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Updated: August 25th, 2019

Travelling Safe during Pregnancy – Waiting for 9 long months to travel can be a tough choice for a travel fanatic like you in case of pregnancy, right?

Travelling during pregnancy whether, by road, air or boat can be risky.

It has its own set of challenges that may cause a threat to your health.

But, thanks to the advancement in the insurance sector, travelling during pregnancy can be covered by most of the best travel insurance India.

And, in this regard, a little knowledge can make all the difference in the world when it comes to treating your itchy feet while you’re expecting.

What’s Covered for a Woman with a Cute Baby Bump!

Although the coverage may vary from one insurance provider to another, some of the common coverage include:

• Medical expenses during hospitalization
• Pre-hospitalization expense cover
• Post-hospitalization expense cover
• Delivery expenses
• Ambulance charges incurred in transporting the patient to the hospital
• Vaccination charges
• Pre and post-natal expenses based on the type of delivery
• Newborn baby cover in case of congenital illness
• Emergency expenses
• Personal Accident

Wait! Health Insurance Not Everything is Covered

Not every insurer offers pregnancy cover.

Some cases, you will have to bear an additional premium.

Make sure, you confirm with the insurer regarding the coverage, as travel insurance with maternity cover comes with some limitations as well.

The Health insurance cover remains inactive in the following situations:

• If the insured pregnant woman is travelling without the consent of her health adviser, any claim arising out of a complication will be denied.
• Any claim arising out of a complication that is persisting during pregnancy, will not be covered. To ensure travel coverage, it should be an emergency claim.
• It the duration of travelling period exceeds the permitted pregnancy week, no coverage would be offered.
• The newborn baby is not covered unless he/she is suffering from a congenital disorder

Nevertheless, some insurance provider may allow you to skip these limitations by paying an extra premium.

Or some may consider pregnancy as a medical condition under their travel insurance plans, where you have to pay an additional premium to get coverage.

Hence, it is better to be clear about the policy terms and conditions before say ‘yes’ to a random policy.

Some Additional Tips Traveling During Your First or Second Trimester!

There are some commonsense advise while travelling during your first or second trimester to avoid unexpected complications, no matter how do you travel or what’s your destination country:

• Trip insurance is essential to cover those unexpected risks that can cause huge out-of-pocket expenses
• Schedule those visits to your doctor before your trip starts to avoid last hour rush and to ensure a green signal from your physician
• Don’t forget to keep your medical reports, medicines along with
• Make sure you’re travelling with a companion. Also, store the contact number if your obstetrician in case of emergency.
• Have an idea about the weather, local laws, language etc. of your destination country
• Keep a track of the healthcare centers in the country, to avoid from running pillar to post in case of a medical emergency.
• Don’t get lured by food available outside. Try not eating outside. Even if you do make sure the pace is with utmost hygiene.
• Walk as much as possible, take frequent small food at regular intervals, increase your liquid intake while travelling
• Wear comfortable and loose outfit to make your stay comfy
• Last but not the least, take your regular dose of medicines, folic acid supplements, vitamins, food with antioxidants, protein, iron, calcium and mineral.

Why is a Special Insurance Cover Required For Pregnant Travelers

Travel insurance is essential for all type of travelers, especially the one who love to explore new places.

And it is more necessary if you’re travelling during pregnancy.

No doubt, maternity comes with certain complications and restrictions to be adhered, with proper precautions, you can live up on your dreams.

One such thing is travel insurance covering maternity.

Even an optimum domestic travel insurance policy will cover all potential risks associated with travelling, especially when you’re expecting.

Most importantly, healthcare services are highly-priced in most of the foreign countries, where even a minor medical emergency could cost you a bomb.

Hence, make your travel plans accordingly and get these tips handy.

Moreover, it comes with other benefits as well.

You never know when you need to cancel a pre-planned trip due to a health issue.

With travel insurance, you can cover the incurred expenses.

So, if your next trip is awaited, consider buying travel insurance online to get it done instantly.

To Sum Up Traveling While Pregnant!

It’s incorrect to say that pregnant women can’t travel.

They can but only with precautions and extra care.

And, travel insurance comes first if we talk about travel precautions.

The second most important thing is to travel with the consent of your physician.

Also, weigh whether the travel is necessary or not!

Updated: July 25th, 2019

Consequences of Global Warming

Consequences of Global Warming – You’ve probably been hearing lots of news about global warming and how bad it is for our beautiful planet.

You might have also been noticing people arguing about the effects of global warming and the potential dangers it brings to the nature and our communities around the world.

The matter of fact is that the planet is getting warmer and that people do contribute to this process, but it is also true that our planet has been going through the cycles of warming up and cooling down for billions of years.

In this essay on global warming, we are going to look at some facts and try to figure out what all of this actually means for us.

Reduce your impact while traveling

Does it Really Get Warmer?

Yes, the planet does get warmer, and the noticeable spike in the average temperature around the planet happened after we started using fossil fuels.

The carbon dioxide we produce as we burn fossil fuels contributes to the greenhouse effect, which makes our planet warmer.

