“Research shows that people who are physically active during the day can burn an extra 300 calories per day,” says Pete McCall, MS, an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. “Over 12 days, that can add up to an extra pound of weight loss,” he says.

Burning Calories: The “NEAT” Way

McCall says that these extra 300 calories per day can come from what is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, which accounts for the energy that you expend when you are not sleeping, eating, or doing structured physical activities like jogging or sports.

“NEAT” activities include things like walking or riding a bike for transportation, typing on the computer, working in the yard, and cleaning the house. Even fidgeting is considered a “NEAT” activity that can turn up your calorie-burning engine.

These activities help you burn calories by increasing your metabolic rate. This is why agricultural and manual workers tend to have higher metabolic rates than people who live more leisurely lifestyles. In fact, the calories burned through NEAT can differ by as much as 2,000 calories per day between two people who are similar in size.

Burning Calories: Totaling the Burn

“NEAT” calories can really add up — and fast.

According to Kimberly Lummus, MS, RD, Texas Dietetic Association media representative and public relations coordinator for the Austin Dietetic Association in Austin, Texas, in 30 minutes a person who weighs 150 pounds can burn the following number of calories:

• Raking leaves = 147 calories
• Gardening or weeding = 153 calories
• Moving (packing and unpacking) = 191 calories
• Vacuuming = 119 calories
• Cleaning the house = 102 calories
• Playing with the kids (moderate activity level) = 136 calories
• Mowing the lawn = 205 calories
• Strolling = 103 calories
• Sitting and watching TV = 40 calories
• Biking to work (on a flat surface) = 220 calories

Burning Calories: A Little More Every Day

If you are trying to increase the number of calories you burn, make an effort to do more “spontaneous physical activities” throughout your day. The best way to do this is to reduce the time you spend sitting, while adding calorie-burning activities to your daily routine.

McCall says that the following can increase your level of calorie-burning throughout the day:

• Walk down the hall to see a colleague rather than making a phone call or sending an e-mail.
• Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator.
• Clean your house instead of using a cleaning service.
• Take your dog out for more frequent walks.
• Ride your bike or walk to work rather than driving.

You can also consider wearing a pedometer to track the number of steps you take throughout the day. Once you have an idea of how many steps you take on average, set increasingly higher goals for yourself and find ways to take a few extra steps each day. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself running up stairs, volunteering to sweep the porch, and finding reasons to walk to the store. The more you move, the more you’ll want to move!

Preschoolers Need to Say “No”

“For a preschooler sometimes ‘no’ is not meant to start a power struggle, it’s simply an expression of self. ‘NO let me do it alone. No, I do it.’ It’s important to remember that your child may simply be doing his job growing up, and saying ‘yes’ to himself, rather than ‘no’ to you.”

Susanna Neumann, Ph.D.

Child Psychoanalyst

How They Communicate

Between ages two and three, many preschoolers begin to use more complicated sentences. However, this does not mean that they understand all of an adult’s words or abstract concepts. In fact, preschoolers are often very literal thinkers and interpret ideas concretely. Many are only beginning to think logically and understand sequences of events.

Preschoolers learn that they can use specific words to say what they mean. They have long known their parents’ words have power over their lives and they are beginning to realize that their own words can make a difference as well. They create more powerful meanings using their growing vocabulary.

“No” and “Why” become common words for young preschoolers. Saying “No” is a way a preschooler claims her space. Saying “Why” is a wish to understand the world around her. “Why” is also a word preschoolers use to question authority. Underneath the question, they are saying “Why do you have power over me when I want to feel autonomous?”

Preschoolers like to participate in decisions. This gives them a feeling of control and independence. A preschooler might think, “I can take a different position from my mother — and I like it.” Or, “By saying what I want, I am a big kid.”

Preschoolers love to imitate other people’s words. They often mimic comments, phrases and sophisticated statements. At times they misuse or exaggerate phrases, particularly during pretend play. A preschooler might say to a doll, “You are so bad you are going to jail for 100 years!”

Preschoolers like to hear about and describe the same event over and over. By telling and listening to stories, preschoolers begin to form opinions about the world and how they fit into it. They say “tell me again,” because hearing a story many times makes them feel safe and secure. When the story is repeated, it also allows them to imagine new scenarios.

Preschoolers like to make up their own explanations. This helps them make sense of things they are only beginning to understand. For example, a preschooler might explain her sadness about winter being over by saying, “When the snow melts, the winter is crying.” Preschoolers may also embellish stories with wishful thinking.

