Whether you are you flying to see family for the holidays, or are a frequent flyer for business, here are some tips to help you stay healthy on your trip. For additional info on general illness/flu prevention, see: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2011/10/8-tips-for-you-to-outsmart-flu-part-2.html.
- Stay hydrated - Most people are so busy packing and closing up their homes in preparation for their trip, they forget to keep up their fluid intake prior to departure. Staying hydrated will help to prevent some illnesses from germs you encounter during your flight and trip. Moist mucus membranes are better equipped to fight off germs. Prior to and during your flight; limit your alcohol and caffeine intake as both of these make you urinate more and place you at risk for dehydration. Staying well hydrated helps to prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and jet lag. Purchase a water bottle once you get past the security gate to have some extra on hand for your flight.
- DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Prevention- Flex and rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes every 30 minutes and get up out of your seat at least every 2 hours to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of your feet and legs. Maintain all treatments already implemented by your physician if you are already at risk, for example, continue your daily dose of Aspirin (if you doctor has prescribed it), it’s so important especially when flying to help prevent a DVT. Keep up your water intake (as above).
- Don’t drink alcohol on your flight- In addition to placing you at risk for dehydration and DVT; alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time if there’s an emergency.
- Pack your must haves in your carry-on bag- This includes any prescription and OTC (over the counter) medications you take, contact lenses, a small solution bottle, and your extra pair of eyeglasses. Just in case your checked baggage gets delayed or lost, you will have your essentials with you. Additional info in a related article is at: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2011/07/healthy-travel-tips-1-bring-basics.html
- Bring hand sanitizer - Starting with the dirty/germ laden bins we have to touch to place our shoes and personal items in, (and which are handled by countless people every day), or, for use prior to eating and after toileting, keep a small bottle hand in your pocket or carry-on bag to clean your hands when soap and water are not handy or in addition to soap and water for extra cleaning.
- Bring anti-bacterial wipes- Bring a small pack in your carry-on bag and use it once you’re settled in your seat. Wipe down your arm rests, seat belt and buckle, tray table and overhead light switches to remove germs prior to your touching these items. *Bring an extra pack or 2 in your checked baggage for use in your hotel room to wipe down the TV remote, light switches, doorknobs and counter tops you will be touching. Recent research has proven that these areas are fraught with germs.
- Don’t drink ice on planes- There have been reports and controversy surrounding the safety and cleanliness of ice on planes. In the interim, stick with chilled drinks or room temperature and no ice.
