atmosphere, all in all, a five-day trip is manageable with $300.

So, if you're looking for a great adventure this summer, take a trip to Montreal with some buds, your significant other, hey... why not even take your parents? Or, you know, maybe next time.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

World Cup: Many Travel to South Africa, But My Friend Comes Home

I've got to admit, travelling back to New Jersey from a four-month stint in South Africa has to feel great and terrible just about now. For my friend John, it's great for us to see him, for John, it's terrible because his flight took off approximately 48 hours before the start of the World Cup. But there are thousands of people who have traveled with their national team of choice, and millions around the globe who are participating in one of the most unifying traditions. Soccer has been a historical value for peace, like in Nigeria in 1969 during that country's civil war; in many more nuanced ways, soccer in 2010 is subtly rebuilding damaged international relationships that the United States has had in the past with other parts of the world.

Michael Washington says, "I think that the US team in the World Cup this year really marks an official foray of soccer into the American life. In many ways, it unites us with the rest of the world, and with ourselves in ways that we have up until now, largely ignored were there."

It's true, soccer opens up modes of social interaction and communication between most all groups in the world: one of my friends told me that one of his fondest childhood memories was a vacation to Jamaica when he met two British and Mexican kids playing on a field; although verbal communication was somewhat limited,  the power of the game had united them as friends for the duration of the stay.

So, whether or not you're in South Africa or watching the games on tv, there are many health-benefits of an international vacation, especially if it's on the game-field interface.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Summer Stress and Travel

In college, the weather really has nothing to do with the beginning of summer. It could be fifty-seven degrees out, and there will be troupes of beach-ready grads and undergrads, diligently laying in the cold windy air-- "soaking up the sun." This isn't just a habit born out of irresponsibility: Oh. no. This is a habit built on the tradition of grade-posting.

"Yeah... grades getting posted are stressful and nerve racking, but it's better than finals because I can access all of that anxiety about something that matters without having to study anymore. It is Christmas morning every morning for a few days, but slightly more demented," says one up-and-coming senior.

I wasn't completely sold on this highly artificial season-break in the beginning of May, but it seems to hold water, especially since I myself was at the beach (water was around 60 degrees) yesterday.

Well, yes, there is a point to all of this: the most important thing to remember about the end of the school year is that we can all go a little crazy by the middle of this month, and that whatever you decide to do to burn off steam, make sure you take some precautionary measures if you're traveling to a new place, whether it's a city with alternate water sources or a different country with a whole separate bacteria lexicon.

When the human body undergoes mental and physical stress, it's no secret that it's often weakened by that experience and sometimes the "leisure" activities that we reward ourselves with (flying to see a friend in Mexico on a 2am flight after finals) can often drain our systems even further if we don't take proper care to secure our bodily surroundings.

I know a couple (John and Ali) who decided to woof for the summer on a farm in Hawaii. ("Woofing" is a term that describes farming on land for room and board.) They're living in a tree house and are both really excited, set to leave within 24 hours of their last final. Even though they're staying within the United States, without an already-healthy immune system, they'd be almost certain to contract illness in the environment.

"We're bringing a water purifying pen and some re-hydration salts for the first few days, just to make sure," John says.

This summer, wherever you travel, keep a close eye on your physical health. If you're traveling to a foreign country, make sure you are aware of your stress level, your sleep level, and your food intake; these are simple ways to insure that your body will make a seamless transition into your summertime environment. For everything else, there's Passport Health.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Spring Break!

Have you made your plans for spring break 2010? If you haven't... well get to work! And if you have, make sure you call us at Passport Health and make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations. Even if you're staying in the continental United States, it is important that you consider receiving the H1N1 vaccine since most facilities will be crowded. Especially if you plan on staying in a hostel (in the US or abroad) you should update any shots that you've been putting off.

Travel to any tropical or sub-tropical zone obviously requires its fair share of education and preparation. Visit our websites and give us a call; depending on your area, we have several locations that might best fit your schedule!

http://www.passporthealthusa.com/new-jersey/
http://www.passporthealthphilly.com/



Have a great spring break!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Passport Health in Center City, "we'd love to see you!"

