It’s alarming to note that 43%-79% of travelers visiting developing countries experience some kind of health issue during their trip. While most illnesses are minor, some travelers develop serious illnesses. These travel-related illnesses often appear soon after returning home.

Sometimes, symptoms might not appear for months or even years after your trip. This is why travel medicine is so important. Getting medical tests before travel helps you identify health risks and protect yourself.

Travel medicine is a branch of medicine focused on keeping travelers healthy before, during, and after their journeys. This article will explain everything you need to know about this topic. So, keep reading to ensure a smooth, healthy, and unforgettable journey.

Why Get Medical Tests Before Travel?

Picture this: you’ve saved for months. You planned the perfect itinerary and are finally on your dream vacation. But you’re stuck in bed feeling unwell.
You can’t explore ruins or relax on the beach. That’s where travel medicine comes in. Some destinations have different hygiene standards or expose you to unfamiliar diseases.

A pre-travel medical test can help identify health conditions that travel could exacerbate. They also check your immunity to specific travel illnesses. This way, you can get vaccines or drugs to cut risks.

Types of Travel Exams

Pre-travel exams vary depending on your specific needs and destination. The most common ones include pre-travel health checkups and specialized medical exams. You may also need a travel insurance medical exam.

Pre-travel health checkups are ideal for everyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. They include a review of your medical history and a physical examination. The Jersey City doctor will also discuss health risks based on your destination.

They can recommend needed shots and medicines. Expect them to tell you how to manage existing conditions while traveling. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you may need specialized medical evaluations.

These evaluations are key when planning certain physically-intensive activities. These activities include scuba diving, high-altitude trekking, or extreme sports.

Special medical evaluations assess your fitness for such activities. They focus on your heart, lungs, and physical capabilities. The need for more tests depends on the activity.

Tests like lung function tests or EKGs can help ensure your safety while pushing your limits. Some policies need a medical exam. This is true for those with pre-existing conditions.

The exam helps the insurer determine your coverage and premium. It involves basic health assessments. They focus on your current health status and risks from your pre-existing conditions.

What to Expect During a Travel Consultation

A travel consultation is like a pit stop before your big adventure. It’s a chance to chat with a healthcare professional specializing in travel medicine. The consultation often starts with a conversation about your travel plans.

Share your destination country, trip’s duration, and planned activities with the doctor. Your healthcare provider will use this information to understand your specific health risks. For example, trekking in the Himalayas needs different considerations.

This is unlike relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean. Next, the healthcare provider will review your medical history. They’ll check any existing medical conditions, medications you’re currently taking, and past vaccinations.

Be sure to mention any allergies you have, especially to medications. With a full picture of your health, the provider can recommend treatment. They’ll also give specific advice to cope with these issues.

The provider will assess the health risks you might face. They’ll do this based on your destination and health background. They’ll also then discuss these risks with you and recommend the best action.

Vaccinations and Medications for Travelers

Vaccinations are a powerful tool in your travel medicine arsenal. They introduce a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria to your body. This way, vaccines help your immune system build defenses against life-threatening microorganisms.

So, if you encounter the disease, your body can fight it off. The Jersey City physician will review your past immunization records and recommend vaccinations. Some common travel vaccinations include:

• MMR vaccine to protect against contagious childhood diseases (measles, mumps, and rubella)
• Hepatitis A and B vaccines for liver infections caused by contaminated food or water
• Typhoid vaccine for typhoid, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water
• Rabies vaccine if going to areas with a high risk of rabies, transmitted through animal bites

In addition to these vaccines, you may need malaria prophylaxis to prevent malaria. You’ll also need anti-diarrhea medications to help prevent or manage traveler’s diarrhea. Altitude sickness medications can ease symptoms if you’re going to high altitudes.

Staying Healthy on Your Trip

As you travel, you’ll encounter new cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible experiences. You’ll also encounter unfamiliar environments and potential health risks. As such, you need to research your destination.

Understand the local climate, hygiene practices, and common illnesses. You should also pack a travel-sized first-aid kit. The kit may include bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, and diarrhea medications.

Remember to stay hydrated, especially on long journeys or in hot climates. You should also be mindful of what you eat. If hygiene is questionable, opt for freshly cooked meals instead of street food.

Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t readily available. Lastly, get enough sleep, as disrupted sleep can harm your immune system.

