EMA Care Blog

Many tourists in Israel have been struggling with getting a PCR test before their flight home. Currently, travelers are required to do PCR testing within 72 hours before flying. Visitors want to end their vacation on a positive note, but many people have been frustrated by the inefficient PCR testing system in Israel. The most common issues that tourists face are lack of easy access to testing facilities, time wasted in waiting for home testers to arrive, and delayed results. PCR tests at a clinic PCR tests are offered in public clinics and hospitals around the country. However, there are many...

Fasting in Israel can be a different experience from fasting in other countries.  It’s hard to recall a Yom Kippur in Israel that did not include hearing someone fainting from dehydration. Even though this year Yom Kippur falls late on October 12, and we hope for cooler weather, the dry, hot weather in Israel puts fasters at higher risk of dehydration.  Preparing for Yom Kippur a few days in advance is a sure way to fast safely on this High Holiday.   When a person fasts, everyday behavior results in a loss of fluid that is not being replaced in the course of...

Winter is THE season for both bacterial and viral infections. Understanding the difference between bacterial and viral infections can help manage expectations regarding treatments available. Viral infections include the common cold, flu, most coughs, bronchitis, and chickenpox. Bacterial infections include pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and most sinus infections. Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common: 1. They are microbes too small to be seen2. They can cause both acute or chronic infections3. Both cause mild, moderate, or severe disease4. Both may have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, and vomiting – although a good health...

Head lice. It’s a subject nearly no one wants to admit exists, let alone think or talk about. However, head lice have reached epidemic proportions all around the world. It’s difficult to get statistics, but an estimated 7% of children between ages 3-11 experience lice infestation each year in the United States. No statistics are available for adults with lice. In Israel, it’s 15% among children! Experts believe the higher number in Israel is because of larger families with siblings passing around lice. EMA Care spoke with Penina Neustadter, a very busy “lice lady” in Israel. Penina became a lice lady...

The custom of drinking alcohol on Purim stems from a quotation in the Talmud attributed to a fourth-century rabbi, Rava: “One must drink on Purim until that person cannot distinguish between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai” (Megillah 7). This custom has become a green light for people, especially students in Israel, to drink lots of alcohol on Purim. Unfortunately, many gap year students drink until they are sick, passed out, or exhibiting dangerous or inappropriate behavior (such as vomiting in your rabbi’s yard). Although alcohol consumption in the US is illegal for people under the age of 21, in Israel, it...

Our previous blog here encourages parents to talk to their children about appropriate alcohol use during the holiday of Purim (or anytime!). The day after Purim, people who overindulge will feel the effects – hangovers are awful. What happens when a person knows he/she will be drinking? Are there ways to prevent a hangover? What are hangover remedies? A hangover is defined as disagreeable physical effects following a disproportionate amount of drinking. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty concentrating. It can take 8-24 hours for symptoms to go away. Tips for Avoiding a Hangover 1. Before you go out...

In recent weeks there has been a surge of West Nile Virus in Israel. A few hundred people have been infected, and several people (elderly or immunocompromised) have died in recent weeks. West Nile Virus is a virus spread by mosquitoes that have fed off of infected birds. The incubation period is 5-21 days on average. The virus peak activity, according to the Israel Ministry of Health, is from mid-August to mid-October. According to the CDC, 80% of people infected have no noticeable symptoms. West Nile Virus's symptoms for the remaining 20% of infected individuals are usually mild flu-like symptoms, including...

Early in the summer, and there have already been numerous drownings and near-drownings of (mostly) children and babies in Israel. Children drown in pools, at beaches, and even in buckets of water. Adults usually drown because of poor judgment – jumping into rapids or going deep into the sea without swimming skills. “Near drownings” oftentimes cause irreversible brain damage due to prolonged lack of oxygen. Contrary to popular belief and Hollywood imaginations, drowning is almost always a silent process. If someone can call for help and wave their arms, they may be in trouble, but they are not drowning. Dangers of...

Traveling to the east or southeast  Traveling after serving in the army is very common amongst Israelis. They usually travel to eastern countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These countries are third-world countries that have different diseases than Israel and lower the quality of healthcare. Due to the climate and local hygiene standards, the risks of illness are generally higher than in more developed parts of the world.  Therefore, it is essential to be prepared and make sure you have updated standard vaccines. Recommended vaccines Typhoid – this is a very infectious disease that is spread through water...

