Tips for Flights

Traveling is a wonderful experience, which often involves flights. In order to enjoy your trip and stay healthy, here are some tips for the flights:

DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT (blood clots in a deep vein) might occur during a long flight (usually 12 hours or more). It's most common in the legs, but might occur in the lungs as well. Here are some tips to decrease the risk:

o        If your blood is not too thin and you are allowed to take aspirin, take baby aspirin (81 Mg) about half an hour before take-off.

o       Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during the flight.

o        Avoid sitting with your legs crossed during the flight.

o        Get off your seat once an hour, and walk along the aisle.

o        If you are pregnant, ask for an aisle seat in advance.

o        Drink 250 ml (8.7 oz) every hour or two, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and salty food.

o        Keep space between your seat and the seat in front of you, so you can exercise your feet and ankle.

Jet Lag

To avoid jet lag, have a long sleep before your flight. Drink water throughout the flight and after it. Once you will arrive to your destination, adjust your sleep and meals to the local time.

Dryness

The average humidity level in commercial airplanes is around 10%-20%. In order to avoid eyes or skin dryness – drink a lot of water during the flight.

Air Pressure

During lift-off and landing, the air pressure inside the plane quickly changes, and affects the balance between the outer ear and the middle ear. This pressure can be eased by swallowing saliva, chewing gum, yawning and opening one's mouth.

Airplane Food

Meals served during flights usually contain too much sugar and starch. Vegetarian meals are usually healthier than regular meals, but they must be ordered in advance. If you wish to control your nutrition, bring a home cooked meal to the flight.