I blogged a little bit about Passport Health's Pennsylvania offices, including our location in Center City Philadelphia. We're loving it here! And we've never wanted to see you more. Aside from our Philadelphia location, we also have offices in Warrington and Lawrenceville. Visit our website http://www.passporthealthphilly.com/ to pre-fill your patient intake forms and to learn more about us, as well as your travel destinations. Once again, PPH Delaware Valley/Philadelphia serves the following communities:

Ardmore, Abington, Ambler, Arcola, Aston, Audubon, Bala Cynwyd, Bedminster, Bensalem, Blooming Glen, Blue Bell, Bridgeport, Bristol, Brookhaven, Broomall, Bryn Athyn, Bryn Mawr, Buckingham, Carversville, Cedars, Chadds Ford, Chalfont, Cheltenham, Chester, Chester Heights, Cheyney, Clifton Heights, Collegeville, Colmar, Concordville, Conshohocken, Coopersburg, Creamery, Croydon, Crum Lynne, Danboro, Darby, Doylestown, Dresher, Drexel Hill, Dublin, Durham, Eagleville, Earlington, East Greenville, Elkins Park, Erwinna, Essington, Fairless Hills, Fairview Village, Feasterville Trevose, Ferndale, Flourtown, Folcroft, Folsom, Forest Grove, Fort Washington, Fountainville, Franconia, Frederick, Furlong, Gardenville, Gilbertsville, Gladwyne, Glen Mills, Glen Riddle Lima, Glenolden, Glenside, Gradyville, Green Lane, Gwynedd, Gwynedd Valley, Harleysville, Hatboro, Hatfield, Haverford, Havertown, Hilltown, Holicong, Holmes, Horsham, Huntingdon Valley, Jamison, Jenkintown, King Of Prussia, Kintnersville, Kulpsville, Lafayette Hill, Lahaska, Langhorne, Lansdale, Lansdowne, Lederach, Lenni, Levittown, Line Lexington, Lumberville, Mainland, Marcus Hook, Mechanicsville, Media, Merion Station, Milford Square, Mont Clare, Montgomeryville, Morrisville, Morton, Narberth, New Hope, Newtown, Norristown, North Wales, Norwood, Oaks, Oreland, Ottsville, Penns Park, Pennsburg, Perkasie, Perkiomenville, Philadelphia, Pineville, Pipersville, Plumsteadville, Plymouth Meeting, Point Pleasant, Pottstown, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Red Hill, Revere, Richboro, Richlandtown, Ridley Park, Riegelsville, Royersford, Rushland, Salford, Salfordville, Sassamansville, Schwenksville, Sellersville, Sharon Hill, Silverdale, Skippack, Solebury, Souderton, Southampton, Spinnerstown, Spring House, Spring Mount, Springfield, Springtown, Sumneytown, Swarthmore, Telford, Thornton, Trumbauersville, Tylersport, Upper Black Eddy, Upper Darby, Valley Forge, Villanova, Wallingford, Warminster, Warrington, Washington Crossing, Wayne, West Point, Willow Grove, Woodlyn, Worcester, Woxall, Wycombe, Wyncote, Wynnewood, Zieglerville, Zionhill

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Groundhog Day's Upon Us, Feel the Joy

There are more reasons than one to chose a local getaway in the Northeast or New York City than a major trip to the other side of the world. Leaving the majesty abroad out of the equation for a moment, sometimes we just need a little break from the stress of holiday cheer (that's now most assuredly rubbed off into something like a sore back and maybe some extra weight!) and winter winds.
I don't know if you know this... and why would you? but we are about to stumble onto one of the best holidays of the year. It's a shy little day, with lots of understated majesty: and that day falls on one of the most brilliant and enthusiastic days of the week (oh you didn't know the days of the week had their own moods?...) TUESDAY!!!!

Oh, okay, you're not really excited about Groundhog's Day? Well, anyway. This February 2nd is 2010's mirror into the future, if you will, the first hope for spring time. And Between this date, which unfortunately falls on a Tuesday, and Valentine's day (that other holiday that fosters more ambivalence than ignorance) on Sunday February 14th block out the perfect constraints for a festival.

And by festival, maybe we mean a weekend skiing in New York or Vermont; maybe it's a weekend in Boston (I know, these are for the lovers of snow and ice). There are buses that run to all of these locations that are cheap and convenient (most all run from NY and Phily). If you are desperate for some sun and are willing to pay slightly more, most airlines are running winter specials to either FLA or the Carolinas. Long weekend, lover, or groundhog... you should think about it.

Stay tuned, Groundhog's Day dinner festival (d.i.y. style) to come!


Worldbloc

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Helping in Haiti

Support Doctors Without Borders in Haiti


Doctors Without Borders is in a league of its own when it comes to helping out in times of crisis, (not to mention in times of "peace"). DWB is forwarding 100% of donated funds received to the relief efforts in Haiti. But their presence in that country is not a novel one: in fact, before the earthquake, DWB ran the only OBGYN and the only trauma ward in the capital city. While there are many volunteers on their way to Haiti, DWB and its volunteers have an established rapport with citizens and are working around the clock, as all relief and mission workers there now are.


