Page 20 avvya yavvy eniiooravvy S iorn or v y io iori by Jim Miller Healthy Travel Tips for Older Travelers Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you off er retirees with health issues who are planning some trips? We’ve been looking forward to traveling again after staying home the past few years, but my husband has a heart condition and some back problems that worry me. Concerned Wife Dear Concerned, A dream vacation can turn into a real nightmare if you get ill or injured while you’re away and aren’t prepared. Before setting out, here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy trip for you and your husband. Get prepared: Before you go, talk with your doctor about your travel itinerary and what precautions you need to take before traveling. You should also have your doctor’s contact information with you when you travel, as well as a list of the medications you’re taking in case you need emergency medical care while you’re away. It’s also a smart idea to locate health clinics or urgent care facilities near the areas you’re visiting. Your hotel can help you with this or a simple internet search can identify nearby health care services. If you’re traveling abroad, the U.S. consulate or embassy in the countries you’re visiting (go to step.state.gov to enroll your trip) is a good place to get a referral. Or use the International Society of Travel Medicine’s directory at ISTM.org. If you’re traveling outside the U.S., you also need to fi nd out the health conditions of the country you’re visiting and what, if any, vaccinations and/or preventative medications are recommended. See CDC.gov/travel or call 800-232-4636 to get this information. Check your insurance: If you have private health insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan through an HMO or PPO that covers in-network doctors only, check your plan to fi nd out what’s covered if you need medical care when traveling outside your geographic area. Benefi ciaries that have original Medicare are covered everywhere in the U.S. But if you’re traveling abroad, you won’t be covered outside the U.S. and its territories except in rare circumstances, although some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap supplemental policies do provide limited coverage. Most private health plans don’t pay health care costs outside the U.S. either. Be sure to check. Many retirees traveling abroad purchase travel insurance with medical coverage, which may cover expenses if you cancel the trip, need to be treated while traveling or need to be evacuated for medical care. Make sure the policy will also cover your preexisting medical conditions. To shop and compare policies visit TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com. Organize your medications: Make sure you have a suffi cient supply of medications to last the entire trip. If traveling by air, you need to pack your medicine in your carry-on bag, so if your checked luggage gets lost or misdirected you won’t be without. It’s best to keep your medications in their original containers to get through airport security without delays. It’s also a good idea to bring along a note from your doctor that explains why you take these medications, especially if syringes or other medical supplies are involved. For airport security requirements visit TSA.gov – click on “Disabilities and Medical Conditions.” You can also call TSA Cares at 855787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Maximize technology: Keep a list of your medications and other important health and medical information handy on your smartphone so you can easily access and share it with emergency health care providers when you’re traveling. Some good apps that can help with this are Backpack Health (BackpackHealth.com) and Capzule (Capzule.com). Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 19, 2024 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 6 from Boston, Charlie Farren, Johnny Gill from New Edition, Steve Gorman from the Black Crowes, Buddy Miles from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Steve Perry from Journey, Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Michael Sweet from Stryper, Tony Thompson from Chic, Vinnie Vincent from Kiss, David Williams from Michael Jackson’s band, amongst others. ● Phil Bynoe’s good friend Claudia Hardy-Marshall Gabriel had this to say about Phil: “Congratulations to Philip Bynoe! He is not only very talented, but he also has a humble spirit and has always been a class act! My congratulations go out to him on this long overdue (my own opinion) honor! His resume, as impressive and long as it is, still does not completely showcase his many accomplishments nor does it show the complete list of those in the arts who have sought him out for his talent to be a part of their projects. Way to go Philip! I love you and I am so happy and proud of all that you have done! I look forward to congratulating you in person and hopefully meeting your beautiful wife and sidekick that I am sure has been your support through many of