Between three and five, preschoolers refine their understanding of cause and effect. Older preschoolers can understand simple explanations of cause and effect such as “The medicine will help you get well” and “If you eat healthy food, you will grow big and strong.”

Preschoolers also talk through their bodies, their play and their art. In fact, verbal communication still may not be the dominant way many preschoolers either understand the world or express themselves.

Solve Problems Playfully

“Preschoolers love to play and three minutes of play can save you ten minutes of struggle. If your preschooler refuses to leave, a question like, ‘Would you like to hide under the table so no one sees you escape?’ turns a potential battle into a game. It’s a lot more fun for both of you — and actually can save time!”

Gillian McNamee, Ph.D.

Director of Teacher Education, Erikson Institute

How You Communicate

Give your preschooler your full attention. Even a quick but focused connection may fill your child’s need for communication. If she says “Play with me,” and you are not available, you might explain why or say, “I had a hard day at work today. I need three minutes to change. Then I can play with you.” Preschoolers can understand your feelings — to a point — and will appreciate your honesty.

Be aware of your tone. Because preschoolers are new to sentence-making themselves, they may have a heightened awareness of your tone and body language.

Reflect your child’s unspoken emotions. This helps put your child’s feelings into words. If she didn’t get a turn at the playground, you might say, “You wanted to play with the ball next, didn’t you?” or “Boy are you mad!”

Enlist your preschooler’s help in figuring out a problem. For example, you might say, “Did something in that movie scare you?” If your child doesn’t answer, you might follow up by saying, “Could it have been the look on that character’s face?”

Help your preschooler develop emotional awareness. Even if there is misbehavior — you can talk about it together. Most preschoolers can understand a sentence like “Sometimes, I get mad too. It helps me to go into another room and take some deep breaths.”

Offer limited choices. Preschoolers gain a sense of control by making their own decisions. You might say, “Do you want to get dressed before or after breakfast today?”

Don’t end your sentence with “OK?” unless you are ready for your child to say “No.” Asking your child if an activity is OK can lead to a lengthy discussion and even a power struggle.

Grant a preschooler’s wish in fantasy. If your child expresses sadness that a toy has to be shared, you might say, “Would you like it if you had the toy all to yourself? What would you do with it?” By expressing a wish and talking it through, even if it can’t be granted, a child begins to calm down.

Create safe opportunities for preschoolers to express their BIG feelings. For example, if your child is extremely angry, instead of saying, “Stop yelling,” you might say, “Go in the bathroom and scream as loud as you can for one minute.”

Don’t over-explain. Simple explanations may be more effective than long discussions. If your preschooler is having a tantrum, holding her close — or just staying nearby — may mean more than any words you can say.

Information provided by pbsparents.org

Antidepressants: Tricyclic medicines can add as many as nine pounds a month; lithium-based mood stabilizers, two and a half pounds. Another class of antidepressants, SSRIs, target the mood-and-appetite-related neurochemical serotonin and may also cause weight gain. If you begin to gain on one of these, look into switching to a bupropion drug; these target neurochemicals that don’t increase hunger.

Antipsychotics: Haloperidol and clozapine can have a big effect on metabolism and appetite, adding as many as five pounds a week. Usually people on these drugs are already being closely monitored by a psychiatrist, so if the pounds start to add up, don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives such as atypical antipsychotics, which appear to be weight neutral.

Antihistamines, Sleep Aids: Many over-the-counter allergy remedies and sleeping pills contain diphenhydramine, an ingredient that can leave you drowsy during the day and interfere with your sleep patterns at night, reducing the number of calories you’re burning.

Blood Pressure Medication: Both alpha- and beta-blockers can cause fatigue, which may add pounds in some patients (the amounts reported vary wildly). If your energy fades, look into ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

Cancer Therapy: Women with breast cancer are likely to gain weight during chemotherapy. The exact reasons for this are poorly understood, but doctors believe the treatment can slow metabolism.Also, the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen may increase appetite; Decadron, a steroid used on cancer patients, is another potential culprit. Additionally, chemotherapy often induces early menopause, which can add pounds. Switching drugs isn’t an option, so work with your doctors to develop an eating-and-exercise plan.

Diabetes Drugs: Insulin helps process blood sugar by depositing it into cells. Insulin and drugs known as sulfonylureas can bring on bouts of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which stimulates appetite. Some patients report gaining up to 11 pounds during the first three to 12 months of treatment. Ask about weight-neutral medications, such as metformin.

