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How to stay healthy while flying

The following are some general health tips to make your journey a healthy one. Remember, if you have pre-existing medical problems it is always wise to consult a doctor for medical advice specifically applicable to your condition.

General

Before and during your flight, keep your meals light and avoid alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeine. If you will be waiting at the airport for a while, make sure you take a stroll. Light exercise helps you keep fresh and promotes your circulation.

Skin

Cabin pressure is known to have significantly reduced levels of humidity. This can dry out of your skin, so make sure to moisturise.

Ear pain

The “popping” feeling you experience in your ear as your aircraft ascends is due to air rushing out of your middle ear. The pressure inside your middle ear equalizes with cabin pressure. Normally, on decent the opposite happens and air rushes in to the middle ear space. On some occasions this may not happen. This can be painful. Chewing gum can help, but if it doesn't, one can try the following so long as you do not suffer with a heart or ear condition:

Pinch you nose tight and keep your mouth closed. Breathe out while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth shut. Do this only for few seconds, and the problem should be corrected. If pain persists, seek medical advice when possible.

Circulation

Blood clots are more likley to form when the flow of blood is sluggish or virtually stagnant. Encouraging blood flow is especially important on long haul flights, Along with strolls down the airplane isles every 2-3 hours, to minimize the risk of a blood clot in your legs, you may try flexing and extending your feet as often as you can.

Motion sickness

Except in the case of severe turbulence, it is rare for air travelers to suffer from motion sickness. If you do, request a seat in the mid-section of the cabin where movements are less pronounced, and keep the motion sickness bag readily accessible. Avoid drinking alcohol during the flight and for the 24 hours beforehand.

Jet Lag

Jet lag is the term used to describe the symptoms caused by the disruption of your body's internal clock. This only happens when you fly through different time zones. Unfortunately, there is no way of preventing it, however you can greatly minimise its effects by remembering the following key points:

Make sure you're well rested prior to your departure, and try to get some rest during your flights. Short naps can be helpful.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, as they can act as diuretics and leech your body of water.
A 4 hour block of sleep at your destination during its local night time is important to help re-set your body clock.
Avoid sleeping tablets unless they have been advised by your doctor.
Face the sun, when you reach your destination. Exposure to sunlight can help to reset your internal body clock.
Listen to your body and adjust your habits according to how you feel.

Dr Shazan Chughtai MB BS

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