Protecting Yourself From The New Coronavirus

Most people don't have a background in microbiology or infectious diseases. So, it's understandable why many are either in a state of denial or a state of panic regarding the new (novel) coronavirus outbreak that started in China and now has spread to numerous countries, including the U.S.


This virus tends to lodge in the lungs. It typically presents with fever, coughing and fatigue. Most people may feel like they would when they get a bad flu. But if someone is immunocompromised, is older and not well because of another condition (such as respiratory or cardiac problems), the symptoms may worsen to shortness of breath and require hospitalization.

Here's what you need to know to protect yourself:


Wash your hands thoroughly and often whenever you touch a surface of any sort or if you touch another person, as in shaking hands (which you should avoid).

When washing your hands with soap and water, do so for at least 20 seconds.

When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not use a non-alcohol-based sanitizer.

Don't touch your hands to your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth.

In your home or office, use a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean surfaces.

Though there's no vaccine for coronavirus as yet and probably won't be for at least a year or so, you should make sure that you've gotten a flu vaccine as well as the vaccinations for bacterial pneumonia (pneumococcal pneumonia). Though neither of these vaccines will have anything to do with preventing the new coronavirus infection, getting these vaccinations makes it less likely that you are not otherwise medically compromised and that you'll have the need to visit a hospital or doctor's office where you'd be in close proximity to other sick people.

If you become sick, stay at home so that you don't spread any infection to others.

When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, for example, to prevent droplets with infectious organisms from spreading to others or to surfaces. Throw these tissues in the garbage rather than letting them touch a surface. Otherwise sneeze or cough in the crook of your elbow.

If you know people who are sick -- they have a fever or are coughing and/or sneezing -- don't get closer than six feet or so from them.

There is no need to buy any sort of face mask. The N-95 is what's used by health professionals who are treating sick people. And the Centers for Disease Control does not recommend these masks for the public. And the cotton-type surgical mask won't do much of anything in terms of protecting you should someone who coughs or sneezes near you. That's because it doesn't fit tightly to your face nor does it have small enough pores to prevent droplets from entering.

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A Well-Stocked Traveler's First-Aid Kit

Most people skimp on first-aid supplies when traveling, thinking they'll find whatever they need once they're at their destination (should anything untoward occur). That's definitely not the case. Imagine if you're a woman in a country where you don't speak the language and, in the middle of the night, you realize you have a vaginal infection. Good luck finding treatment or relief. The same goes for going off the beaten track only to find that you've been stung by a jellyfish or you brushed against poison ivy. Or if you're sitting beside a campfire and an ash flies into your eye. What do you do?

For these and many other reasons, I always carry a well-stocked first-aid kit when I travel. Below are my recommendations. You'll notice that I've grouped the supplies into categories based on symptom or body organ/system, which makes it easier to determine what you need for what ails you.

Bites, Stings, Rashes, Burns

Benadryl cream - for itching

Aloe vera gel - for sunburn relief

IvyBlock - to prevents poison ivy rash

Calamine lotion -- for rash/itching

Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine -- for allergies or rash/itching

Hydrocortisone cream - for rash/itching

Tecnu - poison ivy skin cleanser

After Bite -- for itching after a "bug" bite

Cuts, Blisters and Bruises

Betadine or other antiseptic wipes

Bacitracin topical antibiotic cream

Blister kit with moleskin

QuikClot - to stop bleeding fast

Spenco 2nd Skin squares/pads - for blister protection

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever

Thermometer

Bandage strips (in a variety of sizes) as well as “butterfly”-type bandages

Nonstick gauze squares and gauze roll

Ace-type, elastic wrap bandages

Adhesive tape

Aquaphor ointment - for blisters 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat, Teeth

Eye Wash

Lubricating Eye Drops

EarPlanes to unclog ears on the plane

Saline nasal spray

Stomach Issues

Bonine - for motion sickness

MiraLax - for constipation

Pepto Bismol chewable tabs - for diarrhea and to prevent traveler's diarrhea

Electrolyte replacement powder - for diarrhea

Peppermint Tummy drops - for stomach upset

Antacids

Women's Needs

Diflucan (single oral dose) - prescription pill for vaginal infection

Monistat vaginal cream - for vaginal infection

Replens

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Packing With Only A Carry-On

I never check luggage. Even when I’m on the road for six plus weeks, I only travel with a carry-on bag and a small backpack, along with my 7-in-1 wallet. Checking luggage has no upside. It’s expensive and time consuming. I like to jump off the plane and hit the ground running. No waiting at the carousel for luggage. Here’s how I do it:

On the plane, I wear my heaviest items, including my bulkiest outer wear and shoes/boots. Aside from a dress, on the plane I wear black leggings, a merino wool hoodie, and a merino wool or fleece sweater/jacket, and a down vest that doubles as a pillow.

I choose clothing that in neutral or earth tones, often black, tan or grey -- so there's a lot of mix and matching -- with tees, tanks and a scarf providing bright accent colors.