Migraine Medicines: Those based on valproic acid can stimulate hunger. These days, doctors are more likely to prescribe Topamax or Imitrex. Neither medicine is associated with weight gain, and both are thought to be safer overall.

Steroids: Oral corticosteroids, commonly used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammation, add pounds in multiple ways. They rob calories from your energy stores and send them to fat cells. So not only are you adding pounds but your energy is being compromised, which drives up your cravings. Some people gain as many as 28 pounds on steroids. Ask about switching to prescription-strength NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen.

If you gain weight due to medication, the key is patience. “When you go off the drug, you won’t lose weight as fast as you gained it,” says Aronne. “But by taking control of this aspect of your treatment, you’ll start to see results.”

By Sara Reistad-Long

School-age kids begin to view the world in complex ways. At this stage, children often move from being concrete thinkers to being more reflective ones. They think more logically about world events, while still viewing them subjectively. They start to look at causes and begin asking more challenging questions.

Between the ages of 6 and 11, kids become purposeful. They think in advance about what they want and often have a plan for how to get it. Because their communication style is impulsive and driven by their desires, it may mask how deep, loving and wise they are inside.

School-age kids alternately feel dependent, resistant or even rebellious toward their parents. This confusing behavior can be quite nerve-wracking for parents. School-age kids may appear needy for days and then suddenly throw tantrums. They become insulted if their parents treat them in ways they consider babyish, even though at other times they still want to be babied.

School-age kids question, doubt and criticize their parents. They no longer consider Mom and Dad to be the sole authorities. This questioning is normal, and it means they are becoming critical thinkers. They may appear to distance themselves from, or even reject, the people they love most.

School-age kids begin to tailor their communication styles to their surroundings. Younger kids usually communicate with one style no matter where they are or who they are with. As school-age kids spend more time away from home, they often develop new patterns of speaking based on what their friends are saying or what they hear on television.

School-age kids may become private about their thoughts. No matter how positive a relationship a school-age child has with his parents, he may now begin to shut them out as his life outside the home begins to compete with his home life.

School-age kids develop a more sophisticated sense of humor. They enjoy telling jokes and puns and playing more advanced games. They can understand more grown-up media and analyze the rules and premises of the games they play.

How You Communicate

Find time to talk. With a school-age child, you won’t have as many opportunities for conversation as you did with your preschooler. As your child grows up, she may turn to you less frequently, so you may need to make a special effort to spend time together.

Speak to your school-age child in a mature fashion. School-age kids want their “bigness” acknowledged. They may be offended if they feel they are being spoken to like babies (even if they happen to be acting like them). You might say, “I expect you to begin your book report. What time would you like to work on it?” instead of “How many times do I have to tell you to do your book report!”

Show your school-age child respect. One way is to ask your child for help in understanding her and her needs. If you acknowledge that your child has some information you don’t, she will know that you respect her, even though you are making final decisions.

Ask your school-age child specific, rather than general questions. Instead of asking a question such as “How was school?” you might ask, “Did your teacher give you comments on your science project?” Also avoid leading questions. A query such as, “Do you think it’s appropriate to talk to me that way?” often backfires. Instead, you might say, “I feel angry when you talk to me that way.”

Listen to your school-age child without contradicting her. Instead of saying “That’s ridiculous,” you might simply say, “Hmm,” or “Really.” Then, ask specific questions based on the situation your child has described.

Repeat what you heard your child say, but in a more mature way. You can reflect her statement in the form of a question, implying, “Am I getting this right?” In this way, you are respecting your child’s intelligence, making her feel understood and encouraging her to tell you more. You might say, “So, you think your gym teacher is stupid, but you don’t want me to intervene? Can you tell me what you are upset about?”

Laugh a little and admit your mistakes. At times, humor is the best way to resolve a dispute, react to an upset or make a request of your school-age child. You can also ask your child for help in figuring out what to do. Kids love to hear parents admit they were wrong. You might say, “Am I making a mess of this? Should we try to figure it out a different way?”

Ask your child to help set her own limits. Don’t be afraid to say “No” when your school-age child (or you) needs it. However, within reason, your child can make some rules, too. For instance, you might ask her to propose a reasonable time to begin her homework. “Discuss it and then back off,” recommends Gillian McNamee, Ph.D. “Ask your child to be the boss of deciding what help is given, how much and when (in accordance with her teacher’s instructions).” In this way, you help your child to feel in control of her world.