Doctors Without Borders is first among equals in the endeavor to aid one of the world's poorest populations as they are well positioned on the ground. What they do need, however, is financial support. And that is where you, I, and everyone else who can spare even a nickel come in to play. Thank you for your support.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Please Help in Haiti: Donate to Doctors Wihout Borders

After the breaking news yesterday that Haiti suffered a massive earthquake, the reports of even greater suffering and need in Haiti continue to pour in. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those travelers but also citizens affected on this solemn day. But in an effort to help out our global neighbors, Passport Health New Jersey has added a "Support Doctors without Borders in Haiti" botton on the right hand column of our website or click the button below; please visit and help. Thank you,


Passport Health New Jersey

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Why H1N1 and not "Swine Flu"?

There has been a lot of discussion about H1N1 over the last 10 months, or so. But before it was referred to by its real name, the H1N1 virus, it was commonly called the "Swine Flu" virus. Now, there are a lot of reasons why this name has been propagated, and most of the responsibility falls on the 24-hour media apparatus that so invades our vocabulary. The term "swine" flu, without a doubt increases the sense of urgency, the sense of unhygienic and latent danger that catapulted so many in our area to protect themselves against the virus.

And of course, Passport Health does provide those services and vaccines that protect the individual from the very real medical threat of the H1N1 virus. But we are asking you to think about the way "swine" flu has twisted off the base of concrete-medical concern and latches on to the average person's fear via the very disgraceful and bigoted assumptions in language that Swine flu fosters.

If the reader would, remember the panic that the out-break of H1N1 created. Now, remember that most news sources referred to it by its nickname Swine Flu, remember that it had "originated" in Mexico and made its way to North America... (of course, it did *not* originate in Mexico, but rather in Asia; we will not dwell on this fact, however).

It takes a rather large philosophical investment for a reader to argue that the connection between "swine flu" and Mexico did not already target some very sensitive (albeit unsaid, latently anticipated) connections between the word "Mexican" and the word "swine."

To make matters all the more apparent, the common belief was that travelers had brought the virus into the United States after vacationing... or was it a Mexican immigrant, himself? Anyway, the virus was originally transmitted from the pig to the person in Mexico (furthering this all but unsaid social comment on the cleanliness of the Mexican population), had incubated in the south and spread disease among the Americans in the north. See any parallels to many economic "dispositions"?

Of course, implicitly offensive terms like Swine Flu trickle down through the news sources that most of the population rely on for their information, and it is used day in and day out, just like any other term, until the public "forgets" its real content and implications, and denies any real malevolence in the phrase. This is understandable to a degree, since the average public never meant to use it as an offensive parallel;

but if the reader will notice that around late summer, the media began to alter its reference--from Swine Flu to H1N1. Now, whether this is a tactic to make the same old story (still dangerous, in fact, more likely to upsurge) sound new via a "new" name, or due to the obviously bigoted connations, Swine Flu for a large part became H1N1.

The sad thing is, this difference in terminology in the media does not mean a conversion in terminology for the general public. Now, if anything, the two words are used interchangeably, and often together.

I don't think this is a matter of being "politically correct," but to be sure we live in a politically correct time. I will leave you with twp last questions, however; is it so wrong to wish that people did not accept the offensive and bigoted terms passed down by news sources attempting to sell a permanent brand of national panic?

Is it so outlandish to think that the apparatus that most people openly acknowledge to purposefully propagate a continuous feeling of "high-drama news" that it would *not* implicitly build its story on the already-existing political tensions of national immigration and local employment by specifically linking the concept of Mexican swine and American security?

Is it really so nuts to attempt to respect everyone? If that makes Passport Health "p.c." well, then that's okay by us.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Protect Yourself Against the H1N1 Virus in 2010

In case you didn't know, the H1N1 vaccine is now available for all individuals who wish to protect themselves against the virus. Many people in our community have said things like "it's so hard to find out about clinics! I didn't even know I was eligible for vaccination..."

In fact, many people have commented on the decreased public demand for the vaccination; "I think it has a lot to do with the media's portrayal of the H1N1--at first it was all the craze to talk about, but now the news has really dropped its coverage of the issue," says one participant at one of our clinics.

But that doesn't mean risk has gone down, in reality, times of decreased awareness lead to increased exposure and a resurgence in infection.

And Passport Health makes it more accessible in 2010 for you and your family to stay safe! Aside from flu.gov (where we post our clinics) Passport Health of Shrewsbury is running walk-in clinics ever Tuesday for the next month between 1PM and 4PM. No appointment necessary!

Seasonal and FluMist vaccine also available. Make sure you plan a pit-stop to our Shrewsbury office.

Happy New Year!