Blog - MedinAction

Antibiotic Use, Antibiotic Resistant Infections & Gut Health

When to use Antibiotics What are antibiotics? Most people have a general understanding of antibiotics: they get rid of bacteria in your body that contribute to infections.There are many different types of antibiotics that work in different ways on different bacteria to fight infections. Antibiotics can be bacteriostatic (limiting bacterial growth) or bactericidal (killing […]

How to Keep A Healthy Diet While Traveling Abroad

A Foodie Allergy Guide to Rome Everybody loves food! With a relatively recent rise of chronic intolerances to allergens commonly found in processed foods (e.g. gluten (wheat), lactose (dairy), soy, etc.), many individuals have developed dietary regimens and eating patterns that require nutritional literacy and planning. However, it can be difficult to maintain a diet […]

Quick and Easy Recipes to Start Your Day in the Healthiest Way

6 recipes for a healthy breakfast Breakfast is known to be the most important meal of the day. It can boost metabolism and give you energy throughout the day. Also, the way you begin your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. This is why there is no better way to start […]

The importance of physical activity & sport to mental health while studying abroad in Italy

A John Cabot University Students Perspective Studying abroad is one of the most exciting educational experience in a students’ life; meeting new people, exploring a new home, language, thoughts and ideas! However, being a student can also be extremely challenging and taxing on your mental health. During the college experience, we all need a so-called […]

Why is Mental Health Important?

Symptoms and Treatments for Mental Illness Our mental health status is the lens in which we view the world. How we think, feel, relate to others, behave and cope with life events and changes are all determined by our mental health state. Thus just like physical health, it is very important to also take care […]

Late Night Pharmacies in Naples

Most pharmacies in Napoli adhere to usual opening and closing times, however there are a number that stay open late. These pharmacies are probably different than what you may be used to at home, so tourists and expats should be wary of self-diagnosing and requesting the drug that they think may be most appropriate, because […]

Late Night Pharmacies in Venice

Most pharmacies in Venezia are open from around 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then again from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM on weekdays. Unfortunately, there aren’t any pharmacies in Venice open 24/7 and many are closed on Sundays. The pharmacies in Italy are probably different than what you may be used to at home, […]

What Does It Mean To Be Healthy? Segment on Physical Health

How do we define health? What are some different aspects of your health? And how should we take care of each of these areas? Health is certainly a complex concept and it means different things to different people. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being […]

Traveling and Blood Clots: What You Need to Know

We’re now in peak travel season! Are you ready for your 8+ hour flight? What about that long car, bus, or train ride? The experience and destination are worth the hassle, but keep in mind the development of blood clots when embarking on long trips. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), […]

Tonsillitis

Stick out your tongue and say “ahh!”. One reason your healthcare provider does this is to look at your tonsils in the back of your throat. Your tonsils are part of your immune system. They can also become inflamed or infected, a condition called tonsillitis. What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is inflammation of your tonsils, […]

Your Immune System, Vaccines, And Traveling

How does your immune system work? What are some misconceptions about vaccines? Which ones should you get before traveling to Italy? Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Let’s find out! Overview of your immune system Before talking about vaccines, we’ll start by discussing your body’s immune system. Your body’s immune […]

Mental Health While Traveling

One area of travel that can be overlooked is mental health. We spend so much time planning and moving around that it can be difficult to remember to look after ourselves. In this blog post, we will describe mental health, the effects of traveling, and methods we can use to take care of ourselves. What […]

Ear Pain

Ear pain can be tricky since it has a variety of causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments. In most instances, ear pain can be described as sharp, aching, or burning. It can occur in only one ear or both. One of the most important things to remember is never put anything into your ears! If […]

Diarrhea When Traveling?! Your Ultimate Survival Guide

Travelers Diarrhea ~ Symptoms ~ Treatments ~ & When to Call the Doctor Never pleasant, travelers diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers ~ in fact, 40% to 60% of people travelling from developed to developing areas will contact some form of travellers diarrhea, according to the Journal of Travel Medicine. Most of the […]

MedinAction signs partnership with Salvator Mundi International Hospital-UPMC

All medical services for all MedinAction patients in the center of Rome We are very happy and proud to announce that thanks to our new official partnership with Salvator Mundi International Hospital-UPMC (University of Pittsburg Medical Center) – one of Rome’s best private hospitals located on the Gianicolo Hill of Rome – we now have […]

Urinary Tract Infections ~ UTIs ~ Bladder Infection

Urinary tract infections are just how they sound: infections of the urinary system. The lower urinary tract is the most common site of UTIs and is composed of the urethra and bladder. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. Lower urinary tract infections can spread all the way up to the kidneys if […]

Italy: When to go to the ER & when to call MedinAction

Navigating a healthcare system can be an overwhelming experience no matter where you are, but finding your way in a foreign country’s healthcare system can be especially confusing. Knowing whether your symptoms necessitate a trip to the Emergency Room, Pronto Soccorso in Italian, or could be solved with a general medical doctor/ MedinAction visit can […]

The Italian Health Care System: How it Works

Living, studying, working & travelling abroad is wonderful! But being sick abroad, in a foreign country where you may not speak the language or be familiar with the medical system can be stressful, daunting if you will. So, in efforts to relieve your fears of the unknown we will equip you with the information you […]

Technology Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Future is Changing ~ NOW.

