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Archives for October 2012

Famous Hindu Temples in the United States

October 31, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

Feel at home away from home with a visit to a Hindu temple in the United States. The US is a multicultural nation home to many different cultures and religions, including practitioners of the Hindu faith. For this reason there are many Hindu temples in the United States that you can visit. Here are some of the most famous American Hindu temples.

The Sri Venkateswara Temple is located in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania and was one of the first temples to be constructed in the United States. This temple houses such deities as Lord Shiva, Lord Balaji, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. You can visit in the daytime until 8.30pm and there is a canteen as well as an auditorium on site. Another famous temple is located in New York, called the Ganesha Temple. This temple is a busy, social place where Indians come to worship as well as to meet each other and keep ties to their home country. The temple is also home to a senior center and a youth center, and there are meditation and yoga classes.

The Hindu Temple at Central Indiana is in Indianapolis and is open during the day. The temple runs guided tours and also provides services from its priests. The Hindu Center and Temple at Iowa is located in Madrid and is also a busy place where Indians meet, worship, eat and take part in a variety of cultural activities. There are regular worships as well as religious services conducted in the home or at other venues.

In addition, the Sunnyvale Temple is in South Bay and has a community center attached. Classes in yoga and meditation are held, along with meetings and services on a regular basis. Classes are also held to introduce people to the basics of the Hindu religion and Hindu religious observances.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

Travel Immunization Guide

October 29, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you traveling a long distance? Do you have a long-haul trip planned for this winter? If you do then you need to consider your immunizations. Immunizations are important, particularly if you are traveling to a developing country. Don’t leave your healthcare pre-trip until the last minute. What do you need to consider, and where can you get advice?

It is worth remembering that a trip abroad to a destination like Africa, or South America, could entail a bit of financial investment in terms of immunizations. A trip to East Africa, for instance, requires vaccinations for yellow fever, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis, and even rabies and hepatitis B depending on your travel plans. These immunizations all cost money, and some need to be administered several weeks in advance of your trip. You may be covered for some of these conditions, so booster shots may be recommended.

Visit your healthcare provider or a specialist travel health clinic for advice in advance of your departure. Private travel clinics may be significantly more expensive than your regular doctor, but your doctor may not administer all of the immunizations you need. Shop around if necessary, to get the best deal on your immunizations. Wherever you go, leave enough time to carry out a full course of vaccinations. Some jabs such as rabies require up to three appointments before completing the course. Being properly immunized is important, so if you get the chance to go on a long-haul trip at the last minute, and you are not up to date on your jabs, then think carefully.

When you have your appointment be prepared to give full details of your travel itinerary. This means not just the countries, but also the specific regions you will be visiting, and the time of year. Your medical plan will take into account the scarceness or availability of facilities as well as the places you go. Certain areas of a country are declared malaria-free, while other regions you need to take anti-malarials.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Urgent Care Centers in US: New Trend

October 26, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People are increasingly relying on urgent care centers and other walk-in clinics to treat their minor health problems and injuries. In this trend, Americans prefer to visit an urgent care center over waiting days for an appointment with their physician or waiting hours in the ER. These new-style centers are changing the way health care in the US is organized and making a difference to the lives of many people.

The trend to urgent care center visits has been taken to such an extreme that there are now urgent care franchises, along the lines of Subway or MacDonald’s franchises. Doctors and business people in charge of these franchises want to change the way the public accesses health care. They prefer that Americans always visit an urgent care center, when their ailment is not life-threatening, over the ER or the doctor.

This trend also changes the way health care is financed. It is cheaper to treat patients at an urgent care center than it is at an ER. Billions could be saved in health care bills. More and more people are concerned about the cost to the economy of health care, so this trend could have political ramifications.

For people with a medical complaint, time-saving measures and a lower cost are very important. People have limited access to doctors’ clinics when waiting lists are long, and it is not appropriate to visit the ER with a non life-threatening condition. Therefore, there is a middle ground that exists where urgent care is required but the condition is not a medical emergency. Urgent care clinics are different to walk-in centers located in retail stores – urgent care clinics are usually staffed with doctors rather than nurse practitioners, and walk-in centers are most used for treating minor complaints such as the flu, sunburn or a sprained wrist.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

US Visa Application: Campaign Against Scams

October 25, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United States Embassy in the Philippines recently kick-started a campaign to stop criminals and other corrupt individuals from victimizing people in the Philippines who want to apply for an American visa. The US Embassy campaign is called “No Secret” in English and it has four important goals.

The first goal of the visa application campaign is to facilitate the “honest application” of United States visas. The second goal is to warn people of the dangers of illegal visa fixers, people who charge for visa services. The third goal is to raise the public’s awareness of visa fraud, and the fourth goal is to encourage the public to be more vigilant and to report any issues of visa scams and problems.