Travel Resources at Your Fingertips

Staying informed is a vital part of travel health. The CDC offers comprehensive travel advisories specific to your destination. They provide info on recommended shots, risks, and tips for staying healthy abroad.

The WHO also offers travel health resources that may be valuable. These resources provide advice on food and water safety and insect-borne diseases. Several travel apps offer real-time health information and medical provider locations.

Schedule Your Medical Tests Before Travel Today!

Medical tests before travel help identify any potential health concerns. They prevent illness abroad and allow you to enjoy yourself. With the right planning and preparation for travel, you can ensure a safe, peaceful, and healthy adventure.

Don’t wait until the last minute to prioritize your health. At NJ Primary Care, we offer comprehensive travel medicine services, including pre-travel consultations and medical testing. Book an appointment now to start a stress-free, healthy journey.

As we mark another year since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the significance of National Covid-19 Day grows ever more profound. This day serves not only as a moment of remembrance for the lives lost and the hardships endured but also as a testament to the resilience and solidarity that have defined our response to this global crisis.

The emergence of the novel coronavirus in late 2019 unleashed a wave of uncertainty and fear across the globe. Yet, in the face of adversity, communities rallied together, healthcare workers stepped up heroically, and scientists raced against time to develop Covid-19 testing, vaccines and treatments. National Covid-19 Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and honor these efforts.

One of the most striking aspects of the pandemic has been its ability to expose and exacerbate existing inequalities. From disparities in access to healthcare to the disproportionate economic impact on marginalized communities, Covid-19 has laid bare the structural injustices that persist in our societies. As we observe National Covid-19 Day, it is imperative that we reflect on these disparities and recommit ourselves to building a more equitable world.

Moreover, National Covid-19 Day serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in the face of global challenges. The pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the need for international cooperation to address shared threats. From sharing scientific knowledge to distributing vaccines equitably, solidarity among nations has been essential in our fight against Covid-19.

As we commemorate National Covid-19 Day, let us also look to the future with hope and determination. While the road ahead may still be long and uncertain, the lessons we have learned from this pandemic can guide us in building a more resilient and compassionate world. By prioritizing health equity, investing in pandemic preparedness, and fostering solidarity across borders, we can emerge from this crisis stronger than before.

In closing, National Covid-19 Day serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the challenges we have faced together. But it is also a testament to the resilience, solidarity, and determination of people around the world. As we observe this day, let us honor the past, learn from our experiences, and recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for all.

We Are New Jersey Primary Care Physicians Offering Same-Day COVID-19 Testing. Contact Us Today.

As Jersey City’s premier primary care facility, your health and well-being is our top priority. At our multi-provider medical centers, we offer three different types of COVID-19 tests for adults and children. Same-day or next-day appointments are also available for new and established patients. Contact us  online or call our office at 201 241-3769 to schedule your COVID-19 test.

Traditionally, we think about men being the primary victims of heart disease, but each year, it claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women. The older you are, the more likely it is that you will get heart disease. Healthy living at any age is the foundation for disease-free later years.

While some people are genetically predisposed to heart disease; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, and second hand smoke are associated risk factors for this condition which can be reduced or controlled.

No matter what your age, there are ways that you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease.

In your 20s, health isn’t on your mind, and you believe there will be plenty of time later to think about it. Wrong. Heart disease can develop at any age, so it’s crucial that you make health conscious-decisions that will benefit you now and in the long run. Avoid smoking and drinking excessively, and if sexually active, choose your birth control methods carefully.

In your 30s, life is a balancing act between family, work and yourself. But you’re not a kid anymore. Now is the time to build heart-healthy habits. If you avoid the conditions that put you at risk for heart disease until you turn 50, you may never develop heart disease. Check your family history, quit smoking, and avoid gaining weight.

In your 40s, it becomes even more important to make healthy choices. No matter what life brings, it’s important to stay happy and healthy so you can enjoy the years to come. Make healthy lifestyle choices now that will benefit you in the long run. Eat well, exercise, watch your weight, and get a checkup.

In your 50s, your body is changing and that affects your heart. Check with your doctor to see if your numbers are acceptable for cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and body mass index.

In your 60s, heart disease is more likely, but you have the power to prevent it. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. It’s never too late to quit so…Stop Smoking Today! Keep an eye on body weight, continue to exercise, and have your blood pressure checked.

Consider taking vitamins and other supplements.