Keep talking even if your school-age child won’t talk to you. “You will feel at times that you have lost your credibility with a school-age child,” comments Michael Thompson, Ph.D. “If you take silence or impulsive remarks personally, things can go quite badly. But they are often simply trying to establish their independence.”

Information provided by pbsparents.org

Why spend your summer exercising indoors at the gym when there are so many fun activities you can enjoy outside? Doug Schnitzspahn, editor in chief of Elevation Outdoors magazine in Boulder, Colo., spends his days focused on outdoor activities for his Rocky Mountain readers. When he’s not at the office, he’s taking advantage of the mountains in his backyard — cycling, trail running, mountaineering, and chasing after his two young children. Schnitzspahn’s top picks for calorie-burning activities this summer include:

Mountain Biking

“As a workout, it takes a lot of energy to climb up mountain trails,” says Schnitzspahn. “But it’s good interval training, and you get a great payoff on the way back down.” Interval training alternates short bursts of intense activity with stretches of lighter activity, and it can really boost your calorie-burning power.

Schnitzspahn adds that mountain biking helps develop reaction skills that you can’t learn on a gym machine. “Reacting to real terrain gives you a better core workout than just programming a machine to simulate hills,” he says. Schnitzspahn mentions that Lance Armstrong is a big fan of the sport — Armstrong won the Leadville Trail 100 and Colorado state mountain bike championship last year. But you don’t have to be a professional cyclist to enjoy mountain biking. Novices can take to the hills on beginner trails and still burn as many as 400 calories in 30 minutes.*

Trail Running

Skip the simulated version at the gym and hit some real trails. Like mountain biking, trail running builds reaction skills. “You end up needing to push yourself harder when climbing on trails,” says Schnitzspahn. “And that burns more calories.” You can burn up to 400 calories in half an hour of trail running.

Hiking

Ditch the indoor track and take the scenic route. “Hiking offers many of the same benefits as trail running, without the impact,” says Schnitzspahn. It’s an especially good lower-body and cardio workout for people who need to go easy on their knees and other joints. Plus, it’s fun to do with friends and family. Many state parks offer hiking trails for varying fitness levels. By cross-country hiking at a moderate pace, you can burn around 200 calories.

Parkour

Some outdoor activities are less accessible to people who live in urban areas, but parkour (also known as parcour and free running) offers terrain-based interval workouts and is becoming increasingly popular in urban and suburban regions. Parkour is a type of running exercise in which you adapt your movements to overcome obstacles in your path. It’s a bit like being in an action film — if, say, you’re running along and a fence or big rock appears in your path, you’ll jump, vault, or climb over it rather than go around it.

Parkour can be a great full-body cardio and conditioning workout, but it does require some training to do it safely and correctly. Expect to burn at least 300 to 400 calories, depending on the intensity of the workout. To learn more about parkour, check out American Parkour or visit your local training center.

More Outdoor Calorie-Burning Fun

In addition to Schnitzspahn’s suggestions, there are many other great ways to burn calories this season. Whether you’re looking for activities to enjoy on your own or with your family, consider the calorie-burning power of the following fun summer activities.

• Frisbee: 100 calories
• Jumping on a trampoline: 100 calories
• Dancing: 115 to 150 calories or more
• Snorkeling: 120 calories
• Horseback riding: 150 calories
• Gardening: 160 calories
• Kayaking: 150 calories
• Swimming: 180 calories
• Playing tennis: 250 calories
• Rollerblading: 250 calories
• Beach volleyball: 280 calories
• Biking around town: 250 calories or more
• Jumping rope: 360 calories

*All calorie counts are approximate and are based on a 150-pound person engaging in the activity at moderate intensity for 30 minutes.

Kids can make their own patriotic flag pennant by using a paper grocery bag, some crayons, and some crafty skills.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

• Place brown paper bag flap side down on the work surface. Use ruler or other straight edge (we used a large piece of craft paper) to draw a line from the top center of the bag to the bottom corner.