The US Embassy said that most of the visa scam targets are people wanting to travel to America on vacation, as a student, or as a temporary worker. Many of these people are prone to falling for supposedly “quick fix” solutions.

The Embassy states that every visa applicant must understand that there is a secure and official visa application process that is freely available on the website of the US Embassy in the Philippines. Anyone who offers to fix up visas for a fee is taking advantage of a lack of knowledge about the system. In the worst cases, these fixers disappear with the person’s money without giving anything in return. In the “best” cases, the person pays for a service that they could have easily had for free or at least much less money. Fixers who claim to be able to get visas in cases where they were previously refused are certainly not to be trusted, the Embassy warns. While Filipinos may be desperate and eager to get themselves a valid visa, going through illegal channels is not the way to secure one.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Pick Your Own Fruits in the US

October 23, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re heading into fall in the northern hemisphere and harvest time is upon us. Now is the perfect time to pick your own fruits and vegetables for healthy, tasty and nutritious family meals. Plus, picking your own fruits is a fun activity – you can share some quality time with your family, get some exercise and spend some time in the open air.

Look on the internet to find pick your own farms close to your home. Search for “pick your own fruit Maine’, for example, or “fruit picking Vermont”. If you don’t have any luck online you could check at your local farmer’s market and ask the organizers whether they know anywhere you can pick fruit yourself. Once you have found a few farms close to you, look on the websites to see when their fruit picking seasons begin. Remember you won’t be able to pick fruit at just any time of the year, so save yourself a wasted trip and check beforehand.

When you visit a farm to pick fruit you are a visitor but you must respect the property and remember that it is a working farm. Never go anywhere that is off-limits, and pay attention to the signs. Follow the rules about what to pick and where you can pick it from.

If the day is sunny wear a hat and a t-shirt, plus sun block. Don’t bring your pets and make sure you put all your trash in the proper cans. Supervise your kids but above all, enjoy yourself and have fun!

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

Niagara Falls Tourist Information

October 22, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

A trip to Niagara Falls is one you’ll remember for years. Niagara Falls is the name for a collection of three impressive waterfalls in total. These three waterfalls reach across the border between the United States and Canada, in the province of Ontario in Canada and New York State in the USA. These three waterfalls are called the Bridal Veil Falls, which is the smallest, the American Falls, and the largest, the Horseshoe Falls. On the Canadian side are the Horseshoe Falls while on the American side are the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Niagara Falls is located in between the cities of Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The Falls are set on the Niagara River. The combination of all the water in the three falls adds up to the highest flow of water of any global waterfall. These impressive natural wonders were formed when the last ice age produced huge glaciers, which receded and formed the structure of the waterfalls. Niagara Falls is both a tourist attraction and a producer of hydroelectric power for the surrounding area.

Most tourists visit Niagara Falls in the summer and during both the day and the night. At night the falls are lit up with floodlights and are often colored with different lights. One of the most popular tourist attractions at Niagara Falls is the boat cruise called Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist transports visitors into the mist at the foot of the falls, close to the pounding water.

Many visitors like to see the falls from a number of different walkways that reach alongside the water. On the American side you can walk from Prospect Point Park to an observation tower. Travel to Goat Island to see the falls from a different angle – you can get to Goat Island by foot or by car via the bridge. From Goat Island you can take an elevator to the Cave of the Winds and also hike to below the Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk to see the rapids and the gorge. If you don’t want to walk, take the Scenic Trolley alongside the American Falls and to Goat Island. You may also splash out on a balloon ride over the falls or a helicopter trip. There are a number of discovery centers and many different shops, bars, restaurants and casinos to discover around the falls area.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

How to Beat Allergies at Home

October 19, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s allergy season again and you’re coughing and spluttering your way through the summer. Ever wished for some home remedies for allergies so you don’t have to make yourself drowsy with antihistamines? Why not try some of these ideas to help you enjoy dry eyes and calm breathing.

Cut the clutter in your home. All those ornaments, dried flowers, toys and books are great homes for dust, which make your allergies worse. If you can, put items in drawers or glass-fronted cupboards. Make sure you wash your clothes on a hot cycle – a warm or cool cycle won’t kill the dust mites that make your allergies flare up. If you don’t want to turn the heat up that high, take your sheets and bedding to a professional cleaners.

Speaking of beds, make sure yours is covered with allergy-proof covers. These covers help protect against breathing in dust mites. If you are dusting, vacuuming, or doing chores in the house then wear a face mask. This is a simple way to cut your exposure to dust. You should also do the same when you garden, to make sure you are not breathing pollen.

