Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!
On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Where I live, we just saw the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, come and go. Summer activities are in full swing, with friends either getting back or preparing to leave on vacation.
For July topics we’ll look at summer safety and wellness. We often call winter the cold and flu season, so we could call summer the poison ivy, sunburn, and bug bite season. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for drownings and water sports accidents.
Celebration
Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!
On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history. Much has happened in the almost 250 years since, and the United Kingdom is now an ally.
An American citizen, former actress Meghan Markle, married into the British royal family. She and Prince Harry have two children, also American citizens, who are in line for the British throne! (Granted, pretty far down.)
Friendship is worth pursuing between people and countries.
Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York Harbor -photo by Dr. Aletha
Here are links to July’s Timely Topics, or use”search” to find what interests you
We Americans may pride ourselves on not having “socialized” medicine or “national healthcare”, but we do have a health care system that is a combination of public and private funding and administration. And even private healthcare must comply with a myriad of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.
In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.
Don’t forget to take some books along on your vacation for those hours in the airport, on the plane, or poolside.
If you’d rather listen than read, consider a subscription to Audible Plus to access thousands of audiobooks and other media. (affiliate link) .
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exploring the HEART of health
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In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.
You’ve probably seen the movie, Titanic. I toured the Titanic museum in Branson, Missouri, a sobering experience. The loss of so many lives is staggering, especially since it should have been prevented with better preparation, including enough lifeboats for everyone on board.
The Titanic Museum, Branson, Missouri
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A Doctor Takes a Cruise
One summer I went on a cruise vacation which fared far better than the Titanic. This was the third cruise I have ever been on, but the last one was so long ago that I had forgotten some of the details.
(This is not a sponsored post, instead, there are affiliate links not connected with the cruise line. Using them does not cost you extra and will help fund this blog. Thank you. )
As a physician, I view experiences in medical terms. I was impressed with the rules and procedures that keep the guests and crew healthy and safe.
I’m not revealing the cruise line’s name, but it is one of the large, well-known ones, with a good reputation as far as I know. I can’t vouch that this cruise is typical of all cruise companies, so I offer these observations that you can consider if you ever go on a cruise.
Safety drill- lifeboats, jackets
Before the ship left the dock, we participated in a safety drill where we all had to assemble at our assigned stations where we would go in case of an emergency. Once there, the crew took roll by checking our ID cards (more on this later) to make sure we were all there.
We had life vests in our room and there would also be life vests at the stations in case we weren’t in our room at the time the alarm sounded. Unlike the Titanic, we were assured there was room on the lifeboats for everyone on board.
Security, photo id, room key
Upon checking in, they issued us a photo ID card that was our room key and a charge card for onboard purchases. When we left the ship at the ports, we showed the card which was scanned, then showed it again to get back on the ship.
showing ID to return to the ship after a day in port
Children-arm bands
We weren’t traveling with children ourselves, but children wore armbands with identification in case of getting separated from their parents.
Food allergies and preferences.
Food is plentiful on a ship and a wide variety of choices. Some venues are buffets but in the sit-down dining room, the wait staff always inquired about food allergies and special diet needs before we ordered our meal.
Outside of every food venue, there were containers and a crew member there to dispense it to you.
There were strict warnings about what not to put into the toilets. As we heard at the introductory session, “If one toilet on a cruise ship backs up, they all back up.” Not a pleasant thought.
A daily newsletter with cruise information and schedule was delivered to our cabin every day. This note about health was posted daily-
Medical experts tell us that the best way to prevent colds, flu, or gastrointestinal illnesses-such as Norovirus-is to simply wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. After restroom breaks and again before eating.
Should you experience any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness (vomiting, diarrhea) do not go to the ship’s medical facility. Call the medical staff for a complimentary consultation and treatment. A member of the medical staff will see you in your stateroom.
Medical facility on board
If you do need to go to the medical station, there is a doctor on duty for 3 hours in the morning and afternoon. (On a previous cruise, I visited the medical station for a tour. It looked modern and well stocked.)
Smoking- designated areas only
Smoking is not allowed in any of the cabins or balconies, including electronic cigarettes. There were designated smoking areas outside and in the casino.
Here are some reminders on why it’s wise not to smoke-
If you wanted to exercise, there was ample opportunity.
Swimming and other water sports
A fully equipped gym
Rock climbing wall
Walking/jogging path outside.
Classes in yoga, stretching, cycling, and dance.
Competitions in volleyball, table tennis, dodgeball, basketball
Ice skating
Dance venues
Miniature golf
Beach theme mini golf
Spa services
In addition to the usual spa services like hair and face treatments, they offered
Massage
Acupuncture
Teeth whitening
Anti-aging treatments
“Detox”
Potential health risks
Are there any aspects of a cruise experience that might be detrimental to one’s health? Consider these things.
Sun
This ship sailed in a tropical climate so there was ample sun, both while on the ship and in the tropical ports. So obviously there was a risk of sunburn, dehydration, and long-term development of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Sunscreen was a must if you stayed outside.
Noise
There were multiple musical venues on just about every deck, as well as the general noise generated by thousands of people. For people who have sensory issues to noise, sensitive ears, or hearing loss the noise level might be uncomfortable.
Motion
We were fortunate to have smooth sailing except for a few hours when the sea was rough, causing me to feel off balance but not seasick. If you are highly sensitive to motion, sail on a small ship, or hit rough seas, you may get seasick, which is not pleasant.
Addictions-food, alcohol, gambling, shopping
If you tend to be compulsive or addicted to activities like eating, drinking alcohol, gambling, or spending money, a cruise may not be the best place to vacation.
Food is abundant, delicious, varied, and “free”- meaning it’s all-inclusive with the price you paid (although there were some special meal venues that cost extra.)
On the promenade there were food and shopping opportunities.
Alcohol purchase is not included in the cruise fare but is easily purchased in dining venues as well as bars. (However, they strictly enforced not providing alcohol to minors.)
Gambling was available in the centrally located casino, open from morning until late at night.
Shopping on the promenade and in the ports- clothes, jewelry, art, liquor, wine, souvenirs, and who knows what else.
The art gallery, where they had auctions every day
There were so many activities offered it was impossible to try them all. And there were places where one could escape for some quiet time to read, play a game, or just sit and enjoy the view.
The chapel offered a peaceful, quiet place for meditation.
Post Images
I shot all of the photos in the blog post.
Exploring the HEART of Health
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watercress words by Dr Aletha 