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2003: Summer Health

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 The Road-Ready HealthWire for November 13,  2003
“Bits and Bobs*” to Keep You Sane, Safe, and Healthy on the Go


By Marlene R. Fedin, The Wellness Concierge®

 

TRAVEL-HEALTH NEWS    OTHER HEALTH NEWS  •   FOOD ON THE FLY 

HOTEL NEWS  •  R&R ON THE ROAD

 

Please Note: Access to some articles may require membership, registration, or payment. Publishers may move articles after posting. Most provide a Search vehicle to locate archived articles.

TRAVEL-HEALTH NEWS

DVT in the News: New Studies Say Low-Risk Doesn't Mean No-Risk;

Can Drinking Guinness Help Prevent DVT? Weighing the Merits of a New Remedy

URGENT! Hepatitis A Outbreak: What You Need to Know Now!

 Get Fit, Get Miles;

Dengue Fever Outbreak in Queensland; Toll from Western PA Hepatitis A Outbreak Rises

SARS 'Remedies': Ginger Root Extract May Prevent Spread of SARS;

Chinese Herbal Soup May Up SARS Recovery, Lower SARS Death Rate

Airline News: Airline Cabin Crews' Demanding Schedules and Mental Fatigue, Forgetfulness Linked;

Airline Crews Have Higher Cancer Risk

Supreme Court Case Focuses on What Constitutes an Airplane Accident

Three Colorado Communities Add No-Smoke Laws

 

THE LATEST DVT STUDIES: Low-Risk Doesn't Mean No Risk

For most road warriors, the odds of developing life-threatening deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are small. A recent Aussie study reports that a healthy, middle-age traveler has a one in 40,000 chance of developing DVT on a long-haul flight. And with the risk of death from DVT estimated at one in two million, a car accident poses a greater risk for most travelers.

But the study also found that your risk of a blood clot doesn't end with the flight: It's four times higher during the two weeks after a long flight. And the preliminary results from an ongoing Italian study raise other concerns: Flyers developed blood clots on short flights (as little as three hours)—with most clots developing in the first two to three hours and growing larger and more dangerous over time.

Individual risk increases based on a number of factors: age; taking one long-haul flight a year (a 12% increase); a previous blood clot; certain medical conditions--varicose veins; being pregnant or having just given birth; obesity; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; cancer; recent surgery, injury, or trauma; taking oral contraceptives or HRT. And vascular surgeons caution that a limited number of studies can't accurately predict your personal risk. In other words, no matter your age, physical condition,  or fitness level, heed the precautions and don't rely on the odds to protect you.

Take preventive steps for any trip (car, bus, train, or plane) where you are sitting for a long time. Drink water; move around; wear special compression socks; stretch in place; take 150 mg of aspirin before and three days after a flight; don't drink alcohol before or during flights.

Don't ignore a persistent cramp or pain in the legs. Many cases of DVT are missed or misdiagnosed. Developing even a small, symptom-less clot ups your risk for a bigger, more dangerous one.

•••

HEART-HEALTHY STOUT? It's got to be a beer-lover's fantasy: A just-released U.S. study has shown that a pint of stout a day can help reduce the risk of a heart attack. The same scientists who brought us the good news about the heart-healthy effects of imbibing a glass or two of red wine each day, now say that downing Guinness can reduce the risk of getting life-threatening blood clots. According to Professor John Folts, who led the study, you actually need to drink 24 ounces—a bit more than the traditional Irish pint.

•••

IS NEW DVT REMEDY FLIGHT-WORTHY? Dr. Richard Dawood, a travel-health specialist and author, believes travelers should exercise caution when it comes to relying on Flite Tabs, a new, clot-dissolving natural compound now sold on the Internet, to prevent DVT.

 

In a small, new study in Angiology, a vascular science journal, 94 passengers who took Flite Tabs did not develop blood clots. Flite Tabs, which contain Pinokinase, a combination of pine bark extract and fermented soybean extract, are being sold in the U.S. and U.K. as nutritional supplements, which means it is not subject to FDA scrutiny and approval. (They were developed by a Tempe, Arizona-based company, Aidan Group of Companies.)

 

Before you buy, check out the manufacturer's Safety Notes.

