START Newsletter Summer 2017

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SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS Going away this <strong>Summer</strong>? Here’s a few of our top tips to help you along your way ... BEFORE THE TRIP • Research your destination. Does the accommodation offer emergency medical care? Is there a hospital near by? The number of questions you’ll need answers to will depend on your destination, however, the more research you do the less stressed you should feel. • Take phone numbers of your Speech and Language Therapist or Head and Neck Nurse in case you have a medical question whilst travelling. • If your voice prosthesis/valve is due to be changed during your holiday or just after you get back, try to book an appointment just before, this will prevent any surprising leakages whilst you are away. • If travelling abroad, contact your airline for advice on how to carry or pack your medical items. Airline rules regarding oxygen vary across different companies, ensure you know the rules before your journey. Take a letter from your GP or Speech and Language Therapist explaining your circumstances. TOP TIP NALC provide emergency cards which explain the emergency procedure for laryngectomees. These can be placed on car windows or given to flight attendants. Visit http://www.laryngectomy.org.uk/ emergency-items for more information. INSURANCE TIPS • Shop around and compare prices • Declare any pre-existing medical conditions • Try speaking to specialist medical insurers COMPANIES YOU COULD TRY: All Clear Plus www.allcleartravel.co.uk Freedom Travel Insurance www.freedominsure. co.uk SUPPLIES TO TAKE WITH YOU City Bond Sure Travel www.citybond.co.uk It’s So Easy Travel Insurance www.itssoeasytravelinsurance.com Published on www.theswallows.co.uk TOP TIP Take a photocopy of your prescription with you, this way, if you are abroad and need further supplies you can show a medical professional exactly what you need. If you are travelling by car or plane you may find the following items useful to take with you: • Whilst away from home for any length of time it is always advisable to double up on your usual day to day supplies. • Keep a kit containing all of your laryngectomee supplies easily accessible. If you’re flying remember to keep a few days supply in your hand luggage, flight delays and/or lost luggage can be a regular occurrence these days! • Pad of paper and pen or a tablet to write on, just in case it’s too noisy to talk. • To clean the stoma, take a roll of paper towels as they last longer than tissues. • In case you need to check your stoma in poor lighting, take a pen torch* and a hand held mirror with normal and magnifying mirrors on each side. *See our giveaway on page 5! ENQUIRIES@IPL.UK.COM | 0115 975 4074 | WWW.SPIROTECT.COM 6
• Depending on your preference, to combat coughing spells, take a cooler with water bottles or a flask with hot tea. Airline restrictions may apply. • Cough drops or mints could help with a dry mouth. • Purchase a small steam vaporiser to solve humidity problems while staying at hotels. Alternatively, run the shower in your hotel room for a few minutes and leave the bathroom door open. • Ensure you have correct plug converters and spare batteries as some countries voltage may differ from your device requirements. Information obtained from http://www.webwhispers.org/ library/Travel-NearandFar.asp TOP TIP Before your trip, research whether there are any restrictions on taking prescription medicine to the country you are visiting. If you are taking very strong medication, then you may need to obtain a letter from your GP explaining why you are carrying this medication. Ensure you carry medicine in it’s original packaging. The Speech and Language Therapists from Darent Valley Hospital are taking on the Ride4Life challenge – cycling from their hospital in Kent all the way to Paris to raise money for Darent Valley Hospital Cancer Fighting Fund. To donate, please visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ lisaharrietabbie. Good Luck to all those taking part and let’s hope they raise lots of money for this fantastic cause!!! We’ll update you on their journey in the next issue. THIS SEASON’S HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL WIN ... SUBMIT YOUR DETAILS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURY TRAVEL BAG SAMSONITE TRUE CLASSIC SAMSONITE S’CURE Spinner 69cm Dark Blue • Lightweight • Durable and strong outer shell • 4-wheel spinner for easy manoeuvrability • Three-point lock for secure travel • Seal to limit moisture penetration • Dual tube wheel handle • Interior: lowered cross ribbons, zipped divider pad and large side pocket ENQUIRIES@IPL.UK.COM | 0115 975 4074 | WWW.SPIROTECT.COM 7
Page 1 and 2: START SUMMER 2017 A BRITISH COMPANY
Page 3 and 4: INDEPENDENT ANTIMICROBIAL TESTING C
Page 5: DEVELOPMENTS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCE
Page 9 and 10: LARYNGECTOMY & TRACHEOSTOMY SWIMMIN
Page 11 and 12: FURTHER SUPPORT GOING THROUGH A LAR

START Newsletter Summer 2017

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