H1N1 and the Impact on Traveling

The outbreak and apparent resurgence of the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as the Swine Flu, has caught the world by surprise and worldwide concern over this virus is affecting many peoples lives, including their travel plans. Traveln On Radio has invited a distinguished panel of health care, medical and insurance experts to answer your pressing questions regarding this virus and its impact on travel. Dr. MauriceRamirez, Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine; Steve Crimando, Managing Director of Extreme Behavioral Ri Management; Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, Director of Belilovsky Pediatrics and child health and flu detection/treatment expert; and Commissioner Sandy Praeger (Kansas), Immediate Past President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners will help separate the facts from the hype and provide practical tips. Additionally, two authors, one who traveled and worked in Vietnam during the SARS pandemic and another whose son was recently quarantined in Japan, will provide their perspective as members of the travel community.

Episode Segments:

The Facts About Swine Flu Travel writer Dave Lowe and author Lori Ettlinger Gross talk about their experiences with pandemics such as the SARS Virus, and how they compare to what is happening now with the Swine Flu. Then, Dr. Maurice Ramirez shares some facts about the current strain of H1N1, and how he was able to predict the current outbreak.
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The Doctors Persepective Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, Director of Belilovsky Pediatrics and Child Health shares his perspective on the current flu outbreak and its severity. He and Dr. Ramirez also give advice on how to avoid contracting the virus should you need to travel.
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To Travel or Not to Travel Disaster expert Steve Crimando talks about the human factors behind the spread of H1N1, and how to determine whether you should or shouldnt try and travel.
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Understanding Your Coverage Sandy Praeger, Immediate Past President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, explains why you need to review your health insurance very closely before you decide to travel.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky A recognized expert in pediatric asthma and an advocate for immediate, comprehensive illness diagnosis, Anatoly Belilovsky, M.D., has gained acclaim and a large patient following for his fresh approach to general pediatrics and urgent treatment. Board-certified in pediatric medicine, the Princeton graduate is listed as one of America’s Top Pediatricians and is a recipient of the Americhoice Quality of Care Award for his groundbreaking work with pediatric asthma patients. Since 2003, Dr. Belilovsky has been identified by Americhoice’s Personal Care Model Asthma Program as an expert in asthma, and his practice is considered a “Center of Excellence” in asthma care. Dr. Belilovsky received a B.A. in chemistry from Princeton University and his M.D. from the University of Connecticut. Before directing his own clinic, Dr. Belilovsky was Chief Pediatric Resident at Nassau University Medical Center and a Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics at Cornell University’s Weill College of Medicine. Born in the Ukraine, Dr. Belilovsky currently resides in New York, N.Y.

Steven Crimando Steven M. Crimando, MA, BCETS, is an internationally known consultant and educator specialized in the psychological aspects of crisis management, homeland security and business continuity. He is the Managing Director of Extreme Behavioral Risk Management (XBRM), a division of ALLSector Technology Group, Inc., a New York City-based consulting practice dedicated to the human factor in business continuity planning. Steve is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress (BCETS), a Diplomat of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, a Certified Trauma Specialists (CTS) and holds Level III Certification in Homeland Security (CHS-III). Steve served as a Disaster Field Operations Supervisor for the FEMA-funded mental health response to the 9/11 WTC attacks and coordinated onsite psychological services at New Jersey’s anthrax screening center. He helped coordinate crisis response efforts at such incidents as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, Hurricane Floyd, and TWA Flight 800 crash. Steve has assisted at over a dozen major air crashes and has counseled many victims of violence, including those who were targets of the Unabomber and other acts of terrorism. He has served as a consultant and trainer for the U.S. Department of Justice; the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA-DTAC); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); U.S. Public Health Service; and the United Nations.

Sandy Prager Commissioner Sandy Praeger is the most immediate NAIC Past President. She serves as Chair of the Health Insurance and Managed Care Committee, Vice Chair of the International Insurance Relations Committee, member of the Executive Committee for International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and a member of other NAIC Committees. She was elected previously to the Kansas Senate in 1992, 1996 and 2000, and before that served one term in the Kansas House of Representatives. While in the legislature, she worked to gain passage of patient protection laws, external review of health plans and insurance, and the Kansas expansion of children's health insurance. In 2001 she led the successful campaign for mental health parity in Kansas. Commissioner Praeger has testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as it considers a new small business health plan for the states. She also appeared before the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee expressing concerns about association health plans and before the Senate Select Committee on Aging concerning qualifications of investment advisers. She was a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Nathan B. Davis Award, bestowed annually by the American Medical Association to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the public health through elected and career government service. Commissioner Praeger is a graduate of the University of Kansas. She lives in Lawrence with her husband, Dr. Mark Praeger, where she is active in several community organizations. They have two children, Gretchen (son-in-law Erik and granddaughter Clara Lee) and J.D. (daughter-in-law Sevrin, and grandson Jakson and granddaughter Ava Margaret).

Dr. Maurice Ramirez Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez is a professional speaker and the founder and president of the consulting firm High Alert, LLC. He serves on expert panels for pandemic preparedness and healthcare surge planning with Congressional and Cabinet Members. Board certified in multiple specialties, Dr. Ramirez is Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine and serves the nation as a Senior Physician-Federal Medical Officer in the National Disaster Medical System. Dr. Ramirez’s new book: “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness,” is now available on Amazon.