HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN TRAVELING BY PLANE BOTH #INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL FLIGHT.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN TRAVELING BY PLANE BOTH #INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL FLIGHT.

Flying can be taxing on the body. Even the most healthy people can become ill during or following a flight. Although it isn't likely someone will avoid flying with a "little bug" you can take steps to make sure you don't feel worse. Below I’m going to share steps you can apply to stay healthy on a flight.

Steps

1

Visit your physician if you suffer from a chronic illness especially if you've been feeling worse or have had increased symptoms before your trip.

It may be inadvisable to fly and you should take the doctor's advice seriously. Find alternate means of travel.

2

Ensure that you are healthy before getting on a plane. Flying can exacerbate whatever illnesses you already have. Between the dry air, tiring situations and stress your little cold can become worse and perhaps even develop into a more serious respiratory illness.

3

Ensure that you tackle any symptoms as soon as they develop prior to your trip. Consider taking a day off to rest as soon as you feel something coming on. People tend to be very busy before leaving for vacation or a business trip. Don't dismiss taking a sick day if you need it. Place a call to your doctor or get a prescription called in if possible.

4

Take the appropriate vitamins and/or try one of the Airborne or similar products with vitamins and immunity supporting ingredients. Drinking green tea may also help curb illness.

5

Keep distance from sick people who may be contagious. It may take several days to show symptoms so try to avoid sick people a few weeks before your trip.

6

Ensure that you are hydrated. Commercial airplanes have very low humidity. (Lower than the Sahara desert.) This can lead to you becoming dehydrated. Drink plenty of water the days before your flight as well as during and following your flight.

Dehydration can cause you to become run down and make it easier to pick up viruses.

7

Try to avoid alcohol the day before you fly and while you are flying. It can dehydrate you and leave you feeling drained.

Alcohol affects you differently at different altitudes.

8

Ensure to pack any vital prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure you carry accurate instructions. A late connector or lost bag could leave you without important medications.

9

Bring munchies. Pack light snacks in your bag or pick up something from the airport.

Don't fly hungry. Some airlines have eliminated in flight snack service. Any delay can leave you unable to grab a meal in a connector airport. Have a little something to eat in your carry on.

If you have any restrictions in your diet you should definitely pack something from home. This includes low sodium, low fat, low cholesterol, etc.

Vegetarian and organic eaters should also pack food for the flight. Pickings will be slim in the airport and you don't want to live off of weird sides and a snack you'd really not prefer.

Eating will keep your energy up, your blood sugar normalized and you won't be fighting a growling stomach to sleep.

Eating outside your regular diet can cause stomach upset or leave you feeling awful.

10

Don’t assume. Prepare for the worst and pack what you might need. Don't assume the airline will have something if you forget. Take Tylenol, Advil, Pepto Bismol, etc. Think of worst-case scenario and not just how you feel while packing.

11

Consult your physician especially if you are exposed to anything communicable. This includes chicken pox, measles, etc. Not only could it be dangerous for you to fly buy you may be a carrier until symptoms begin to show. You could cause many people to become ill.

The recycled air makes illnesses easier to spread.

Don't assume. Ask your doctor. They may even be able to test for exposure.

12

Think about getting the travel insurance offered especially if you have a chronic illness that could flare up and require a change in travel plans.

13

Avoid flying if you've recently broken a limb and have a recent cast. The limb expands with flight and you can cause the circulation to be cut off causing permanent damage. Talk to your doctor if you fly often and have them leave extra room in your cast or use a different casting if you will be traveling soon.

14

Try to stretch up whenever possible especially on long flights. Try to get up every hour or so. Even if you must just walk to the restroom and back you should. Also stretching your legs in your seat will help when you aren't allowed to the restroom.

The lack of blood flow to the lower limbs can cause a blood clot to form with the coagulating blood. It can cause pain or in some cases can lead to death.

Notify the flight crew if you are having pain or swelling in your extremities, any shortness of breath or any other strange symptoms with a sudden onset.

15

Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace when you are flying. In case of emergency the other passengers, airport staff or flight crew can have details of any illnesses you have.

If you don't have one you should contact your local pharmacy or your doctor to get one. You may also be able to have it covered by insurance but they are usually inexpensive.

Some pharmacies have some pre-printed with common health problems (drug allergies, asthma, diabetes, cardiac problems, COPD/Emphysema, blood thinners, etc.)

Ask your pharmacist about what is available. Check a different pharmacy if your local one doesn't have it or look online.

16

Carry emergency contact numbers with you. If possible, include a number for your travel town as well as your hometown.

17

Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for walking long distances.

Slipping and falling in airports is also quite common.

Consider weather conditions where you are traveling. It may be advisable to pack shoes for walking in snow and rain.

18

Check your luggage at the counter if it's heavy. Many people like to avoid checking luggage so they over pack smaller bags and they become too heavy. Injuries can occur from trying to negotiate a heavy bag. You could injure your back, shoulders, arms, chest muscles, etc. Just check the bag and let the professionals take care of it. If your concern is something getting broken you should consider packing it in a shipping box or mailing it.

19

Avoid multiple carry-on bags. Try to only carry what is needed. Pack your carry-on to be lightweight and as few pieces as possible. Loading and carrying heavy carry-on bags can also cause muscle injury.

20

Avoid using airline furnished pillows and blankets. They are often used multiple times and are loaded with germs and bacteria. (If you must find one that is still packaged in the safety wrap).

If you travel often or need to sleep on a flight you should pick up your own pillow at a kiosk or travel store.

21

Dress appropriately for flying. Even traveling in the summer time the temperatures can vary wildly on board (+/- 20 degrees at times). Dress in layers and bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. Longer pants are also a better idea. You don't want to resort to using the loaner blankets and pillows. Sudden temperate changes and being too hot or cold can make you feel uncomfortable and increase your stress levels.

22

Wipe down your arm rests, tray and any hard surfaces with an antibacterial wet wipe, also wipe your hands when you're done. You don't know who sat there before you and if they were sick with the flu or a cold.

23

Remember to wash your hands often especially before eating. You can avoid picking up too many extra germs or bugs.

24

Check with the airline if you use daily oxygen.

Some allow specific brands or models of oxygen concentrators. Others will not allow you to bring your own and require you to rent one from the airline for a fee.

Always call first to verify your equipment is allowed and establish if you must rent alternate equipment from the airline or make additional arrangements at lay over airports. Call several days in advance and 48 hours prior to verify your rental.

Different airlines have different policies for oxygen use so do your research.

Get a note from your doctor stating it is safe for you to travel.

Don't forget to call the individual airport if you will need oxygen during a layover. Don't assume the airline will communicate your needs with them. Even if they say they will, call and confirm.

25

Consider notifying the airport when you arrive if you or a travel companion will need a wheelchair or motorized assistance making it through the airport or to your gate. Don't risk falling.

Don't abuse this service and use it if you aren't medically impaired. Others in greater need may require it.

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