•••

WORK OUT FOR 'HEALTHY' MILES: In an effort to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and improved health and fitness, a number of health insurance plans are providing points that can be exchanged for airline miles, hotel discounts, and other trip-related freebies. Give up smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and commit to an exercise program, for example, and you can net free trips and other perks.

 

Check your company's health insurance plan to see what's available. And if you're responsible for your firm's healthcare package, consider adding such perks. Business travelers need all the incentives they can get to tread the healthy and fit road.

•••

AUSTRALIA REPORTS DENGUE FEVER OUTBREAK: With two reported cases of deadly dengue fever in Cairns, Queensland health officials are attempting to stop the Torres Strait outbreak from spreading to Thursday Island and the mainland of North Queensland.

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Hepatitis A Alert: What You Need to Know Now!

Consumer Dining & Purchasing Advice

If You Think You're At Risk Now:

Symptoms, Incubation Period, Special Inoculation

Preventive Action

Hepatitis A Information, Resources

Hepatitis A News Links

The Backstory on the PA Outbreak:

Toll From PA Outbreak Rises to Over 500 Cases;

FDA Identifies Possible Source of Contamination

 

As the recent, serious Hepatitis A outbreak in Pennsylvania, the largest in U.S. history, has shown, Hepatitis A is a serious concern even if you don't leave the country or eat exotic or foreign foods.

 

CONSUMER DINING & PURCHASING ADVICE: The FDA has advised that raw green scallions (green onions) may pose a health risk of Hepatitis A.  To decrease your risk, only eat scallions that have been thoroughly cooked (boiled, baked, or sautéed) or will be cooked (if used as part of another food item or mixed with another item). Exercise caution about where you choose to eat and purchase food items.

 

When purchasing prepared foods or dining out, check carefully that any items do not contain raw or lightly cooked scallions. Ask if items contain scallions or green onions. When in doubt, don't eat an item.

 

Questions? Check out the FDA's FAQs on the current outbreak.

 

IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE AT RISK NOW...

Concerned that you have ingested contaminated items--or have been exposed to people who have been involved in an identified outbreak? Check with local health authorities to get an antibody inoculation, which must be given within two weeks of exposure.

 

► Monitor your health and consult a physician if symptoms (see below) appear.

► If symptoms appear, get an IgM anti-HAV blood test. (Do not get the test if you have eaten raw scallions but do not have symptoms.)

 

INCUBATION PERIOD, SYMPTOMS

► The incubation period for Hepatitis A ranges from 15 to 50 days.

► The onset of symptoms may be delayed: The early, flu-like symptoms may take as long as 28 to 30 days to appear.

► Infected individuals may have no signs or symptoms of the disease.

► Symptoms may occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms include: loss of appetite, nausea, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (eyes or skin may appear yellowed).

 

PREVENTIVE ACTION

If you travel to areas with questionable hygiene and sanitation standards (in or out of the United States), you should consult with your physician about getting a Hepatitis A vaccine shot.

 

TIP: If you have not eaten potentially contaminated items, but have a health condition that may put you at additional or serious risk if you should contract Hepatitis A, contact a physician and discuss whether you should get a Hepatitis A vaccine shot. (Note: The vaccine is designed to work before you are exposed to a potential contaminant.)

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

CDC Hepatitis A Information Page

FAQs, Overview, Risk Factors from WebMD

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THE BACKSTORY:

TOLL FROM PA HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK RISES: The FDA, CDC, and local health departments are conducting ongoing investigations into the source of a Hepatitis A outbreak in western Pennsylvania that is believed to have originated at a Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant near Pittsburgh. The Chi-Chi's chain is removing green onions from all of its outlets and the unit where the outbreak was believed to have started is closed until January.

 

The FDA has halted the import of Mexican green onions while it continues its investigations into the outbreak's source.

 

Outbreaks associated with raw or undercooked green onions (scallions) also occurred in September in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. (If you've traveled to these areas and ingested possibly contaminated scallions, symptoms would have presented by now, November 20, 2003.)

 

An estimated 540 people (as of November 20, 2003) have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A in the spreading outbreak with a number of deaths. Since the incubation period can be as long as 50 days, more cases are likely to be diagnosed.

 

SARS IN THE NEWS:

Japanese researchers believe that ginger root extracts in traditional Chinese medicines may prevent the spread of the SARS virus. ...Chinese doctors believe preliminary test results show that a Chinese herbal soup ("qing fei jiy du tang" aka a soup for clearing the lungs), which contains the chemical compound baicalin, could be an effective SARS treatment. The Chinese, known for their traditional herbal remedies, are exploring cheaper alternatives to traditional drugs, including steroids, used in SARS treatments, which some believe may have contributed to SARS-related deaths.

