HOLIDAYS are nice – however travelling can take its toll in your physique and thoughts, notably when flying lengthy distances.
“When you think about that stress, temperature and oxygen ranges fluctuate within the plane, add in the truth that humidity ranges are decrease than sea degree – it’s not stunning flying can upset a few of your physique’s regular features,” says Dr Chun Tang, medical director and GP at Pall Mall Medical.
“Not forgetting, most individuals really feel various levels of stress earlier than take-off too.”
So, in case your summer season vacation is about to incorporate a hefty flight, what are a number of the key issues to consider on the subject of well being and wellbeing?
Remember to keep hydrated. Image: Alamy/PA
“Airplanes can dehydrate you as a result of half of the air circulating within the cabin comes from the skin, and once you’re at the next altitude there may be hardly any moisture within the air,” says Tang.
If you wish to assist mitigate the influence of dehydration whereas flying, take into account what you eat and drink each earlier than and through.
Chun Tang. Image: Pall Mall Medical/PA Picture“Eat one thing mild, like a salad and fruit. Keep away from salty quick meals, particularly earlier than flying, as this may trigger bloating and dehydration,” suggests Tang.
“Many individuals wish to have an alcoholic drink within the departure lounge previous to flying, however you’re simply dehydrating your self additional. Keep away from espresso too and keep on with contemporary juices and water.
“After you’ve flown, tempting as it’s to go and get an alcoholic beverage, maintain consuming water to revive hydration.”
Tang explains: “While you fly, you’re uncovered to extra germs since you’re close to others – that’s why it’s frequent to catch a chilly or sniffle following a flight. Your tray desk, seatbelt and different surfaces which might be regularly touched will even be coated with germs.
“Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser and cleansing wipes with you,” he suggests, “and wash your arms regularly throughout journey.”
Jet-lag is a ache and might simply damage the beginning and finish of a visit. So, how will you mitigate its impacts and maintain your sleep cycle strong?
“Publicity to mild is extremely essential for regulating your physique clock. When it’s darkish outdoors, you’re extra probably to go to sleep,” says Tang.
“In case you’re travelling west to the USA or South America, for instance, you need to search mild within the night time. In case you’re headed east, then you definitely wish to limit mild publicity if you happen to’re arriving at night-time and search it out within the morning.
“Research present that blue mild out of your smartphone or pill can maintain you awake, so keep away from these once you’re making an attempt to get some sleep,” he provides.
Tang says one other potential “side-effect of flying may be stress in your ears on account of stress adjustments within the cabin”. For this reason it’s typically suggested that folks keep away from flying if they’ve an ear an infection, for instance.
“When the skin stress adjustments shortly throughout take-off and touchdown, chances are you’ll really feel your ears pop. Typically this imbalance could cause movement illness as a result of your mind is receiving conflicting messages,” says Tang. “Attempt swallowing or yawning to open the eustachian tubes [which connect the middle ear and throat] throughout take-off and touchdown.”
Contemplate sporting flight socks to cease DVT.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a really actual concern for many individuals when flying. These blood clots, which normally have an effect on the legs, may be extraordinarily severe.
“Probably the most frequent causes of DVT is extended intervals of inactivity when travelling lengthy distances,” says Professor Mark Whiteley, main venous surgeon and founding father of The Whiteley Clinic.
“When individuals considerably cut back the exercise of their legs, the blood circulate turns into very sluggish within the deep veins – due to this fact placing individuals at the next threat of a clot forming.
“It is very important maintain as energetic as potential when flying by repeatedly stretching and going for a stroll up and down the cabin aisle, at the very least as soon as per hour if it’s a lengthy flight,” he provides.
“I might additionally advise sporting correctly fitted flight stockings. This hastens the circulate of blood within the veins and due to this fact reduces the dangers of the blood clotting.”
Anybody can doubtlessly get DVT, however if in case you have a historical past of blood clots or could also be at elevated threat, at all times converse together with your physician earlier than travelling.
Mark Whiteley. Image: PA Picture
“When you’ve got pre-existing well being situations, then it’s finest to verify together with your GP on any particular facets of flying which will influence you,” says Tang. “You’ll additionally want to make sure that you’ve got bought satisfactory journey insurance coverage that can cowl you need to you require any medical consideration whereas overseas.”
One other essential consideration is to ensure any treatment you will have is saved in your hand baggage/carry-on bag, and never within the maintain (in case it goes lacking). Some nations might also have restrictions on sure drugs – make sure you converse together with your physician effectively prematurely of travelling.
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