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from Sand Canyon Urgent Care
May 22
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cruise-ship-health

Preventative Healthcare for Cruise Ship Travel

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Health Care Advice for Travelers on Cruise Ships

Cruising has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. After all, it’s an ideal way to relax and see the world. You do not have to worry about lodging, and making reservations for meals. In addition, you get to enjoy fun activities on board, and visit multiple destinations in a matter of days. While cruising has many obvious pleasures, there are still plenty of health hazards that lurk on and off board. If you are planning to take a cruise this summer, the following advice may help to ensure that you make the most of  the experience.

Pre-Travel Health Check

Allow plenty of time for a pre-travel consultation. Book an appointment 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your departure date and have the list of countries you’re visiting on hand. You may need specific medications and vaccinations, depending on your travel destinations.

Vaccinations

Check that you are up to date on your routine vaccines, including your flu vaccination. Travel vaccine requirements are likely to vary depending on the destination, and some may require multiple doses. Additionally, you may require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever which is an immigration requirement for many countries. Ensure that you have this paperwork in hand before heading off on your voyage.

Food and Water

Food and alcohol on cruise ships are generally available in abundance. Changes in diet and environment can cause gastric upsets while you are on vacation. You can help to prevent a gastrointestinal infection (commonly caused by the norovirus) by washing your hands thoroughly before eating and drinking. Also, be mindful to tell the food staff of your allergies and dietary restrictions.

Motion Sickness

Seasickness is the feeling of nausea and dizziness associated with the motion of the boat. Often, this is more common on smaller vessels as opposed to large cruise liners. If you are concerned about getting seasick onboard, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you travel about the preventative measures you can take, including oral medication and patches.

Do you have questions about your health on your upcoming cruise? We can help with this and more! When you need urgent medical attention and travel medication, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. With facilities in Irvine and Stanton, we can attend to your medical needs quickly. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you.

 

May 15
0
travel tips

Essential Last Minute Travel Tips

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Jet-Setting for Summer? Don’t Forget These Tips!

If you’re about to jet-set and head out on your summer vacation or next business trip, you will want to do a final check that you have everything in place. From your passport to your luggage, double-checking you have everything is definitely recommended. If you are traveling internationally, the importance of reviewing travel information before you head out the door becomes even more necessary. Here are some tips for last-minute travelers.

Pre-travel Care

Even if your departure date is right around the corner, it’s not too late to visit a travel medicine provider. Ideally, you should see a healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your international trip to get needed vaccines or medicines. However, if you’re a last-minute traveler, there are still options that your travel consult can highlight.

Vaccines

The vaccines you may require will depend on your destination and planned activities. CDC lists necessary vaccines by destination so that you know what to expect. Some travel vaccines require multiple shots and can take time to become fully effective. If you are short on time, you can be given an ‘accelerated schedule,’ meaning that doses are given in a shorter period of time.

Anti-Malaria

If your destination of choice has a risk of malaria, your health care provider may prescribe medicine to prevent malaria. Some drugs must be started 1 to 2 weeks before you go, while others need to be started 1 to 2 days before you travel. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know when you are leaving so that he or she can prescribe the right course of medicine.

Prevent Illness and Injury

There are only a few things in life that are as disappointing as getting ill on vacation. Follow these simple precautions to keep illness and injury at bay while you are away:

  • Wear insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
  • Reduce your exposure to germs by washing your hands with soap and clean water
  • Use hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not an option
  • Be cautious about what you eat and drink. Contaminated food and drink can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases
  • Avoid wild and frightened animals to avoid bites and possibly rabies
  • Pack a travel health kit complete with prescription and over-the-counter medicines

Talk with your healthcare provider about other precautions you should take when traveling abroad. Don’t put off making an appointment for a travel consult – visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. With facilities in Irvine and Stanton, we can address your healthcare needs quickly. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you.

May 08
0
most-common-urgent-care-conditions

Most Common Urgent Care Conditions

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Common Conditions Seen in Urgent Care 

There are many conditions that can be treated at an urgent care facility, from injuries to illnesses. Keep in mind that urgent care is not appropriate for life-threatening conditions (for those, please call 911). However, for basic injuries and illnesses, urgent care is ideal. Additionally, these facilities take walk-ins and appointments on short notice.

An urgent care facility offers emergency room care without the outrageous co-pays and long waiting times. While they can help you with almost any emergency ailment, there are a few common conditions that urgent care sees on a regular basis.

Common Injuries Treated at Urgent Care

Many people who come into urgent care facilities are there because they have an injury or have experienced trauma. Generally, the injury or trauma that causes someone to come into urgent care isn’t life threatening. Typical common injuries include:

  • Fractures
  • Whiplash
  • Burns
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Sprains
  • Injury from falls
  • Injury from car accidents

Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care

In addition to injuries, urgent care can help when people are feeling under the weather. These illnesses are not life-threatening but may require treatment. Usually, a course of antibiotics or other medication can help. Common illnesses that are treated in an urgent care facility include:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Yeast infections
  • Pink eye
  • Mono
  • Bronchitis
  • Colds
  • Flu
  • Ear Infection
  • Strep throat

Urgent care facilities can help a range of healthcare issues. It is a good idea to come into an urgent care facility if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:

  • A sore throat
  • Swollen glands
  • Rash
  • Wheezing
  • Minor abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Other unexplained pain or swelling

It’s important that you know when to visit urgent care. For minor to moderate injuries and medical issues, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. If a higher level of care is needed, our triage staff and/or providers will direct patients to the appropriate specialist, or to an emergency room for further treatment. Call us today for more information!

May 01
0
women walking her dog

Little-Known Tips for Saving Money on Health Care

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Simple Ways to Save Money on Health Care

Big deductibles. Skyrocketing premiums. Rising medical costs. Whether you get health care coverage through work, buy it yourself, or don’t have insurance at all, we’re all paying more for our medical care these days. Fortunately, some lesser-known ways can help you save money on the one truly priceless thing you have: your health.

Prescriptions may cost less if you don’t use your insurance. Your best deal on some commonly prescribed drugs may be found by ignoring your drug coverage and paying for them out of pocket. Many peoples’ insurance drug plan requires a copay that is higher than the cost of paying cash at the register. Always run the numbers first to be sure.

Ask to see the itemized charges sent to your insurer. You can learn a lot from seeing an itemized bill. Whether you got charged for wrong treatment or there are tests on the bill that you didn’t end up getting, be sure you scan through to ensure that you are only paying for what you need.

Take advantage of free screenings and flu shots. Drugstores, employers, and more are beginning to offer days or weeks where they will be providing health care services free of charge. Look in your local community for upcoming events to enjoy free services.

Consider increasing your deductible. A high-deductible health plan requires you to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost before your insurance coverage kicks in. However, monthly premiums are usually much lower than traditional health plans. If you rarely see your doctor, this could be valuable savings.

Take a walk. One of the simplest ways to keep out of the doctor’s office and save money is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet are must-dos.

For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients. Our onsite diagnostic and lab facilities help us to best serve you and your loved ones. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!