•••

AIRLINE NEWS

DEMANDING SCHEDULES LINKED TO CABIN CREWS' MENTAL FATIGUE, FORGETFULNESS: The results of a U.K. study of cabin crews from international and English-speaking carriers show that the intense, 24/7 lifestyle imposed on in-flight professionals by their work has some disturbing fallout. With high physical demands, heavy workloads, and low control, the airline crews experience stress and psychological problems such as mental exhaustion, forgetfulness, difficulty making up their minds (!), and rash behavior (!!!). Given the maxi-mileage that's been logged by some truly frequent flyers, this could explain the equally problematic behavior—and attitude—of some passengers.

•••

NEW STUDIES SAY AIRLINE CREWS HAVE HIGHER CANCER RISK: Three different studies conclude that working high in the sky for long periods of time can up an individual's risk of cancer. Researchers believe in-flight crews are routinely exposed to cosmic radiation while on jet aircraft, which fly at high altitudes for longer periods of time.

 

The studies are not conclusive, however, with the debate continuing over whether the increased risk is linked to occupational or lifestyle factors such as on-the-ground sun exposure and irregular working hours. Although prolonged exposure during flights may not be the direct cause, scientists believe that the increased risk for specific types of cancer among cabin crews represents a legitimate occupational concern.

 

Study findings appear in the November issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

•••

WHEN IT'S NOT JUST SEMANTICS: It's gotten little press but the outcome of a case now before the Supreme Court could pose problems for air carriers. The U.S. Supreme court heard arguments on Wednesday (November 12) on whether an air carrier is liable for the death of Abid M. Hanson, a passenger on an Olympic Airways flight from Athens to New York City in 1998.

 

Although seated in the non-smoking section, Hanson, an asthmatic, was exposed to second-hand smoke from the smoking section, only a few rows away. Despite requests to be moved away from the smoke, the airlines did not allow him to change seats. Hanson reportedly moved away from the smoke and was even given a shot of epinephrine. A friend (and allergist) also on the flight provided additional care, including CPR, but Hanson died.

 

The case revolves around the definition of "accident." Under the Warsaw Convention, which governs liability for a death during an international flight, an air carrier is liable if a death is caused by an "accident."

 

The family brought suit against Olympic Airways and a California district court awarded $1.4 in damages when the U.S. District judge ruled that Hanson's death was an accident, one that resulted when a flight attendant failed to move Hanson's seat after he complained. The verdict was upheld in a San Francisco federal appeals court in December, 2002.  Olympic Airways countered that it held no liability because the death was not the result of an accident but stemmed from "internal reactions to the usual, normal, and expected operation of the aircraft."

 

The Air Transport Association (ATA), an air carrier trade group, filed a brief with the Supreme Court arguing that second-hand smoke in an aircraft is both normal and expected on flights that allow smoking. The ATA is clearly concerned about the repercussions for airlines, who might have to take preventive measures to protect flyers from becoming ill during a flight. These measures could include pre-boarding health questionnaires and what the airlines view as pesky paperwork and procedures to ensure that passengers are not exposed to health risks such as smoke or certain foods.

 

The Supreme Court ruling is expected in several months. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick gives you the backstory and updates from Wednesday's session with some biting—and appropriate—commentary on the airlines actions, or rather, lack of action.

•••

SMOKING BANS PASS IN COLORADO: Election day saw voters opting for smoking bans in public places in three Colorado communities—Greeley, Pueblo, and Summit County. Nine counties and 37 municipalities have either full or partial smoking bans in effect in restaurants and bars.

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GENERAL HEALTH NEWS

Stress Kills—-Even If You Don't Know You're Stressed

Latex-Allergy Risk in Unexpected Venues

(MORE) BAD NEWS FROM THE STRESS FRONT: Mental stress, even the kind you're unaware of, can up your risk of a heart attack or other cardiac-related health problem. Mental stress that leads to a rise in blood pressure, according to a recent study, is six times more likely to lead to angina, heart attack, or coronary artery blockage.  If you've already got other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and you smoke, you should seriously consider starting a stress-reduction program now! Local hospitals and health centers offer such programs as do many company-sponsored wellness programs.

