Cheap flights, hotels, and outrageous charges...

Just booked my flight to Phoenix for specialized, intense physical therapy. Looking forward to getting my back and neck fixed. I've been told that it's quite painful but if I can handle the therapy there is hope that it will help with the herniated discs I've been dealing with since an accident about 5 years ago. I'm used to dealing with pain every day, but I'm not really anxious to have more pain... but if it helps I think it will be worth it! :)

But not so happy with the whole airline and hotel industry right now. It seems there are extra charges for everything now. I made the mistake of waiting one more day for a better deal (knowing the best deals come on Tuesday at midnight).. but I forgot that I would be missing the 7-day ahead deal. Dang. So I paid $400 for a flight that yesterday was priced at $190. Ugh. But on top of that... the airline charges for seat requests (if I want a window or aisle seat, or a specific seat assignment), and they charge $15 to check in a bag. This isn't checking an EXTRA bag, just your first checked bag. I'm sure there will be no snacks, and I've been told that some airlines are even charging for water now! I'm sure they are trying to get as much out of us as they can, but it's getting ridiculous!

I'd like to hear what the most outrageous charges you have had for either hotel, airline or other travel experiences.... just interested in what is going on in the world of travel.

Steroid Injections for Herniated Disks - Warnings and Risks

So a few years ago I had an accident which resulted in 6 herniated disks in my back and neck. In December I had a steroid injection in my neck and now I'm suffering the consequences. The 2 injections I had in my lower back did help with the pain for which I was very grateful. The injection in my neck not only has not impacted the amount of pain I experience, but now I have severe daily migraine headaches, my eyesight is constantly blurred and now I have discovered that the injection can trigger diabetes (for which I am at risk). Wow. I wish my doctors (any of the various doctors) would have asked about my family history for diabetes and at least told me that was a potential side effect. I have also been told that because the injection skyrockets blood sugars, that could be why my eyesight has been affected.

So, to all of those out there who are considering the injection route. Yes, it can be helpful in some cases (albeit temporary relief), there are also many side effects that most doctors will not explain. It is up to you to research and determine if this is the direction you want to go.

Oh -- I forgot one more thing. I've basically been sick since the injection and I have found that steroid can hamper your immune system as well. Nice.

I'm not complaining - just recognizing again how important it is to not just take any medication prescribed nor participate in any procedure before really knowing the risks. Now back to drinking more orange juice, taking my vitamins and trying to get some sleep to hopefully boost my immune system so I don't keep catching every cold or flu that comes along. :)

Back from Vacation

Taking a vacation should be required for everyone at least twice a year. There are many benefits of taking vacations. It gives us opportunities to review our lives, take a break from our daily routine, get re-centered, and re-create. Europeans have the right idea -- they take summer vacations -- 6-8 weeks each year.

I just got back from a short vacation -- and was scolded by a woman in an internet cafe for working on my vacation. I have to admit I was guilty. Perhaps next time I should make sure not to have access to computers, cell phones, and technology. Then I won't run the risk of working while I should be relaxing.

I realized this trip that I really do need a vacation -- a vacation where I can truly relax. I'm thinking the far reaches of Alaska would be nice.

I wonder what has happened in American society -- we work longer hours, take less time off, are more stressed out, have more health problems, and seem less relaxed than other cultures. Do we think we're going to get behind if we take a break? Probably. I've been there myself.

But the benefits of vacations are so great not only in mental and physical health, but also in emotional health and productivity.

So, take a break -- go on a vacation -- and relax. It will pay off in the long run! I'm thinking I'll take another one and leave the laptop at home. :-)

Flouridated Water?

I've been hearing the past few years about the dangers of flouridated water. This past year, I've done quite a bit of research and it's a bit scary that the general public is not given accurate information about flouride. I found a great video on Google Video that sheds some light on the subject, and thought I'd share it with you. Dangers of Flouride