Almost all the clothes I pack do not wrinkle and are made of wickable fabrics, which means they don't absorb moisture easily so you stay dry as you race about town, but they also dry relatively quickly when you wash them. (I hand wash my underwear, pants, shorts, dresses and shirts and they dry in no time.)

When packing my bag, I roll all the clothing. 

Here’s what I pack in my carry-on:

2 dresses

1 pair of pants (that convert to shorts)

2 t-shirts

2 long sleeve shirts

1 tank top

1 buff (that doubles as a scarf/hat)

1 rain jacket

1 pair of Mary Janes or sandals

3 pair of socks (Merino wool)

3 pairs of underwear (Merino wool)

Here’s what I pack in my small backpack:

iPhone plus bluetooth keyboard

First-aid kit

Vitamin supplements
Sunscreen

Toiletries in travel sizes that fit in the TSA-recommended bag

Charging cords and international plug

Earplugs and eye mask

My 7-in-1 Wallet contains:
credit cards
drivers license
passport
lip balm
toothpicks
money
cell phone
business cards

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Culinary Delights in St. Kitts

Unlike Nevis, its tiny, placid sister island that’s a mere

seven minutes away by water taxi, St. Kitts buzzes with

an overabundance of large cruise ship activity, with

travelers gravitating to casinos, zip lines and ATV vehicles.

However, I sought out and found the serene side of this

island, including chill restaurants that satisfy all tastes,

whether vegan or confirmed meat eater. The photos (below)

reflect some of the scrumptious desserts served at the

MangoLand Cafe, an informal eatery where guests sit in

the placid backyard in the shade of, what else, but

mango trees. This is my latest article for Forbes on St. Kitts. 

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Safely Walking on Icy Surfaces

As I walk in cold climates where icy streets are the norm, I’m always

observing how people walk on slippery surfaces. Many people break
their shoulder, arm, wrist or hip when falling on a slick sidewalk.
There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of falling.

Here are a few:

Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets. Instead, keep your
arms by your side.

Take small steps and keep your weight forward, on the front of your foot,

rather than leaning back or putting your weight on the back of your foot

Look for parallel surfaces, such as sand, grass, snow or even gravel, that

are not slippery and that you can safely navigate to your destination.

When stepping off a curb, do so cautiously, placing your foot straight down,

rather than taking a big step far from the curb, which can place you off balance.

When walking down outdoor steps, especially steep, long ones that are

found at many outdoor metro stations, always hold the rail.

Wear shoes or boots that have great traction. I’ve written about a company that sells shoes and boots with tiny cleats, such as Ice Bug.

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Gear Review: Comfortable Cross-Trainers

Unlike most people, I'm no fan of sneakers because they don't allow my feet to breath. So, I always worked around my disdain for sneakers by either wearing sandals or boots of some sort. But sometimes you just need a cross trainer type shoe that's breathable. I'm now in love with the Torrent Pro manufactured by Chaco. While I adore Chaco's sandals, I haven't had a lot of experience with their shoes. I wanted something that was breathable, lightweight, comfortable, provided plenty of room in the toe box, offered good traction on wet surfaces, didn't require lacing, and, of course, looked good with jeans or black leggings. These shoes completely fit the bill. They come in a selection of colors from the bold (orange) to the very tame (black) along with other neutral colors.

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Photos: Bahamas - Long Island

In the Bahamas Out Islands, Long Island is for travelers who desire a low-key, laid-back environ with nothing in the way of shopping malls, water parks, mega resorts or casinos. Instead, it's all about protected coves and desolate stretches of sand. In essence, an island that appeals to nature lovers.

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Photos: Saint Kitts

With its almost 4,000-foot dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, that often has clouds swirling around its peak, stone ruins that provide reminders of the island's sugar plantation past, lush rain forest coating undulating terrain, and numerous opportunities to relax in plunge pools or the relatively calm Caribbean Sea, Saint Kitts in the Caribbean is a picturesque isle. These images provide a small window into the island's treasures.

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Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for the Traveler

Looking for a last minute gift? Something that’s unique by an small, independent, woman-owned business? Gifts that are perfect for the traveler in your family or office or for a friend who already has journeys planned for the New Year? Below are two small products that fit the bill. These are items that I designed, that are Made in America, and that you won’t find in stores. And, though some of you may think you’ve seen these sorts of wallets and bags before, you haven’t.

The cross-body bag (below), like all my bags and clothing, is minimalist. It doesn’t show off that you are carrying your vitals. It opens vertically -- like all my bags -- revealing three deep zippered pockets. These are perfect for carrying everything from a small bottle of sunscreen to sunglasses. There’s also a special section that keeps credit cards secure. The best seller has been the dark camo, so much so that there is only one left!!

This 7-In-1 wallet allows women and men to have easy access to access to heir vitals, whether you wear it cross body, on your belt, over your shoulder or four other ways. Lots of zippered and Velcro pockets.

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