In the last half a century, we have almost doubled the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, causing the rise in the average temperatures.

The other factor here is that the planet would have gotten warmer anyway due to the natural cycles it’s been going through since before humans were even there.

Since we write something like global warming argumentative essay here, we must present all the facts on the problem and not tell you about just one side of the issue, that’s not the goal of our essay.

You might be shocked to learn, but we actually live in the Ice Age, and what our planet currently goes through is called an Inter-glacial Period or the period of warming that started just 12,000 years ago.

This is insignificant in global geological time, but we remind you that the entire human civilization emerged and developed to its current state within this period time.

So the current warming is just an intermediate period between the glaciations of the Earth.

Do Humans Cause Global Warming?

So, if the current warming is a part of global processes that would have happened anyway, does it even matter what we do?

Well, it does.

The long term consequences of our activity can be devastating to the planet, causing the postponing of the glaciation and the rapid meltdown of the Arctic ice shelf.

This will make the sea level around the world rise flooding coastal areas, which is bad for people living there as well as for the ecosystems that will be devastated by the flooding.

Discussing global warming effects, we cannot omit the problem of environmental pollution.

People produce so much garbage that the planet cannot really cope with it.

That is why so many people talk about the importance of recycling and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

You might be thinking, ok, this essay tells me that global warming would have happened anyway, and then tries to convince me to recycle, so what’s the point?

The point is that the common effort to reduce harmful effect we inflict upon our common home.

Our efforts matter because we are the ones responsible for the increase in the carbon dioxide emission, tons of garbage drifting in the oceans, and the ecosystems dying out.

It is our duty to make things right and at least try to live sustainable lifestyle.

What is Global Warming?

So what is global warming?

A natural process or the result of human activity?

Well, it’s both.

The geological processes combined with the burning of fossil fuels makes our planet get warmer.

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires

Naturally, the Inter glacial period must end sometime, and the planet would become a large snowball once again, but we humans can cause damage to the way our planet functions and disrupt ancient processes that have been happening on our planet long before us.

In this global warming sample essay, we try to tell you that you must care about your planet and make sure you make more good than harm to the home we all share.

Updated: July 25th, 2019

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires – A wildfire is defined as being an uncontrolled fire that occurs in the wilderness.

They can be massive in size and have the ability to spread across vast distances, jumping rivers, roads and fire breaks in the process.

Usually, wildfires occur in hot and dry climates during the hottest months of spring and summer.

On average, there are a reported 60,000 to 80,000 wildfires each year, and 3 million to 10 millions acres of green land are destroyed in their wake.

Wildfires can have different effects on the environment depending on their size and frequency.

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires

Have you noticed the apparent increase in wildfires across the globe? Consequences of Global Warming

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ve already noticed the chatter surrounding climate change and global warming.

Raising temperatures continue to increase the likelihood of fires breaking out.

Have you stopped to consider what the environmental consequences of forest fires are?

Find out the top five ways wildfires impact the environment below.

Immediate Loss of Life and Vegetation

The most obvious environmental impact of a forest fire is the immediate loss of life and vegetation in the area.

As a fire breaks out, it spreads by burning through vegetation.

Wildfires take out smaller trees and ground-level vegetation first.

Depending on the size of the blaze, animals and humans may get trapped and killed.

First Responders attempting to put out the flames may also lose their lives.

The loss of vegetation and life causes both short-term and long-term effects on the environment.

Bigger trees typically survive smaller fires, but they do suffer long-term effects from their burn wounds.

Burns make bigger trees more vulnerable to insects, disease and funguses long after the initial threat passes.

Post-Fire Runoff

After the fire is put out, the initial threat is over.

Despite that, there are more environmental consequences of forest fires to consider.

What happens to all the ash, soot and debris that collects on the ground?

The scorched ground recovers by halting water absorption.

This tactic prevents the soil from absorbing debris.

Instead, the debris stays on the surface until it’s washed away by rain.

This effect is called post-fire runoff.

If runoff isn’t contained, then toxic sludge can make its way to natural water sources.

Here are a few things that could happen if a water source gets contaminated:

• Active burning can cause ashes to get into the water supply
• Changes in the long-term chemistry of the water
• Cloudiness and increased presence of metals, dissolved organic carbon and sediment
• Potential chemical runoff
• Death and disease in local wildlife

Around 80 percent of freshwater sources in the United States come from forested land, so post-fire runoff should be concerning for all of us.

Polluted Air

A wildfire immediately produces a smoke cloud.

The polluted plume moves downwind and impacts everything in its path.

Animals and humans both suffer when they’re exposed to soot and smoke particles in the air.

On top of the smoke itself, fires often release other hazards into the air.

What types of pollutants and chemicals are commonly released during wildfires?

Pollutants and chemicals from forest fires

• • Metals
  • Particulates
  • PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
  • Aerosols
  • Nitrogen oxide
  • Sulfur oxide
  • Carbon dioxide

The types of contaminants released in the smoke cloud depends on what the fire burns down.

The severity of their effects hinges on how long the area is exposed to the plume.

Most often, the plume travels upward and spreads out over large areas, which reduces its overall environmental impact.

