International Health News

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers is making it easier to receive medical care whilst in a foreign country. The organisation will now list English-speaking doctors who meet international health standards in over 90 countries worldwide, assuring travelers that they can locate quality medical care whilst abroad.

Country Health Updates

The first case of a Zika related death in the US has been reported, with a woman from Utah dying after becoming infected by the virus. Although authorities have not confirmed that the death was definitely caused by the virus, it is known that the victim had traveled to areas said to have mosquitoes that carry the disease.

Diseases such as malaria and Zika are reaching new climates, as the mosquitoes that carry them spread further around the world. The diseases, which were previously thought only to be linked to tropical climates, are now spreading further due to an increase in climate change.

A survey commissioned by the Transamerica Center for Health Studies shows that the percentage of uninsured US millennials is at an all time low, with new studies showing that only 11% of young people are uninsured.

Health Advice

If you consider yourself a healthy eater, you may be shocked to learn that your favourite health foods might not be as good for you as you thought. The New York Times recently asked both health experts and the public what they consider to be healthy, and the results differ hugely, with the nutritionists claiming that supposedly healthy food (such as granola) isn’t as good as the public believes.

Are you sure you know what classifies as a pre-existing medical condition? Keep yourself updated and read up and what meets the criteria. If you’re going on a trip soon, it may help you avoid one of the biggest travel insurance mistakes.

New mobile technology is allowing people to keep track of their health– wherever they are in the world! Rthm, a Toronto-based smartphone app, is allowing people to keep a record of their health all from the convenience of their mobile phone. The app aims to promote a longer and healthier life, and uses features like the iPhone’s HealthKit to monitor your body and keep you informed.