• Draw another line, again from the top center of the bag, this time going to the other bottom corner. There should now be a triangle drawn on the bag
• Next, use a blue crayon to draw a square in the upper left corner of the flag. The area should measure roughly 3.5″ x 4.5″. Use a white crayon to draw a simple five-pointed star in the center of the blue area. Color the star white and the area around the star blue.
• To draw on the flag’s stripes, use a ruler to marks with a red crayon at one inch intervals Using those as guides, draw horizontal lines across the flag. Color your stripes red and white, alternating each color.
• To make the flag pole, twist the two chenille stems together to make one thick chenille stem.  Turn the flag over and place the chenille stems along the edge of the triangle with the notches. Line it up evenly, and then fold the notches over the chenille and tape in place. Bend the ends of the chenille stem in to avoid sharp edges and to give it an even appearance.
• Take one of the scraps from the left over brown bag and cut out a 6″ x 3″ piece. Color that piece with the yellow crayon, then cut it into ½” x 6″ strips. You should 6 strips.
• With the flag still upside down, tape the strips onto the back of the flag, two at one end, two in the middle, and two at the other end.

Tips:

1. This project can also be made with markers or colored pencils. Older children may enjoy painting this instead.
2. Be sure to either save the rest of the paper bag for another project, or place it in the recycle bin and not the garbage can.
3. Keep crayons on hand for rainy days. Pull out crayons, construction paper and a little glue and let the kids create!

Information provided by kaboose.com

Healthy snacks are important for both children and adults. Eating nutritious snacks can help you stay energized during the day, and help keep you from overeating at regular mealtimes or resorting to junk foods when hunger strikes. You can also use a healthy snack to bolster your nutritional intake over the course of your day.

“You should think of a quick snack as a mini-meal,” advises Debra J. Johnston, RD, registered dietitian and director of nutrition services at Remuda Ranch, a treatment program for eating disorders in Wickenburg, Ariz. “A healthy snack is a great opportunity to add the fruits, vegetables, fiber, protein, and dairy that you need in your diet. Mix your food groups and avoid unhealthy fats to snack smart.”

10 Easy Snack Ideas

Here are healthy snack ideas that draw from different food groups to provide a good nutritional balance:

1. Up your dairy and fiber intake by mixing a 6-ounce container of plain, non-fat, Greek-style yogurt with 1/2 cup of berries and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, says Lanah J. Brennan, RD, a registered dietitian in Lafayette, La., and a nutrition blogger.

2. Make your own trail mix. Start with raw almonds, chopped walnuts, and pistachios — look for nuts without added salt or oil. Then add raisins or dried blueberries and cranberries; again, be sure to look for those without added sugar.

3. Mix 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of no-sugar-added applesauce and sprinkle with cinnamon for a tasty dairy and fruit combination.

4. Dip sliced cucumbers, radishes, and grape tomatoes in hummus. You can substitute raw carrots or any other favorite vegetable for a great high-fiber snack.

5. One of the best healthy snacks is popcorn, says Johnston. It’s low in calories and provides good dietary fiber. For variety, try spraying popcorn with low-fat, olive oil-based cooking spray instead of adding butter.

6. An old snack favorite that combines dairy, vegetables, and protein is “bugs on a log.” Spread peanut butter on a celery stick and then sprinkle with raisins or dried cranberries for a nutritious mini-meal.

7. Another quick and healthy snack is a half sandwich. Use whole-wheat bread and layer on some lean meat such as turkey for protein, a slice of cheese for dairy, and lettuce and tomato for vegetables.

8. For a snack you can carry in your pocket, a bag of toasted almonds can give you a quick boost that is loaded with protein, healthy fat, and fiber, advises Joan Salge Blake, MS, a registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor of nutrition at Boston University.

9. Healthy snacks can come from the freezer aisle, too. Frozen cubes of mango make a delicious snack. “Tropical fruit doesn’t have to be just for vacation,” says Blake. Frozen grapes and banana chunks are tasty, too.

10. Salsa is a great vegtable snack. One-half cup of salsa equals one vegetable serving. For a tasty salsa dipper, try whole-grain crackers.

Healthy snacks are not just a way to curb hunger during the day. A quick and easy snack can also be an opportunity to stick to your overall nutrition plan. “All foods can fit into a healthy meal plan when we incorporate balance, variety, and moderation,” says Johnston.

You’ve puffed, panted, pushed, and perhaps even let out a shriek or two. Now the newest member of your family is finally here, more beautiful than you might ever have imagined. Take a second to enjoy it, because you’re about to get caught up in the whirlwind of new parenthood. Before you know it, the nurses will have given you a crash course in newborn care, wished you luck, and whisked you out of the hospital and into the beginning of your life as a mother.

By Barbra Williams Cosentino, RN, CSW

Seniors may find it difficult to travel independently, especially if they have medical issues that require special attention. Nevertheless, there are many ways for them to get around — locally, nationally or internationally — using various transportation options.