The Health Ministry released a report on Tuesday (24/12/19) showing a decrease of 1.5% in citizens getting flu shots. According to the Ynet news site report from Saturday, some 1.8 million people have been vaccinated so far this season in Israel, as the country’s four healthcare organizations are estimated to have just 150,000 vaccines remaining.  The shortage of flu vaccines is because last year, Israel health clinics had to throw away many flu vaccines, and this year, the production of flu vaccines started later than last year. This has resulted in a huge shortage of flu vaccines. Israel is expecting more...

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affect as many as 1.4 million Americans, most of who are diagnosed before age 30. Crohn’s disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation. It is a life-long condition that can be treated but not cured.  Therefore, Crohn’s Disease can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and may have a high financial burden.   Ashkenazi Jews are at significantly higher risk for the disorder, and research is being conducted to understand what causes the illness and how it is connected to the Ashkenazi gene. ...

With all of the news surrounding the Novel Coronavirus the past few weeks, many people are scared to travel and possibly expose themselves to the new, dangerous virus. Israel has gone to many lengths to prevent the disease from spreading in Israel.  These actions aim to prevent the virus from spreading and allow people to feel safe in Israel. The Novel Coronavirus is a new kind of virus that started spreading in China. Coronaviruses are a large family of common viruses in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Coronavirus is a type of virus responsible for...

As seen in many photos from China and Asia, many ordinary people have been wearing masks when outdoors to prevent catching the coronavirus. In the photo – some people are getting creative due to mask shortages in specific Asian countries. Is wearing face masks effective against coronavirus?  Most people do not know when masks are effective, when they are a waste, and how to manage if you need a mask to prevent illness. Basic rules of mask-wearing for Novel Coronavirus from the World Health Organization: People with suspected Novel Coronavirus should wear a medical-grade mask if possible and have as much...

Over the past few weeks, the media has exploded with news on the Covid-19/ Novel Coronavirus. There have been many reports of outbreaks in 73 countries worldwide (as of February 29, 2020). Many more people have been panicking about the possibility of getting infected. During the peak of seasonal flu season in the Northern hemisphere, this outbreak has occurred, making identifying Covid-19 vs. flu very challenging as they share the same symptoms. So far, the new coronavirus (Covid-19) has led to more than 79,000 cases and 2800 deaths in China and more than 7000 cases, and 150 deaths worldwide. The overall...

  With the spread of COVID-19 throughout the globe, people are looking for the best ways to protect themselves and their families. Between masks and avoiding air travel, there are any number of tips floating around the internet that may not actually be as useful as they seem. So, what are the best ways to keep your family healthy? And which online tips have merit, and which do not? Wash Your Hands This one sounds obvious, but when breaking it down it actually becomes a little more complicated than it seems. It turns out that most people do not adhere to...

Throughout history, Jews have always lived in close communities. It has long been a defining characteristic of Judaism. The synagogue is the center of the Jewish community, people gather together to pray, as well as for communal gatherings. Since the recent Covid-19 outbreak, people have been advised to not be in gatherings of more than 100 people. In Israel, this has been lowered to 10 people! This includes Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, funerals, weddings, and even prayer. For many this is devastating.   Rabbinical councils are urging members of Jewish communities to protect themselves. They are limiting access to prayers in synagogues to 20...

The warm Mediterranean Sea on Israel’s coast may be fun to swim in, but jellyfish season is upon us!  Every summer, Israeli beaches suffer from jellyfish for a number of weeks.  Whether in the water or washed up ashore, jellyfish pose a (potentially life threatening) hazard.  EMA Care gives you tips on what to do if you get stung by a floating cell or jellyfish tentacle. Fact: Jellyfish is one of the most intimidating creatures of the sea. In Hebrew the word for jellyfish is “medusa”. In classic Greek mythology Medusa is a monster (gorgon) in the form of a woman with snakes...

Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites, or chemicals. Typical symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea. In Israel, during the long hot summer, the possibility of food being contaminated is greater due to food exposure to extreme temperatures, or food that does not have sufficient refrigeration.  Many food vendors display their products on the street, and it’s important to be cautious!! This year EMA Care has assisted scores of students hit by food poisoning after food served by the schools was contaminated. Food poisoning has been known to...