Use a dehumidifier in your home and the air conditioning in your car. Keeping dry air in your house helps stop dust mites from multiplying, and the air conditioning means you don’t need to open the windows and breathe in all that pollen. Make sure no one smokes in your house and install an air filter so that you can breathe easily in your home. If you have pets then at least try and keep one room – preferably the bedroom – a pet-free zone. Pets make allergies worse but at least if they are banished from the bedroom you can get a better sleep. Make this your allergy sanctuary and escape there when the dust and pollen gets too much.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

Navarathri Celebrations in USA

October 18, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

Navarathri is a Hindu festival celebrated for 10 days in prayer to Goddess Durga. Devotees gather every evening to pray, eat and dance together. Folk dance called garbha or dandiya is the most popular feature of this festival. People dress in ethnic traditional attires and get ready for a night long dancing session with sticks. With increasing number of students and working professionals in USA, it is now organized and celebrated at various parts of US. Many universities, offices arrange DJ and worship stage for Navarathri puja and celebration.

It starts with singing prayers and devotional songs for Goddess Lakshmi. The idol of goddess is decorated with flowers and colorful attire with bright red and orange. The goddess is offered assortment of fruits and sweets and then everyone rushes to their favorite and fun part of the celebration: dandiya or garbha. The divine vibrations make the atmosphere full of enthusiasm and positivity. Goddess Durga is known for removing any evil and impurities from the world and bring peace and prosperity in our lives.

In various universities students organize the festivities at a grand scale in USA. University of Houston, Hindu Students Association, Hindu Student Council, Penn’s Indian community and Young Jains of America’s annual Navarathri Garbha celebration etc. are some of the famous entities in America that come together and celebrate Navarathri in USA every year. If you are new to USA and not being able to come home for the celebrations, don’t get disheartened. There is a large pool of young, energetic and friendly Indian people whom you can contact and celebrate the festivities in its full excitement.

Enjoy the feel of your culture and its values with Navarathri celebrations while your stay in USA. Feeling homesick at the time of festivals is a thing of past. With more and more people joining hands to make the 10 day festival memorable, there is a lot forward to.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

Facts for Foreign Drivers in US

October 17, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

Are you hiring a car in the US? Are you planning on a road trip on your US vacation? If you are from overseas and want to drive in the United States there are a few things to think about before you get behind the wheel. Being prepared and knowing the rules and regulations helps ensure a safe drive in the States.

 

You should get an International Driving Permit for hiring a car and driving in the United States. An International Driving Permit is a form that translates the key information on your original driver’s license into ten foreign languages. This lets officials in other countries understand and interpret your documents. However, you must have both a valid license issued by your own government and an International Driving Permit – one is not enough and if you are stopped when driving you should produce your two documents.

 

If you are planning on living in the States you can get a US license but plan on the process taking a while. You get your license from the state where you live instead of from the US federal government. You can find out how to apply and all about each state’s particular rules and regulations on the motor vehicle department’s website. Of course, once you get a license from one state you can drive all over the US. Be careful though – the rules of the road differ from state to state.

 

Make sure you know the rules of the road before you set out in your car. Regulations may be much different in the US than they are in your country. Don’t assume you know – check before you get behind the wheel. Drive considerately and safely, keeping up with the traffic flow and making sure to pay attention to traffic signals. Penalties for running a red light or driving in a restricted area may be more severe than you are used to at home.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA

How to Beat Jet Lag

October 16, 2012 by Chiranth Nataraj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a lot of people international travel comes with one annoying side effect – jet lag. When you fly across time zones your internal clock goes crazy, making you think it’s morning when it’s afternoon, and time for sleep when you need to work. Jet lag causes you sleep problems. Other symptoms of jet lag include nausea and upset stomach, change in appetite, headache, fatigue, trouble concentrating and irritability. Is there any way to beat jet lag? How can you ensure a jet lag-free flight?

The way you travel affects the jet lag you experience. For example, for every time zone you cross it takes on average one day to completely adjust. When you fly east you generally experience greater jet lag than when you flight west. Of course, you probably won’t be able to control which direction you fly in and how long the flight will be. But there are some ways you can lessen the impact of jet lag.

Before you fly, gradually shift your meal times and your bedtimes to be closer to your destination time. You could go to bed 30 minutes earlier each night to prepare for an eastward flight. During the flight make sure you drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated makes your jet lag symptoms much worse. Take care not to fill up on alcohol or caffeinated drinks as these disturb your sleep and cause dehydration.

When you reach your destination adjust your watch and your schedule to meet your new time zone as quickly as possible. Try to stay awake with everyone else and get up when everyone else does. It may be difficult but you can take short naps during the day if you are very tired. Get lots of fresh air and natural light and try to keep as busy as possible when you arrive as this will help you adjust more easily.

Filed Under: Visitor Insurance USA Tagged With: visitor insurance
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