When health, physical limitations, family pressure, or personal fears prevent older individuals from driving, alternative ways of getting around town can include relying on friends and family, public transit programs, para-transit programs (curb-to-curb transit for people with disabilities and/or seniors), volunteer services and senior shuttles. In addition, for local travel a number of communities offer taxi voucher programs for older individuals.

Local Transportation Options

• Taxi voucher programs

These programs allow individuals to use taxi services at a reduced rate, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. While taxi voucher programs differ greatly among communities, various eligibility requirements include: age, area of residence, income, reason for the ride (medical or non-medical), destination of the ride (within or outside of city limits), and whether or not the person in need owns a car.

• How to find out if your community has a taxi voucher program
  • Your area agency on aging will know if your community has a taxi voucher program.
  • Visit the eldercare locator, a free public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, and administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
  • Or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for help with local information.
• How taxi vouchers work
  • In Arlington County, Virginia, the Super Senior Taxi program allows residents age 70 and over to purchase books of taxi vouchers worth $20 for only $10 each.
    • Vouchers can be used with a few specified taxi companies for both the fare and the driver’s tip.
    • Travel must either start or end in Arlington County.
  • In Laguna Woods, California, three types of travel vouchers are available to residents age 60 and older.
    • For general travel, books of $100 in taxi bucks can be purchased for $40. Trips within a specific local area (Laguna Woods and parts of Laguna Hills) cost $10 in taxi bucks. Outside that area, but within Orange County, people pay the usual cost of the ride using the taxi bucks. Costs are per ride; three to four people may share a ride from one originating location paying only one fare.
    • Special vouchers are available for travel to specific locations such as the John Wayne Airport or Irvine Transportation Center.
    • A non-emergency medical program provides discounted transportation to medical appointments.
  • In Woburn, Massachusetts, the Senior Discount Taxi Program services residents age 60 and over. Different vouchers can be purchased, depending on where the person is traveling.
    • For rides in the city, one-way vouchers cost $3.00 (two vouchers would be needed for a round trip).
    • The program allows for certain destinations outside of Woburn, primarily for medical purposes, with varying costs.

Long-Distance Air Transportation

Special provisions must often be made for travel safety when seniors have major mobility and medical issues. What do you do when your father, who has emphysema and requires oxygen, needs to fly to Paris? Or, what’s the best way to move your ailing grandparent, who might be wheelchair-bound, from Florida to a care facility near you — and you live hundreds of miles away?

Fortunately, options for non-emergency transport of non-ambulatory individuals with chronic medical conditions exist. Most even allow family members to accompany their loved ones on the ride. But as costs can run into the thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars, make sure to check with your insurance company to see if these services are covered. The following tips and resources will help you start your search for the right options for you and your family.

• Oxygen resources for air travel: People who need oxygen during air travel should be sure to have a prescription from their physician for the equipment needed, as well as the batteries needed to support the oxygen device. It’s crucial to plan ahead and check with your airline to confirm that the type of oxygen device you require (the portable oxygen concentrator) is allowed by the airline. For more information about air travel with portable oxygen, visit Home Oxygen for air travel.
• Air ambulance: This is a highly specialized service for individuals who need extensive life support in order to be moved from one location to another, and is not for general travel purposes due to extremely high cost. However, if you do need such a service, use these sites to help familiarize yourself with the cost, details, and options. Keep in mind that you will want to speak to your health insurance representative about whether or not any cost coverage is provided.
• For more information, see a report from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport System

Long Distance Ground Transportation

Medical vehicles or coaches range in size; they allow for nonstop travel by offering a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Medical personnel accompany the individual, but many coaches require that their client be medically stable and not on a ventilator. Check the web for ground transportation options in your city or town.

Medical Escorts

Trained personnel can accompany individuals who cannot travel alone due to health reasons. For example, an individual who rides in a wheelchair but is able to stand might be capable of traveling on a commercial airline or train with a medical escort. Companies providing this service will take care of the travel details. This type of service is much less expensive than using an air ambulance or medical coach. Check your local hospitals for medical escort resources.

Traveling With a Wheelchair

People riding in wheelchairs with few medical issues may be capable of traveling alone; they can contact the airline, bus or train company, in advance of travel, about their needs and request special assistance.

Helpful Links:

• eldercare locator: 1-800-677-1116
• airline travel with oxygen
• air ambulance services

About the Author: Deborah Elbaum is a physician who lives with her famiy in Massachusetts.