Medical care during the holidays can get a little tricky in Israel. During the holidays, many medical offices and hospitals are operating on Shabbat mode.  Shabbat mode means that personnel are cut to a minimum staffing, many clinics are not operational, and routine, non-emergency health services are not provided.  These hours can include hospitals, emergency and urgent care centers, pharmacies, clinics, and private medical offices.  Medical offices have less operational hours (or none), so the few hours they are open, they are typically overbooked. Don’t forget that Medical Care during the Holidays includes the eve of holidays!  The eve of a...

There are common misconceptions about food allergies.  Click here to read about certain misconceptions and what the true facts are about food allergies. Food Allergy Concierge is your expert service for traveling with food allergies. Our food allergy travel experts separate facts from misconceptions. We understand food allergy dangers, we understand how one sesame seed can be life threatening, and we are experienced in preventing cross contact in hotel and restaurant kitchens.

  If you are one of the hundreds of visitors coming to Israel for the holidays, EMA Care offers you tips on eating healthy on vacation!! In Israel, eating healthy when on vacation can be a double whammy……on vacation plus Jewish holidays!! Vacation is a time to relax, to not be at home, and to enjoy a different culture and foods. Some people look at a vacation as a time to indulge. Jewish holidays are based on lots of time praying in the synagogue and lots of time eating large, delicious holiday meals. This combination can result in an indulgent holiday...

Over Passover, 3 tourists from different part of the world had strokes while visiting Israel. Besides the trauma of a sudden health event which affected the whole family, compounded by being in a foreign country, the outlay of money was substantial. After overcoming tremendous culture gaps, they received excellent care in Israel. None of these previously healthy people had travel insurance.  Most did not get reimbursement for their hospitalization and treatment. This is but one example of why tourists need to get travel health insurance for visits to Israel. Here is information on tourist health insurance and getting optimal coverage when in Israel.  Who pays your bills when...

 Most tourists are frightened of a medical emergency occurring while they are traveling far from home.The good news is the frequency of tourists requiring medical care while traveling is low. Tourists requiring medical treatment: Outpatient treatment ​ ​ 1 per 1,000 trips​ ​Hospital admission​ ​1 per 2,000 trips​ Medical evacuation ​1 per...

There are many cultural differences between Israel and other countries.  Anyone who has had any business interaction here will vouch for that! But did you know that culture also affects your health care? We are not only talking about a language barrier. A visitor to Israel who ends up in the emergency room will undergo an overwhelming, disorienting, truly foreign experience. The three ways cultural differences may affect your healthcare in Israel:   1.Chutzpah- Israeli chutzpah is world famous. It is how the commandos raided Entebbe and freed the hijacked passengers 40 years ago this week. It is also why other people...

A vacation in Israel is a wonderful experience for healthy tourists, but for the millions of people with medical issues or disabilities, any travel can be daunting... UNTIL NOW. EMA Care provides medical concierge services for tourists with special health needs.  Anything from organizing health appointment or treatments to finding solutions for your physical needs, such as medical equipment or accommodating transportation and tour guides can be accomplished with ease with EMA Care professionals.  We firmly believe that everyone, no matter what their medical issues are, should be able to visit the Holy Land care-free.  Enjoy your vacation in Israel - leave the...

The Flu vaccine in Israel is available now!!  It’s important that you go now while flu vaccine supply lasts!! In previous years, there have been shortages of the vaccine.  Why should people get the flu vaccine? Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.Between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths occur in people 65 years and older. So the vaccine is a must for seniors! Other people at risk include people of all ages with pre-existing chronic health conditions, children, and pregnant women.Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread...

Any person with food allergies traveling to a foreign country knows how dangerous it can be. If your child with allergies is arriving in Israel for a summer program or in the fall for a yearlong program, it’s time to take action NOW. The lack of knowledge of the local language, local cuisine, and local customs can be frustrating and life threatening.  EMA Care provides a customized allergy card (in Hebrew) to our clients with food allergies. EMA Care’s allergy cards include: Customized Allergy Information about your childKnowledge of Israeli food products as it pertains to your child’s allergiesDirections on how...