Your doctor can help you determine which ones can be of benefit to you. Vitamin E is believed to reduce the risk of a heart attack, as are supplements such as CoQ10 and L-carnitine.

Because so many of today’s typical diets lack fundamental nutritional elements, supplements such as Vitamin E, CoQ10 and L-carnitine, just to name a few, can add to one’s ability to control the risk factors of heart disease.

Schedule an EKG and Cardiac Risk Assessment Today

At NJ Primary Care, we offer on-site noninvasive vascular testing and Cardiac Risk Assessments which can help diagnose different cardiovascular problems right in our office.

Dr. Gahdvi can also determine what your risk is of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) through a routine exam. To make an appointment for a Cardiac Risk Assessment and EKG, contact us today.

If you are considering seeking professional help for weight loss, there are several types of healthcare professionals who can assist you. The choice of the right doctor depends on various factors, including your overall health, specific weight loss needs, and any underlying medical conditions. Here are some healthcare professionals you may consider:

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP): The road to weight loss should begin with a primary care physician, and allowing their team to guide your journey. Your PCP may decide to include a dietician to assist you with your goals, or even offer medical intervention if your situation demands it.
2. Registered Dietitian (RD) or Nutritionist: These professionals specialize in nutrition and can create personalized diet plans to help you achieve your weight loss goals. They can provide guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, and nutritional requirements.
3. Endocrinologist: If you have hormonal imbalances or conditions such as thyroid disorders that may be contributing to weight gain, an endocrinologist may be the right specialist to consult.
4. Bariatrician or Obesity Medicine Specialist: These doctors specialize in the medical treatment of obesity. They can provide comprehensive weight management plans, including dietary advice, behavior modification strategies, and, if appropriate, medications to assist with weight loss.
5. Gastroenterologist: In some cases, gastrointestinal issues may contribute to weight problems. A gastroenterologist can assess and treat conditions affecting the digestive system.
6. Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Emotional and psychological factors can play a significant role in weight management. Mental health professionals can help address issues related to emotional eating, stress, and other psychological factors influencing weight.

Before making an appointment, consider discussing your weight loss goals with your primary care physician. They can help determine the appropriate specialist based on your individual needs and may coordinate care with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support.  Always remember that a multidisciplinary approach involving diet, exercise, and medical guidance tends to be the most effective for sustainable weight loss. To learn more about our medical weight loss program or to schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers click here now.

It is a common understanding that when you are pregnant you eat for two, while forgetting it’s not the quantity but rather the quality of your meals. Knowing that diet isn’t the only factor that affects your health and in turn your baby’s is crucial. Paying special attention to routine events of life such as getting proper rest, exercising, managing stress, and managing existing medical conditions becomes even more important. The goal is to make yourself comfortable during this physically taxing time, and ultimately bring a healthy child into this world.

Getting Proper Nutrition:

Expecting mother need to consume approximately 300 extra calories per day, which are used in the baby’s growth. The most essential nutrients for you and your child are calcium, iron, and folic acid. These nutrients aid in the development of your baby’s bones, brain, blood, and spine. Consuming foods that contain a sufficient amount of essential nutrients may be difficult which is why doctors often recommend Prenatal vitamins..

Things to Avoid:

There are several things that we need to avoid during pregnancy. Some commonly known items to avoid are smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use. Some consumables on the list to avoid during pregnancy might surprise you.

Excess caffeine consumption is one habit that many expecting mothers have trouble with, but it is very important to control as it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Another surprise to many pregnant women is chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, but you don’t have to give it up completely. Moderation is the key.

Pregnant women should also avoid certain types of fish. These include sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These often contain high levels of mercury, which can cause brain damage in your baby. Other foods to avoid include unpasteurized dairy and juice, foods containing raw eggs, and undercooked meat.

It is important not to take any medications during pregnancy without first consulting with your doctor. Even herbs and over-the-counter medicines can present a danger to your baby. Ideally, the only medication a pregnant woman should take is a good prenatal vitamin. If a situation arises where medication is needed, your trusted source for a list of pregnancy safe medication is always your doctor.

Pregnant women should also avoid contact with animal feces as they put themselves at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. The disease usually causes no symptoms in the mother, but is known to have devastating developmental effects on the baby.

Staying healthy should be a priority at all times, but it becomes much more important when you’re pregnant. Keeping yourself in good health and avoiding certain foods and substances will help your baby grow strong and healthy.