Apps Delivering Doctors to Patients Home ~ Access and Delivery of Healthcare Refreshed, Revised, Revolutionized. Over the past decade, we have witnessed technology revolutionize society. Emerging from these technological advancements, we are seeing a shift in how people are accessing and utilizing healthcare. Technology is bringing doctors to patients, providing service within the comfort of […]

STD/STIs: Everything You Need to Know

STD Testing with an English Speaking Doctor Thinking or hoping your partner doesn’t have an STI is not protection — you need to know for sure! Some STDs like Chlamydia rarely have symptoms, if any at all, and can even lead to infertility. If you are concerned that you may possibly have an STD, it is always […]

How to get a flu shot in Italy?

Flu season is upon us! If you are wondering how to get a flu shot in Italy, or maybe wondering why you should even get inoculated, read on! Influenza can cause serious health problems. The flu, as it is commonly known as, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy […]

MedinAction Now in Bologna!

Our English speaking doctors come to Bologna Whether traveling or living abroad, the last thing you want to worry about when you are sick is tracking down an English-speaking doctor. With MedinAction, you won’t have to worry ever again. We stand ready to deliver qualified English-speaking doctors to a patient’s doorstep, 24/7. We have been […]

What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee?

In Italy, coffee is a delicious daily ritual that local baristas and regular espresso drinkers consider sacrosanct. But beyond being a tasty pick-me-up, coffee has some impressive health benefits. The World Health Organization explained that drinking coffee has no carcinogenetic properties and that regular consumption showed reduced risks for liver and uterine cancers. Additional health […]

Eat to stay fit

The first thing that pops into your head when travelling to Italy is the word FOOD and I can’t blame you, since the Italians have been perfecting their food culture over 1,000 years to create delightful pizza margherita, creamy pasta alla Genovese and decadent ricotta gelato. The question is how do Italians manage to look […]

What to do for a sunburn when in Italy

Protection first! Pick up some crema solare (sunscreen) at the pharmacy and make sure the SPF is at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously all over and rub the cream in until it’s fully absorbed. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours during mid-day (10am-4pm) or any time after swimming. Wear a hat with a wide brim and […]

Benefits of Seasonal Eating

Seasonal eating is one of the oldest traditions known to man. It is the foundation of how humans used to sustain themselves. There was no such thing as strawberries in the middle of December or roasted pumpkin seeds in July. Eating seasonally certainly has its benefits; it adds variety, increases the nutrition profile of the […]

Food Allergies in Italy

When traveling in Italy, how do you tell people you a food allergy? And, if you need medical assistance, how do you ask for the necessary medication? Here below is a list of the most common food allergies in Italian and how you can get some relief. If you have any questions about allergies or […]

HEALTHY GUT, HEALTHY LIFE

The word about town is that digestive health is the new “in” thing. Keeping the gut healthy is not only cool but it is proving to be of the utmost importance. It turns out that the ecosystem living in the 25 feet of your intestines can even have an effect on the brain. If this […]

The Polyphenol Low Down

“Polyphenol” is one of those words you may hear thrown around when someone is talking about red wine or maybe dark colored fruits. If you have questioned what a polyphenol is well, in essence, they are powerful nutrients that are found in plant foods. Webster’s Dictionary defines a polyphenol as “an antioxidant phytochemical (as chlorogenic […]

What kind of headache do you have?

There is a variety of headaches, from minor pain due stress or intense pain from chronic migraines. Here now is a list of the most common kinds of headaches and how to treat them. Rebound headaches Caused by medication overuse, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Taking over-the-counter medication more than twice a week and make […]

Emergency Contraception – The Morning After Pill or Plan B

Emergency contraception or morning after pill is sold in any pharmacy. There are two kinds of pill-form emergency contraception: the morning after pill (la pillola del giorno dopo) sold under the brand name Norlevo (goes by the name Plan B in the U.S.), and EllaOne (goes by the name Ella in the U.S.). The first one is […]

Healthy Tips for Italian Travel

Lusty red wines, succulent panforte, sweet gelato, divine pizza, slurpy pasta’s; the list goes on and on. How can one be concerned about health and wellness when surrounded by Italian foods like these? While there are certainly many ways to overindulge, here are just a few ways to keep healthy and well, while adventuring Italy: […]

Hydration

At this point everyone is aware of how important it is to stay hydrated. If you don’t, well it is! Now you know. While no one is complaining, because after all, you’re in Italy, all that walking around under the hot sun can make for a thirsty, if not slightly dehydrated, traveler. Not to point […]

Late Night Pharmacies in Milan

A big part of the pharmacies in Milan have the regular opening and closing times, but there are also a few late night options. Most of them are in the center of the city, but not only. If you are a tourist, expat or student, you should be aware that it’s hard to find English […]