•••

EATERIES, AIRPLANE CABINS COULD POSE LATEX-ALLERGY RISK: If you're allergic to latex—and many people don't find out until they find themselves gasping for breath—take note. You may be aware of the obvious risks in healthcare settings (hospitals, during dental work and surgery, etc.) but you may have overlooked some other potential landmines. Food handlers in many restaurants wear latex gloves while preparing meals and some flight attendants may also wear such gloves as they serve passengers and clean up the cabins. The residue on foods you eat and surfaces you touch can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.  To avoid problems, notify the airline when booking and call restaurants in advance. Make sure you speak to a restaurant manager and emphasize the seriousness of the problem. Many food purveyors are unaware of the danger although states such as Arizona, Rhode Island, and Oregon have banned the use of latex gloves in restaurants to head off potential problems.

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HOTEL NEWS

Hilton Survey: Biz Travelers Lose Sleep, Compromise Productivity;

Westin Study: Hotel Fitness Centers Need to Shape Up!

Westin Teams With Reebok on New Fitness Programs

 

HOW ARE YOU DOING? The results of Hilton Hotels' recent (June through September) Personal Performance Study of 3,500 travelers pretty much confirmed what road warriors already know (though they may not admit it): They're a sleep-deprived bunch whose performance is compromised by a lack of sleep. Survey participants, who were monitored for seven days, logged only five hours of sleep the night before a trip—an hour less than the minimum six hours needed before performance erodes. Essentially, the researchers found, these travelers started out at less-than-optimum performance levels.

 

Participants logged less sleep (an hour) each day than they believed and lost a total of almost eight hours sleep over the course of a trip—a significant sleep deficit of almost a single-night's shuteye. Two-thirds of the participants said they countered fatigue via exercisethe best antidote—while others used less-healthful methods such as drinking alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc.) and caffeinated sodas and coffee.

 

Hilton says it will use the survey results to develop "new programs and services...to enhance (travelers) productivity." The first initiative is scheduled for January 2004.

•••

AND THEIR SURVEY SAYS: WE WANT TO EXERCISE, BUT...While Hilton was monitoring performance, Westin Hotels was querying 300 business travelers as part of its "Road Runners: Working Out on the Road" survey. The news in a nutshell? Working out is apparently a "consideration" for many biz travelers (62% said they check out the availability of a workout room during the reservation process while 69% said that the presence of a state-of-the-art fitness facility would positively influence their choice of a hotel)—despite the many obstacles hotels present.

 

The surveyed travelers indicated that hotel fitness centers and work-out rooms, where available, needed to shape up before they'd meet their needs.  A majority of travelers cited the lack of a fitness/workout room along with the poor quality and condition of such rooms and equipment as major deterrents. Also drawing negative reviews: Overcrowding and limited hours of operation.

 

Despite a bunch of other stats, only one item appeared to address a key question: Just how many of those road warriors actually work out on the road—and how often? The study reported that 50% of surveyed travelers worked out in their rooms "on occasion."

 

A bit over a quarter (26%) said that working out was a good way to meet people while close to a third (30%) of apparently dedicated exercisers said they skipped business social events to work out!

•••

NOW THAT WE KNOW BETTER, WE'LL DO BETTER!: Fueled by the "Road Runners" survey results (see above items) that confirmed biz travelers' dissatisfaction with hotel fitness options, Westin has teamed with sports giant, Reebok, to offer a series of new fitness programs called WestinWORKOUTSM. It features specially designed fitness rooms (to be rolled out into all North American Westin properties) that include: LifeFitness and Precor strength and cardio equipment; flat-screen TVs and individual viewing screens on cardio equipment; digital music options; and a Reebok Core Training Zone that includes equipment such as Core Boards, medicine and stability balls, resistance bands, and timed workout programs.

 

Westin is also offering an in-room workout routine, The Heavenly Bed Yoga, which combines yoga and Pilates moves and is available via in-room TV. (FYI: Yoga instructor Carol Dickman pioneered bed-top yoga in her audio- and videotapes some eight years ago, when hotel chains were anything but interested in such amenities for fitness-oriented guests. And Hilton offered yoga gur Rodney Yee's  videotapes in its special fitness guestrooms when they debuted in 1999.)

