Why Medical Aid Is NOT Just Another Variation of Health Insurance

A large number of developed/developing countries operate private healthcare systems which are largely financed by way of health insurance. In a large number of these countries, health insurance is the only hope many individuals have of being able to pay for this private healthcare. This has become a huge bug bear or many people. The huge flaw in this type of system is that insurance providers are at the most basic level money making organizations. They place their focus on turning a profit with little regard to their consumers' health. Insurers have no qualms about cutting corners to reduce costs and will often avoid risky investments, thus making some people all but uninsurable.

It's about time we looked to South Africa for guidance. A little known fact is that South Africa is actually a world leader when it comes to healthcare funding. This is due in the most part to medical aid programs. Many people assume medical aid is just another way of saying health insurance, but there are some big differences. Medical aid programs are operated by non-profit organizations, meaning they focus more on providing a great service. In this respect, medical aid is considered to be considerably superior to health insurance! Medical aid has been an important factor in building what is rapidly turning out to be one of the best private healthcare systems around the world. In fact,many medical aid providers are now starting to expand services into the Middle East and the United States.

When it comes to medical aid, everyone in that particular program pays the same monthly premium regardless of the state of their health. This is an important difference between medical aid and health insurance. Insurance providers routinely deny cover to anyone with an existing long term health problem, or else make the monthly premiums ridiculously high. This is a really big deal considering that one of the massive health concerns in South Africa is HIV and AIDS. With medical aid, those individuals diagnosed with these conditions do not have to pay anything extra.  

Top Tips For Healthy & Happy Flights

Air travel is so commonplace these days that we rarely stop to think about possible health implications. We hop on and off aircraft like they are buses. However, on the more rare occasions where we take a long haul flight – think New York to Tokyo or San Francisco to Sydney – there are certain things to consider to keep ourselves both happy and healthy. Fifteen to Twenty hours is a long time to occupy yourself and boredom is just the start of the hazards, we also have to consider things like deep vein thrombosis and sleep deprivation. So here are some helpful hints to surviving long haul air travel.

1. Go For The Upgrade! - If you have air miles on a credit card, then make good use of them on long haul flights. Many reward programs offer free or heavily discounted upgrades. Trust me – 24 hours in a metal tube is going to be a lot more comfortable with extra legroom, a reclining chair and decent food.
2. Entertain Yourself! - You need a plan to burn long periods of time without going insane. Bring along some work, but don't rely on it. There is a point someplace in the middle where you will need some escapism, so buy the earphones and watch movies, take an iPad with favorite viewing options, a great book whatever it takes to occupy you. Plan for at least two thirds of the time!
3. You Are Not A Pack Mule! - Don't be tempted to take a load of carry on baggage to avoid checked bag fees. On a long haul flight the saving is not worth it. You are going to live in a cramped space for pretty much a whole day, so don't take it up with stuff! Only bring what you need in-flight and check the rest! While you will want to limit your carry on baggage, do bring your essential survival gear. Noise canceling headphones, neck pillows, eye mask etc. Your body will thank you! Longer flights leave more time for potential pickpockets. There are many cases of passengers falling asleep and thieves stealing from their luggage. So instead, make sure your tickets, passport and wallet are on your person and other valuables are buried deep in your baggage.
4. Be Fully Rested – Long haul flights are NOT for catching up on sleep. Sure maybe you will sleep for 12 hours, but maybe you won't! Do not stay up all night hoping you will sleep on the plane – because you won't! Be fully rested and just take nap opportunities as they arise. Don't count on them to use up the time!
5. Be Health Conscious. - Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated during the flight. Especially electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade. It is a combination of dehydration and being immobile for extended periods which presents the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is recommended that you avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to the flight, avoid diuretics lie caffeine during the flight and to dress comfortably in loose clothing. If you can get an aisle seat then do so and get up and walk around whenever possible. You will also want to wear compression socks.