In the past, researchers have mainly focused on how metals, particulates and smoke can cause health problems in humans and animals.

Now, they’ve become increasingly concerned about the levels of carbon dioxide that get released in fires.

According to scientists, about 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide have been released by fires over the last 20 years.

In short, that amounts to about five to ten percent of all global carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Massive carbon dioxide releases, like in wildfires, are only worsening climate change according to leading scientists.

Ecological Shake-Ups

Another significant impact of a forest fire is the effect it has on the area’s wildlife.

Immediately after a fire, numerous animals have scattered away from their homes.

Most animals are able to avoid the immediate danger a fire presents.

What are the main changes that animals deal with right away?

• An immediate loss of shelter
• Changes in the food supply

It may come as a surprise, but many animals benefit from fires.

Deer, turkey and other animals have more open area to graze.

Predator birds immediately benefit by preying on fleeing animals.

In some cases, wild bird species have been known to intentionally spread fires for this reason.

On the other hand, birds, reptiles and some smaller mammals often lose their nesting areas.

Fish and aquatic wildlife are also adversely impacted by runoff.

According to wildlife experts, young and smaller animals are the most vulnerable to both the short and long-term effects of fires.

Post Forest Fire Gentle Rebirth

Officials estimate over 3,000 human lives are lost each year as a result of fires throughout the country.

An additional $11.5 billion worth of property is damaged.

It’s impossible to measure the number of animals and level of vegetation that’s destroyed by fire.

These discouraging statistics highlight the negative aspects of fires, but there is light and hope on the other side.

After a blaze, nature always recovers and heals.

This process begins as grass and vegetation begin repopulating the burnt area.

Environment benefits of a forest fire

• • All pest infestations are destroyed
  • Prior diseases and fungal growths are killed
  • The soil is replenished with carbons and nitrogen, making the area more fertile
  • New growth is stronger and more resilient

While humans cause most modern-day fires, fires do occur naturally in nature as a result of lightning strikes and other causes.

These periodic burns are nature’s way of purifying the area.

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires

Natural Vs Man-made Causes of Wildfires

Naturally occurring wildfires are far less frequent than man-made ones.

The most frequent causes of natural wildfires are volcanoes, lightning, spontaneous combustion, and sparks caused by rock slides.

Natural coal seam fires have also been attributed to causing wildfires when combustible plant material is located nearby.

Most commonly, wildfires are started by human negligence.

Intentional arson, equipment sparks, discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, controlled agricultural burns and power lines have all caused a number of wildfires in the past.

With an increase in deforestation across the globe, highly flammable grasslands have taken their place.

Statistically speaking, six times as many wildfires are started by humans than any natural causes.

Whether caused by human negligence or naturally occurring, wildfires can be dangerous to homes and businesses in the surrounding areas.

In order to protect one’s self and home, evacuation plans should be set and home insurance should be purchased.

Classes and instruction can be found to help protect businesses and employees such as safety degrees online or by contacting a local fire department.

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires – Positive Consequences of Wildfires

Wildfires can serve to clean up any dead or decaying matter strewn across forest, which, in turn, enables an increase in new plant growth.

Wildfires are also useful in maintaining the balance within an ecosystem by removing any harmful insects and diseased plants.

An added benefit of plant removal is an increase in sunlight, which can assist in the regeneration of plant seeds.

Scientists have also realized that wildfires can increase the amount of plant and animal diversity within a particular ecosystem.

In the midst of a wildfire, exceptional amount of nutrients are released into the soil, which can result in a flood of new plant growth.

Some plants even require wildfires to germinate their seeds and stimulate growth, such as the peculiar species of Panderosa pine trees.

Land use climate change adaptation and indigenous peoples

Regular wildfires also help by killing invasive species, allowing for indigenous species to continue thriving.

If wildfires do not occur regularly, this can lead to forested regions being overrun with underbrush and trees.

Subsequently, when these forests are finally subject to a wildfire, they may burn too hot, thereby stifling new growth rather than causing it.

Environmental Consequences of Forest Fires – Negative Consequences of Wildfires

When the frequency of wildfires in a particular region is too much, it may have a devastating impact on the ecosystem.

For example, frequent wildfires will disrupt the natural cycles of these forests by eradicating native plant species and encouraging growth of fire-resistant plants and other invasive plant species.

Because some of these invasive species are highly flammable, they cause a perpetual cycle where they increase the risk of future wildfires that further destroy native plant species.

Wildfires can exacerbate levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby strengthening the greenhouse effect that is already plaguing our earth.

Further, wildfires generate ash and destroy available plant nutrients, thereby greatly effecting the biodiversity of forests.

With an increase in water runoff, wildfires can engender flash flood conditions and enable soil erosion.

In conclusion, wildfires serve many purposes in nature, but whether they are positive or negative is contingent on their frequency and cause.

If human beings are striving towards a sustainable future, then a few precautionary measures must be made.

In regards to wildfires, humans need to become aware and educated of the potential consequences of their negligence.

If they can learn to live in symbiosis with the earth, then we can depend on the earth to provide us a sustainable future.