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FOOD ON THE FLY

Smoothie King Goes Low-Carb; Au Bon Pain Axes Trans Fats

Kimchi Unwrapped; How to Clear 'Carbo Confusion'

 

LIVING THE LOW-CARB LIFE: If you're counting carbs (and don't forget to count calories, too), check out Smoothie King's new Low Carb/High Protein Smoothie. A 20-ounce ($4.25 SRP) smoothie breaks out to 6 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of impact carbs, 35 grams of whey protein, 225 calories and six grams of fat according to the chain. Available in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana flavors in 20, 32, and 40-ounce sizes, Smoothie King's version includes its patented Gladiator Protein Powder with Aminogen® protein digestive enzymes. TIP: Snacking on smoothies or drinking them regularly in addition to meals can add calories. Drink with care unless you're trying to gain weight.

•••

OUT, OUT NASTY TRANS FATS!: First, there were the Nutrition Kiosks that detailed nutritional info for menu items (for those of us who want to make informed choises). Then came a trio of healthier wraps (less calories and cholesterol, more protein). Now the 230-unit Au Bon Pain chain of bakery cafes is totally axing unhealthy trans fats from its new muffins. But no trans fat doesn't mean low fat. The regular versions feature high calorie (420 to 590 per muffin) and fat (23% to 41%) counts. If you want to indulge, opt for their low-fat, triple-berry muffin. At 290 calories and 3% fat for a 4.35 oz. muffin, it's a less- weighty choice. If you crave chocolate, the low-fat chocolate cake muffin weighs in at 320 calories and 3% fat.

•••

KIMCHI UNWRAPPED: If you're a foodie who is headed to Seoul, Korea, consider a visit to the Kimchi Field Museum, which is sequestered away on one of the lower levels of the COEX Mall. The museum's seven sections are devoted to every aspect of this epicurean favorite including its history, preparation and storage, and resources. And yes, there are scheduled tastings for museum visitors.

 

If you love the many varieties of kimchi, you need no excuse to indulge in this fiery Korean delicacy. For those who need some incentive, consider its reported health benefits: The pickled vegetable is rich in vitamin C and other critical vitamins and is believed to aid intestinal health and to prevent cancer. That's in addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties. (And some believe it can help you loose weight, too!)

•••

GET THE 411 ON CARBS: Confused by all the rhetoric on carbohydrate counts and low-carb diets that's filling the news these days? Check out Weight Watchers' free 15-page booklet to end your "carbo confusion." The "Carbs Scorecard" ranks 10 types of carbs based on their nutrition and health benefits. Download online or call 877-234-4321.

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R&R ON THE ROAD

A new holistic, Japanese spa debuts in Salt Lake City;

Get 'Stoned' at Hyatt Regency's new Stillwater Spa in Lake Tahoe;

Cruise and sleep in SFO; Go spa-ing at the top of Manhattan

Sign up for an Atkins 'Retreat' at Auberge Mendocino

 

NEW SPA DEBUTS IN SALT LAKE CITY: The Kura Door Spa, a holistic Japanese spa modeled after Japanese bathhouses, has opened in Salt Lake City. In addition to the spruce sauna and eucalyptus steam rooms, it features oversized Japanese soaking tubs; organic products; an all-natural, eco-friendly decor; a variety of massages, body wraps and treatments (Akasuri Rice Milk Body Scrub and the traditional Javanese Lulur Body treatment are two of its specialties); and facials.

 

Don't have time or desire for the full-body ultra-relaxing Thai or Kura massage? Treat your tired feet to the 55-minute Ikasu Japanese foot treatment, which includes a soothing soak with essential oils; a massage that incorporates lymphatic-drainage techniques, pressure-point therapy, and foot reflexology; and ends with an exfoliating scrub, mask, and a moisturizing treatment ($55). You can also de-stress with tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes. 1136 East 3rd Avenue, Salt Lake City; 801-364-2400

•••

SPA-ING AT THE TOP OF MANHATTAN: The Mandarin Oriental hotel, located in the Time Warner complex at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, opens November 15th. The luxury property includes a 14,500-square-foot spa on its 35th floor and a fitness center and 75-foot lap pool with floor-to-ceiling windows on the 36th floor.

