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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 12, 2008 - 15 Group takes worries out of finding a doctor Nobody ever thinks they may get sick or have an accident while on vacation. It does happen though more often than you think, and it could even happen to you. Sick is never fun. Sick in a strange place, in a strange bed, with a strange doctor, is even less fun. At the very least it's an unpleasant experience. It can be downright dangerous. I've been lucky in my travels, with illness. I took a bad fall in a hotel room once, but the hotel sent a fabulous doctor. He patched me up enough to make the flight the next day. This doctor was great and spoke English, that isn't always the case when you travel. That's where the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) comes in. This non-profit association (it appreciates donations for research into the medical aspects of travel) provides its members with a list of doctors in 500 cities who speak English or French (as well as their native language) and who have received at least some training in North America or Europe. If you're not a member, and you need a doctor while traveling, you usually have to take your chances with your hotel's recommendation, or else try the nearest doctor's office, or hospital, or Canadian embassy or consulate. If you are a member, the IAMAT blue book directory lists the nearest hospital or clinic as well as a list of approved doctors, both specialists and GP's, available 24 hours a day. The doctor makes hotel calls, if necessary, and charges reasonable rate. You must have your IAMAT card to get these prices. The card identifies you as an IAMAT member and entitles you to the fixed IAMAT rates for record provides the IAMAT physician with a complete and readily accessible medical history. Of course, you still need to buy medical insurance before you leave Canada. You also need to protect yourself when you travel. Make sure your tetanus, diphtheria and polio shots are up to date. Tetanus shots, in particular, should be updated every five to 10 years. IAMAT's founding father was Dr. Vincenzo Marcolongo who trained at McGill University. He was working in Rome in 1960 when a very ill traveler was referred to him by the Canadian Embassy. Dr. Marcolongo discovered the patient had seen a local doctor for a problem and been treated with a commonly used European painkiller, which was banned in North America because it destroyed the patient's white blood cells. Blood transfusions and antibiotics saved the patient's life but the case sensitized Dr. Marcolongo. He had been aware of things like medication, language and attitude problems affected medical treatment for travelers but this case particularly upset him. He began to organize doctors world-wide. Dr. Marcolongo died in 1988 but his work continues with his widow Assunta Marcolongo. When I asked her this week just how long she's been president of the association, she laughed " 20 years more or less. I have some advice for people traveling. Prepare yourself before you go, especially if you have a chronic illness. Pace yourself, if you just have one day in Florence, do a few things well, rather than trying to do it all." Check www.IAMAT.ca call 519-836-0102 or write to 40 Regal Rd., Guelph Ont. N1H 7L5. the first consultation charged by participating physicians. The directory of IAMAT physicians guides members to participating physicians, specialists, clinics, and hospitals in 125 countries. Telephone numbers are included. IAMAT physicians agree to a set payment schedule for a member's first visit. The schedule of fees is as follows (in US currency): Office ($80.00), House calls, Hotels, etc. ($100.00), Night calls, Sundays, and local holidays ($120.00). Referrals, additional consultations, laboratory procedures, hospitalizations and other medical services are not subject to this fee schedule. Physicians' professional qualifications have been reviewed in light of IAMAT standards. Furthermore, IAMAT continuously inspects clinics, hospitals, and physicians' offices around the world to ensure that travellers receive competent medical care. IAMAT members may access the list of physicians on the Web through Member Services. You also receive a passportsize record, which is completed by your doctor before departure. It covers patient identification, emergency medical data, eyeglass prescription, diagnostic summary, and immunization record. It also has special sections for those with diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, or allergies. The BEAVER TRAILS TO KOREA: Bradley and Elaine Fox took The Oakville Beaver with them when they visited their daughter Lauren and husband Patrick, who are teaching English in Seoul. This photo was taken within the beautiful grounds of the Geongbokgung Palace in Seoul by Patrick. Take along a copy of The Oakville Beaver on your next vacation and send it in for publication to Beaver Trails, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4 or e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. AROUND THE RUGGED ROCK 2009 Discover for yourself the wild beauty and vivid history of Atlantic Canada! Sail around this primal and proud Atlantic landscape aboard the Polar Star Expeditionary cruise ship. Follow the trails of Canada's earliest explorers! Visit 3 UNESCO designated natural and historical sights. And you can enjoy 2 for 1 savings on Exclusive Tours' 27SEP ­ 06OCT08 cruise. This unique adventure begins St. John's Newfoundland, visiting Bonavista, where John Cabot made landfall in 1497. St. Anthony and L'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO world heritage site and the only authenticated Viking settlement on North America as well as the reconstructed Viking village site of Norstead. On to Red Bay, Battle Harbour then Gros Morne Provincial Park, both beautiful and geologically significant. The next stop in the Codroy River Valley includes an excursion to the local community by Zodiac. Then, the Grey River Fjord with a visit to the tiny outpost village of Francois at the head of the fjord. St. Pierre, France is the next stop before crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence for Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, with a visit to the Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in Canada. The final day follows the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia terminating in Halifax. The cruise includes accommodations, all meals, complimentary shell jacket, shore excursions and onboard lectures. Sample rate for a category K2-Twin cabin, with private bathroom on the 2 for 1 Special is USD3,680 per person twin including Port Charges of USD135 plus a Fuel Surcharge of USD160.00. Space is limited as the capacity is 100 passengers. Call us for details and reservations. www.exclusivetours.ca CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR'S at CLUB MED? At this time of year when summer seems so far away, it's the ideal time to plan for next winter. We're only 252 days from the Holidays! Many people have secured their space and have already booked their vacations with Club Med. Don't wait as space is now limited. Book now and secure an unforgettable and relaxed dream vacation. Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Relax... you're with us 221 Lakeshore Road E. (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com To advertise in this section call 905-845-3824