Happy new Year to all of you! May your 2011 be full of great experiences that help you grow!
As 2010 reaches its end, I received great news related to this PolarTREC expedition. I got the medical clearance for the trip to Antarctica and have finally fulfilled the most important requirements for the project. As I mentioned on my first journal entry, every person traveling to Antarctica has to go through extensive medical screening because It is very hard to get good medical care while in Antarctica and impossible at times to be evacuated to better facilities. It is important to minimize any potential health problem and be proactive instead of reactive.
I have never had such a comprehensive medical screening before. Multiple test tubes where filed with my blood for all sorts of analysis; an electrocardiogram was performed to check my heart's health; x-rays were taken of all my teeth and my medical records were scrutinized with great care. I am very happy to hear that I am in good health, not only because it allows me to participate in the research project, but because it is always good to know that I do not have some strange ailment of which I was unaware.
A portion of the checklist I was filling while preparing all of my medical documents.I had delayed the purchase of different equipment for the trip until I received the medical approval in case some obscure medical condition were discovered in the screening. I can resume my planning for the trip. I only have five more weeks or so to get ready! The excitement continues.
Happy new year to all of you. My 2011 promises to be full of excitement. I wish you an exciting year as well.