Today is a perfect day to think about a nice warm getaway... Or, how about going abroad? But, there are some things you should take care of before you jump on that plane or cruise.
Joining us this morning with what medical supplies to pack in your bag is Dr. Edwidge Thomas with Columbia Advanced Practice Nurse Associates.
How important is it to plan ahead when you expect to travel abroad?
Very important. You should make a travel medicine appointment for 4-6 weeks before your journey to ensure that you can get the vaccinations and information you need.
What services do you provide at Travel Medicine at CAPNA?
We offer personalized travel medicine plans. It's important that you have a travel health plan tailored to you, that takes into account your medical history, your destination and planned activities.
We all think about vaccinations and medications to avoid illnesses, but isn't it true that the most common threat to travelers is injury from an accident?
Absolutely. Your greatest risk is a safety risk - accidents are the most common cause of health problems. Make sure to wear a helmet when riding a bike or moped; always wear a seatbelt; and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws if you plan to drive.
What are some of the things that should be in a travel medicine kit?
It really is very important - as important as bringing your passport. A kit should contain: a pain reliever; anti-diarrheal and antacid; antibiotic cream; anti-itch cream; bandages; hand sanitizer; sunscreen; disposable gloves; tweezers.
Do you recommend that patients purchase travel insurance?
We do. You can ask your travel medicine provider or a travel agent for more information.
What are some other key tips to keep in mind?
Travel Medicine Tips
-----COLLEGE APPLICATIONS-----
It's that time of year--- the second semester of school is in full swing, but that also means it's time to start thinking about applying to colleges.
With tips this morning is Dr. Katherine Cohen, the founder of Applywise and author of "The Truth about Getting In."
What do students need to do now?
Most students wait till their Junior summer to study and CRAM for the SAT/ACT. Once they get their scores, they only have one or two more opportunities to re-take the SAT or ACT to improve their score. Dr. Cohen recommends taking the tests early in the Junior spring semester, to give time over the summer to study to improve their score. For example, SAT registration deadline is January 29 for the March 1 test. TIMELY
You should take an SAT subject tests in a subject that you are currently studying. This way, the material is fresh and you'll perform better on the exam.
Many schools require SAT subject tests. In fact, UCLA requires two SAT Subject tests in two different subject areas-and they do recommend students to take these tests as early as possible. Most applicants are dismayed when they have to take subject tests in the fall of their senior year. So, register now for the May 3 and June 7 Subject tests.
Visiting a college campus will help students and their parents get a sense of what they like and don't like about a school. Some students may plan a trip to visit Ivy League schools in the Northeast, while others may drive to a local campus. Visiting a campus and talking to students will help students focus on what they are looking for in a college.
Asking a teacher for a recommendation two weeks before the application is due is not a good idea. Also, by identifying who you might want a recommendation from, you can focus on not just getting the A, but what you do to get the A. Once you've identified teachers that you are interested in getting a recommendation from in the fall semester of your Senior year, feel free to talk to them about your college search. You might be surprised at how happy they are to hear about your future plans.
Your school will probably have a college day or financial aid night that you and your family should attend. You should also make an effort to speak to your guidance counselor now! The more your guidance counselor knows about your needs and wants, the better advice he or she can give you in the next few months.
What is Applywise?
ApplyWise is a college admissions online resource (you can visit www.applywise.com for more information).
"Grades," is a section on the ApplyWise Web site that helps students keep track of all of their grades during high school.
"Course Comparison Chart," is another section that enables students to keep track of which courses they hope to take during high school.
Another resource is www.ivywise.com
