Thu 12 Nov 2009
How To Stay Healthy When Flying
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Air travel is fast becoming the choice mode of transportation. Many people wouldn’t be able to keep up with the demands their jobs place on them if it were not for air transportation. Check out these tips on how to stay health when flying. These tips are appropriate for both the frequent flyer and those that travel by air only occasionally.
Because the cabin of the airplane is so small, and confined, the chances of picking up some sort of germ is a real threat.
Use a hand sanitizer on your hands and use antibacterial wipes to wipe off the armrest, the fold-down tray and the recline button on your seat. Follow recommended hand washing procedure when using the bathroom. Be sure that you use paper towel to lower the toilet seat, turn the faucet on and off, and to open the door. If at all possible, keep the time that you’re inside the plane to a bare minimum. Flights that fly on Thursdays and Fridays are usually the most congested. Fly on an alternate day if possible.
Move around the plane periodically. Sitting for long periods of time can take its toll on your body. You’ll end up developing back and neck pain after awhile; not to mention how soar your toosh can get. There’s another reason for moving around the cabin as well.
For those frequent flyers there’s a risk of developing what’s called Deep Vein Thrombosis. This condition presents when blood clots form in the blood due to lack of movement. If a blood clot develops, and then breaks free into your blood stream, the results could be fatal.
To avoid developing swollen feet, stand up every hour and stretch your body. This will get your blood circulating a little better and keep that swelling at bay. Of course if you’re flying first class you’ll probably have enough room right in your seat area to stretch out.
Stay hydrated as well. Our bodies are made up of 70 percent water. If we use up our reserves without replenishing them, we stand a chance to become dehydrated. Dehydration brings with it a whole host of medical problems so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Avoid carbonated beverages and caffeine drinks as these will dehydrate you.
When you get off the plane, make a beeline for the bathroom and wash your face and hands well. Remember to follow the proper washing procedures as previously mentioned.
Now, about that airplane food. It’s not that it’s inedible or anything like that, but none the less…well…it’s airplane food. It’s not all that tasty and who knows who’s handled it before it was plopped on your fold-down table? Once you get through airport security you can take whatever is available in the airport onto the plane. Grab some trail mix or some fresh fruit to take aboard with you, and always decline any raw foods offered to you.
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