 

With a spa concierge (who develops a custom treatment program), tea lounge, separate men's and women's Relaxation Lounges, an underwater massage bed, and private Spa Suite, it's the ultimate in relaxation for hotel guests and spa-goers (who must book a minimum of two hours worth of what the hotel calls its "time rituals."). The massage and body treatments are a global melange with their origins in Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Thai, and Balinese cultures.

 

Looking to splurge? Book the 650-square-foot Spa Suite with its fireplace, bath, and dual massage beds. Including a two-hour spa treatment, the tab is $975 for two—for a total of three hours (two-hour treatment, one hour of relaxation). 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street; 212-805-8800; spa hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday: 10 a. m. to 7 p.m.

•••

GET 'STONED' IN TAHOE: The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort's new 20,000-square-foot destination spa, part of the property's recent $60 million renovation, has opened. The Stillwater Spa is offering a special "Stones for Sale" promotion that includes an 80-minute signature spa treatment, a therapeutic Sierra stone, and a room for one night for $299.00. (Does not include taxes or other fees. Based on availability, through May 27, 2004.)

 

Spa Rejuvenation Packages start at $175 per person, per night. Special body treatments include the Mountain Berry Body Scrub and the High-Altitude Body treatment.

 

The property features a Spa Terrace wing with 138 guestrooms and special Stillwater Suites that include in-room Life Fitness cycles. Info: 775-832-1234; spa reservations: 800-510-0579; 111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village, Nevada 89451

•••

FIRST YOU CRUISE... THEN YOU SNOOZE: Joie de Vivre, the San Francisco-based boutique hotel group, and Hornblower Cruises & Events are teaming up to offer an unusual combo package. Their new "Snooze and Cruise" promotion pairs a brunch or dinner dance cruise with a stay at one of Joie de Vivre's properties. The package, available through December 31, starts at $179 and includes accommodations; cruise; port fees; meal service; coffee, tea, juice; tax and gratuity. More info: 800-ON-THE-BAY

•••

A LOW-CARB RETREAT: Need help easing into a low-carb lifestyle? Consider Auberge Mendocino's "Get a Weigh" package. The five-night promo includes accommodations; guided walks and tours; low-carb meals (a daily gourmet breakfast, two dinners, two lunches); five lectures; and eight hikes. The French-style country bed-and-breakfast inn's promotion is offered on Sundays beginning December 7 and 14; January 11, 18, and 25; February 1, 8, and 29; and March 7, 14, and 21. Five-day packages begin at $674 (PP, DO); seven-day packages with additional events are also available. 800-347-9252

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Coming Soon! Special Holiday Gift Guide

 

The Wellness Concierge® Healthy Travel & Living Products Page

Keeping up with a seemingly endless array of new products is time-consuming. E-mails touting the latest gadgets arrive 24/7 from around the globe and I'm an admittedly receptive audience. But it's worth it when I find something I believe can help a traveler on the go.

 

In addition to the product reviews included in the monthly HealthWire columns, I'm now adding products on the fly as I review them. If you're looking for something specific, check the Products page regularly or e-mail me and let me know what you're searching for.

 

Products are grouped by category (exercise/fitness, jet lag, DVT, stress, etc.) and items are included in multiple categories, where applicable. If you don't find an item in one place, you're likely to land on it elsewhere.

 

The Products page is also great resource for those seeking gifts for road warriors--and a good starting point if you want to drop hints about your favorites and create your own wishlist.

 

If you've used the products, I welcome your feedback and questions. And if you've got something you'd like to recommend, drop me a note. Just do me one favor: Let me know if you're a traveler or if you're someone who is working on behalf of the product (PR, manufacturer, etc.). I'm open to all suggestions but I have a thing about folks who are paid to pitch posing as unbiased purchasers. (FYI: I don't respond to product pitch e-mails that don't include a name and contact info. I don't have a staff to vet products so if I can't reach a real person, I can't consider a product for inclusion.)

 

FYI: These listings are my personal selections. No manufacturer or supplier has paid to be listed and I have no financial investment in, or financial relationship with, any noted company or product.

*Information is compiled from medical and scientific journals and related professional publications, which have vetted the research data that they present.

 

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NOTE: Every effort is made to provide current, working links. However, given the nature of the Web and the frequency of change on individual sites, some links may not be available. If you can't find a noted resource, please e-mail The Wellness Concierge® and I'll provide you with updated information, where available.

 

Have a question or comment for The Wellness Concierge®?  E-Mail: WConcierge@aol.com

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