Our English speaking doctors come to Milan

Whether traveling or living abroad, the last thing you want to worry about when you are sick is tracking down an English-speaking doctor. With MedinAction, you won’t have to worry ever again. We stand ready to deliver qualified English-speaking doctors to a patient’s doorstep, 24/7. We have been providing house call visits in Rome for […]

The Mediterranean Diet

According to UNESCO, the “oral and intangible heritage of humanity”, is comprised of simple ingredients, such as pasta, bread, legumes, olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables and very little meat. Credit for deriving the specific properties of this dietary regimen goes to a US biologist and physiologist: Ancel Keys. During his stay in Italy, Ancel […]

Medical Marijuana in Italy

Since 2013, medical marijuana has been legal in Italy. Currently, it is estimated that two to three thousand Italians consume medical marijuana to treat a specific variety of chronic conditions, such as: Chronic pain associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal lesions. Nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and HIV treatments. Appetite loss […]

What is a Certificato Medico sportivo Agonistico and non Agonistico?

In Italy, to participate in a variety of exercise or sporting programs, such as a marathon, scuba diving, or even to acquire a gym membership, you need to present a certificato medico, or a medical certificate. Italian law 158, passed in 2012, dictates the standards of medical oversite required for various levels of physical activity, […]

Where to volunteer in Rome

One of the great things about visiting a new place, or moving to a new location, is getting involved with the local community. In Rome, there are a variety of charities and foundations where you can volunteer and spend your time. Check-out these great opportunities to help-out and make a difference in the Eternal City. […]

Races and Sporting Events in Rome and Italy

Every year, dozens of marathons, triathlons, and bike races, both competitive and charity, are hosted around Italy in some of the most beautiful locations in the country. Here now is a list of the most popular and interesting athletic competitions in Italy. Make sure, if you want to participate, you get your Certificato Medico Sportivo […]

Wanderio, your ultimate travel app

Wanderio aims to be your ultimate travel app. You can compare and book flights, trains, buses and airport connections in a single app: you won’t need to check many different apps or websites to compare schedule and prices offered by airlines, rail and bus companies to get your travel tickets. Thanks to Wanderio you can […]

How Does The Public Italian Emergency Room Work?

What should you expect when you go to an Italian ER, known as the Pronto Soccorso, in a Public Hospital? You have to expect to wait sometime few hours or sometime also more then 5/6 hours, if it is not a medical emergency. When you enter the hospital you will be evaluated at the check-in […]

World AIDS Day – 1 December 2016

Every year on the first of December people around the globe come together to show their support in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS, commemorating those who have died and supporting those who still suffer. Worlds AIDS Day was originally celebrated in 1988 and was the first ever global health holiday. Currently, […]

How Do You Ask For That At The Pharmacy?

Getting sick is no fun. Getting sick while abroad is even more unpleasant. Even minor aches, coughs, runny noses, and headaches become more challenging when you must brave the “farmacia” and find something to ease your symptoms, or, heaven forbid, ASK someone for the Italian equivalent of your normal go-to medication back home. But never […]

The Best Medical Travel Apps

With smartphones in our pocket, information about literally ANYTHING is just a few taps away. The problem is sorting through all that instant data to find the answers you’re looking for. And when it comes to medically related questions, certainty is a must, especially if you are in a foreign country and out of your […]

Where to Get a Vaccine in Rome

Whether you’re here on a study abroad program or engaged in long-term residence, being an expat can sometimes include getting vaccines. International travel, getting older, or flu season can all necessitate getting vaccinations. In general, travelers are advised to consult with a doctor at least 4 weeks before international travel to consider their vaccination needs […]

What To Do When You’re Sick In Italy

Navigating any health system can be challenging. Where to go, who to speak to, how to pay, and how to follow-up when you have questions or problems later on is time consuming and complicated enough in your own country. For travelers and expats abroad, here the top five tips and tricks to remember to help […]

Do you need a Tessera Sanitaria in Italy?

How to Register for your Tessera Sanitaria and Enroll in the Italian Public Health System As a foreigner, if you have a permesso di soggiorno (a permit to stay) you are entitled to enroll in the Italian public health system and receive state-sponsored medical services, including free or low cost prescriptions and access to the […]

Zika, Doping, and Impeachment at Olympic Games in Rio

The Rio de Janiero 2016 Olympics will be the 31st presentation of the bi-annual summer games. Set to start on August 5th, the two weeks of competition will include 42 disciplines, 306, 37 venues, and feature 206 countries. There has already been a myriad of controversy leading up to Rio’s hosting of the games, from […]

Late Night Pharmacies in Rome

In a professional context it often happens that private or corporate clients corder a publication to be made and presented with the actual content still not being ready. Think of a news blog that’s filled with content hourly on the day of going live. However, reviewers tend to be distracted by comprehensible content, say, a random text copied newspaper or the internet. The are to focus on the text, disregarding the layout and its elements. Besides, random text risks to be unintendedly humorous or offensive, an unacceptable risk in corporate environments.

Late Night Pharmacies in Florence

Most pharmacies in Firenze adhere to usual opening and closing times, however there are a number that stay open late. These pharmacies are probably different than what you may be used to at home, so tourists and expats should be wary of self-diagnosing and requesting the drug that they think may be most appropriate, because […]