your accomplishments (along with the other 2 little traveling buddies he he he)!” ● Fellow HOFer Gary Cherone speaks: “Phillip, my classmate was the fi rst in the fl esh musician I looked up to in high school, long before my dreams of being in a band materialized, Phil was already a pro playing in nightclubs around town. I was in awe of his talent then and still am! He has gone on to tour the world over with many elite artists and Phil has played second fi ddle to none! He cannot help but shine on any stage! And may I add a personal note: throughout his whole amazing career Phil has remained a true gentleman, I am honored to call him my friend.” Go to the banquet on May 3 and support a good cause! Contact Lenny (Iovino) or Fran (Mauriello) or Camille for ticket information. You’ll have fun and it is important to note that all proceeds will go directly to the MHS Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. So, you’ll have a wicked good time amongst old friends, maybe make new ones, and help support a very worthy cause. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – Malden mourns once again. Lisa Hammersley on the passing of her beloved mother-in-law (Paul’s mom), Margaret “Midge” Hammersley: “Life is such a crazy whirlwind. Yesterday started out with us all excited to be celebrating Paul’s birthday, but the day then took a heartbreaking turn, as we received word that Paul’s mom had passed away. “Midge passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92. “Sure, that’s probably what we all want for ourselves. She lived into her 90’s, still able to Invitation For Bid The Malden Housing Authority (MHA), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Supply Contractors to furnish and deliver: 240 Gas Stoves 30” White Free-Standing front control with electronic ignition. For the MHA, in Malden Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by MHA. This is a federal and state funded contract and Federal laws and regulations apply in addition to the laws and requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bidding procedures shall be in accordance with CFR 85.36; M.G.L. c. 30b, as most recently amended, and all other applicable laws. Bid documents will be available by email request at rsullivan@maldenhousing.org from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and may be examined at the MHA’s Main Administrative Offices, 630 Salem Street, Malden, MA from April 22, 2024. Sealed general bids will be received at the MHA’s Main Administrative Offices, 630 Salem Street, Malden, MA until 2:00 PM on 5/07/2024. Copies of the above are bound in the bid documents and are fully integral portions of the conditions of the contract with which each bidder must comply. The MHA reserves the right to reject any or all general bids if it is in the public interest to do so. April 19, 2024 get around, dressing fashionably and mentally sharp as a tack. Seriously, that’s how to do it...but the only problem is...we weren’t ready. “It may sound strange to say a passing at 92 was unexpected, but she totally seemed nowhere near the end of her Earthly story. “There is so much wisdom and so much love that comes with being 92. “Midge was still our go to for advice. “The great listener. The levelheaded thinker. The reassurer. “The proud, proud mom and the even prouder Nanu. “She was the matriarch of the family for sure and it is so hard to even imagine being a family with her. “And passing on the birthday of her beloved baby boy. Heartbreaking, and yet somehow fi tting for the bond they had. “Yes, she gave birth to him, but it was also her love, devotion, and failure to give up on him that kept him here on Earth. “Here to pick up the pieces. Here to carry on. Here to share her love. “Her passing on his birthday feels like her way to always remind him that she may be gone, but she brought him into this world and wants him to stay here. “I know this also feels especially hard for Paul because he feels like he no longer has the one person in this world who has always had his back. “I know your mom stood by you through so much Paul, but I don’t want you, or her, to worry. We’ve got you from here on out. “Life can be so wonderful, and life can be so hard. And life, as the Hammersley’s have known it, is forever changed. “Our hearts will miss you forever, Midge. Kudos on a life well lived. “Be sure to tell Arnie we said hi. I’m sure he’ll be asking all about how Bella is doing!” Postscript: Although no women made the Alumni HOF this time around, I’d like to take a moment to recognize the women that have been enshrined in the past: Heather Kahn, Judge Emma Fall Schofi eld, Marie Colantuoni Coyle, Paula Sneed, Diane Portnoy, Virginia Yardumian, Diana Cataldo, Teresa Ciccolo Prince, Ann Carol Grossman, Joanne Assetta Iovino, Nancy Finkelstein, Noreen Grice and Sandra Velleman. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to the Malden Advocate and can be reached at PeteL39@aol. com for comments, compliments or criticisms.
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