Friday, June 17, 2011

What is Dengue Fever?

By Faisal Khan


Dengue Fever is s an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever). 

 
Dengue Fever is a virus based disease that is transmitted principally by mosquitoes. 

More than one-third of the world’s population living in areas at risk for transmission, dengue infection is a leading cause of illness and death in the tropics and subtropics. As many as 100 million people are infected yearly and kills about

Thankfully we may be saying goodbye to Dengue Fever very soon. It is expected to be ready by 2015. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best! Million's of lives will be saved once this vaccine is created.


Friday, June 10, 2011

Staying Safe While Traveling

By Faisal Khan
Avoid Traveling Alone
  1. Dress conservatively, try to blend in, avoid clothing that may give people the impression you are a U.S. Citizen.  
  2. Don’t draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don’t display large amounts of cash.  
  3. Try to leave your valuables at home, otherwise leave them in your hotel’s safe. 
  4. Don't share your traveling plans with strangers. 
  5. Be aware of your surroundings, and don't go down any poorly lit alleys or side roads. Stay on the main streets. 
  6. Only use public transportation that has official markings.  
  7. Never accept gifts or packages from an unknown party, and NEVER accept items from locals to carry out of the country or deliver mail to someone they know. 


Friday, June 3, 2011

Money Tips For Travel

By Faisal Khan


When traveling it is always important to prepare yourself for the unexpected.

While traveling abroad, sometimes bank connections might be down, travelers check's may be refused and cash advances on credit cards might not be available.

1. Before traveling always check the exchange rate.
  • Checking the exchange rate of the country you are traveling to is an essential part of your preparation. Checking exchange rates will allow you to allocate your budget accordingly.
  • Here are some websites online which can provide you with foreign exchange rates within minutes.  
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/?u#from=USD;to=EUR;amt=1

2. Carry an inexpensive zippered fabric wallet
  • Leave your expensive wallet at home because it gives the impression you have a lot of money. An ugly cheap looking wallet is better for travel.  Money belts worn around the neck or waist are also an effective way to keep your belongings safe.

3. Cash/Checks/Credit Cards

  • Carry a currency of cash that is widely accepted, U.S. Dollars are always ideal.
  • Carry one or two credit cards, and leave the rest at home. Call your credit card company before hand to let them know you are traveling so they don't decline suspicious purchases. 
  • Find out if your travelers checks are widely accepted in the country you are traveling to. Travelers check's are considered safer then cash and usually insured if lost or stolen.

Keeping your belongings safe and secure are important if you want to have an enjoyable trip. Passport Health offers many travel related accessories. For more information, call us at 516-626-2004. 

(image source : http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1121/1435739708_5cb0ad5c44.jpg)