From two-week summer volunteer programs to an eight-week all-inclusive tour of Israel, this summer there will be tens of thousands of young people visiting Israel. Whether it’s digging on an archaeological site, hiking from sea to sea, or studying in a yeshiva, it’s guaranteed to be a summer your child will not forget!  EMA Care wants to help parents support their teens' trip to Israel.  May is the perfect month to begin preparing your child on how to cope in a new country. Here are the top four things you can do to prepare your child for Israel: 1. Teach your child about...

Here in Israel we are experiencing extremely hot weather. High of 40 C, that’s 104 Fahrenheit!! When I walk outside it’s as if I am in a sauna. Hot weather usually just makes people feel HOT, but it can also lead to serious and alarming health problems. Experts say that when night time temperatures do not drop much lower than daytime temperatures, there is added stress on the body. It’s important to follow some simple rules to stay healthy during these high temperatures. 1. Drink lots and lots of cool water. You should have water with you at all times.2. Wear...

It’s inevitable that somewhere, somehow, a teen from one of the many Israeli summer programs, could be in a hospital emergency room this summer.  There are hundreds of teens here and the sad, but true fact is that someone is going to get hurt or sick.  The program director, a counselor, or an ambulance will take the teen to the hospital. What happens when the teen arrives in the ER? Emergency rooms in Israeli hospitals follow typical ER protocol.  However, hospitals are even more crowded here. Hospitals in remote locations may offer sub-optimal care.  Patients are treated based on the severity...

People with gluten-free diets often struggle with traveling and touring, as their diets can be challenging. Good news:  Israel is becoming more aware of the need for gluten free food. In this article, EMA Care gives guidance to gluten-free eating in Israel. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten damages the small intestine.   The number of people diagnosed with the disease is 1 out of 133, or a little under 1% of the USA’s population.  HOWEVER, it is estimated that 83% of the people with celiac are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed!!  Research shows celiac disease is also on the rise in young adults...

Traveling in Israel with Food Allergies is challenging! Did you know that 15 million Americans have food allergies, and 1 out of 13 children have life threatening food allergies? Whether you are allergic to nuts, sesame, chocolate, certain cooking oils or fruit, the very real fear of allergic reactions may hinder your travel plans to Israel. In fact, there were several cases of severe allergic reactions this year in Gap-Year student in Israel. A client’s child had such a reaction at a social event when a child across the room opened a package of Bamba, a favored Israeli snack with air-popped peanuts. Indeed,...

EMA Care hopes you have a healthy, wonderful Pessach holiday, but if you or someone you know becomes ill or injured, we are a phone call away. Medical Concierge is becoming popular for tourists all around the world.  Many travelers have experienced firsthand the worry and anxiety when you or a family member becomes ill in a foreign country.  It’s challenging to understand where to go, or whom to ask for help.  Tourists usually end up in a hospital emergency room, waiting to be seen, and waiting some more, in pain or discomfort. Then there can be language difficulties, strange medications,...

Did you hear about the new matzoh?  It’s made with whole wheat and bran and it’s fortified with Metamucil.  It’s called "Let My People Go".  LOL!  Actually, there are many people that would love this matzoh to become a reality. A well-known but rarely talked about complication during this time of year is constipation.  Constipation is defined as having difficulty passing or infrequent bowel movements. Matzoh is very low in fiber and during Pessach we eat matzoh, we bake and cook with matzoh meal, and we tend to eat a lot of cookies and cakes with high sugar content and potato starch. ...

Purim is a fun holiday universally celebrated by all walks of life in Israel… but there are dangers involved… especially to teens who find themselves easy access to Alcohol and frivolity. Alcohol toxicity can lead to brain damage, neurological damage, and even death. Dozens of Gap Year students in the past have been injured or even killed as a result of this phenomenon. Purim is an excuse for excesses in alcohol, but caution is needed. It is a tradition, some even say a Mitzvah, to drink alcohol on Purim. But balance is needed between student’s health and well-being and alcohol moderation.  A...

Are you a tour group coordinator for foreign groups visiting Israel? Do any of your participants have pre-existing conditions which may need treatment? Do you need to be prepared to support your travelers during a medical emergency? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then EMA Care is for you!   Give your tour participants peace of mind What happens when a participant has a medical emergency during your trip? Who accompanies them to the hospital? Who advocates with the doctors on their behalf? Who liasons with family back home? When a tour group participant falls ill, the...