But for a growing number of people, the only reason they are even going overseas is to get pregnant.

They are on ‘IVF Vacations’, heading for fertility clinics in places like the Czech Republic, Korea, Barbados, Israel, and Thailand.

Turns out that even when you add in the cost of travel and accommodation, the price of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in many foreign countries is much cheaper than in the USA. Plus many of the women turned down for IVF therapy in the United States because of their advancing age are finding overseas clinics much more willing to treat them.

There are, however, some downsides as this interesting Wall Street Journal article points out…

“Treatments can take four to five weeks — too long for many couples to take a break from their regular lives. It might not be possible to find medical practitioners who speak fluent English, though some of the travel firms also provide translation services. And while medical standards are high in many countries, regulations can vary, including rules for screening egg donors, leaving it to patients to do due diligence. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration regulates egg-donor screening, though some states set stricter standards.”

But regardless of these problems, heading overseas for IVF therapy is becoming an increasingly popular option – so much so that specialized travel services are popping up to help people arrange these ‘IVF Vacations.’

Anyone considering this option really needs to do their research carefully. It’s important that the standards, practices, and success rates of any clinic they are considering are fully checked out (an important consideration wherever the clinic is – stateside or overseas). Make sure the hospital/clinic is accredited with the Joint Commission International or MEDEX. And it’s probably a good idea to get in contact with others who have gone through the process and get a personal account of the experience.

Hopefully, those who choose an ‘IVF Vacation’ will end up on a trip that lasts a lifetime.

Further reading:

U.S. Women Crossing Globe for Fertility Help
‘Baby Vacation’ Offers Alternative for Childless Couples.

Post from: Healthbolt

Always up for a challenge, Travelodge decided to create a line of sleepware designed for maximum comfort. They commissioned designers to come up with pyjamas that would not only regulate body temperature but also stop the itch. The result – itch-free pyjamas – made from Dermasilk, a fabric that’s known to take the itch out of excema and dermatitis.

These ‘itch-free pyjamas’ are being trialed at Travelodge hotels at Heathrow airport, Birmingham Fiveways, Bristol Central, Manchester Central and Edinburgh Central.

Of course, these p.j.’s won’t help stop the itch caused by the dreaded ‘bed bug’.

Post from: Healthbolt

Travelodge had a sleep survey study done that found “…63% of the nation [Britain] is sleep deprived due to stress and 58% claimed watching goldfish could be the answer.”

It’s been accepted for years that watching fish has a relaxing and de-stressing affect on people. Think about it – the waiting rooms of dentists and doctors all have fish tanks for the sole purpose of helping their clients relax.

So Travelodge decided to trial ‘goldfish therapy’ at two of their hotels – the Leeds Vicar Lane and the Birmingham Fort Dunlop Travelodge in England. Customers at these two hotels pick out their goldfish at reception when checking in and are instructed to watch the goldfish for a minimum of 15 minutes to de-stress before sleeping. Of course, you could simply watch it until you fell asleep.

And just in case you’re concerned about the welfare and safety of the goldfish, fear not. The managers and staff responsible for the goldfish have been trained through the RSPCA and Travelodge involved a leading animal psychologist to help in developing and maintaining the ‘goldfish therarpy’ program.

Post from: Healthbolt