February 8th, 2010 by admin

I have had private medical insurance for years and it amazes me how the benefits have grown. I guess people are more health conscious these days, probably because of the fact that as a nation, our health is declining dramatically and quickly. It’s a paradox, really. We get unhealthier, and gym discounts are on offer everywhere.

I have had private medical insurance for quite a long time. I just like the peace of mind knowing that if something should happen to me or a family member, we would be seen to immediately. I’ve always been mocked by my family for worrying and over planning, but the way I see it, why take chances instead of precautions? I can’t handle the thought of an emergency occurring and inefficiency delaying the process of getting speedy diagnostics when you need them.

Private medical insurance is just a part of my life, and has become that way more so over the years. I think it’s because it provides so many benefits that apply to our every day lives. I’ve been with Aviva – they used to be Norwich Union – for years and have to say, the 24 hour GP and stress helpline as well as peace of mind is worth every penny.

January 30th, 2010 by admin

Bad weather conditions keep people off the beaches while on holiday, but there is always the hotel pool, right?

Wrong.

Villas with pools are typically a nice retreat for the British and Germans on holiday in Majorca – however, a recent test of pools at local villas and resorts in Majorca showed that one-fourth of them were contaminated.

Some pools were using too much chlorine, which has a bleaching effect on clothes and is irritating to the skin and eyes. Some pools had no disinfectants. Others still were contaminated with fecal bacteria.

Water Safety: What to Watch Out For in the Holiday Pool

When you think about water safety during holiday, people typically think of accidents in the ocean.

Pool water can be equally as dangerous though. Contaminants in the water, depending on which type, can cause irritation and rash, ear infections and even death.

E. coli is a real risk when swimming in water with fecal bacteria. Coming in contact with E. coli can cause urinary tract infections and vomiting. Long-term effects of some strands of E. coli are life threatening.

Be on alert for issues with the hotel pool. Start before you even leave for your trip. Check the local area you plan to visit to see if there are any outbreaks or health concerns.

You can even ask the hotel or villa when you make your reservation about the chlorine levels of the pool and how often the pool water is tested.

You can take a few precautions when sitting pool side as well. First, notice the color of the water. Is it green and mucky or crystal clear? Read the rest of this entry »