Staying Healthy While Flying

Some of us are required to travel frequently for our jobs, while others just love the adventure of taking regular trips. Boarding an airplane can be one of the most thrilling ways to start a vacation. The ritual, the altitude and the promise of a new destination are just a few reasons why flying is so appealing.

However, flying can be taxing on the body. Even the healthiest people can become ill during or following a flight. When people are crammed together with other travelers in an airplane it's easy to contract an illness. With the recent scare of swine flu cases breaking out worldwide, there's even an additional reason to be cautious when flying. Besides the declining economy, the fear of getting sick has led to fewer people boarding airliners. However, by taking a few precautions you can enjoy your trip and stay healthy. Here are a few:

• Get vaccinated: Your top priority should be finding out which vaccinations you need. Research the country you're travelling to and take note of the recommended vaccines.

• Get some sleep: It's common for people to exhaust themselves before a trip so they can sleep on the flight, but the 30 or so inches your seat offers won't compare to your bed, and nothing is worse than spending your first day of vacation drained.

• Hydrate: Make sure to drink water regularly as the pressurised atmosphere within the aircraft causes high levels of dehydration. The air inside a plane cabin is very dry with humidity levels generally below 25%. Lay off the salt and caffeine, and you'll feel refreshed when you arrive.

• Boost Vitamin C: Three days before your trip, start boosting your immune system with doses of vitamin C. There are more germs circulating in the air on planes than you can shake a stick at. Don't ruin your trip by getting sick.

• Make sure you are not ill: Try to be 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.

• Dress Comfortably: On the day of your flight, dress comfortably, leaving dress clothing, belts and other tight-fitting garments in your suitcase for when you reach your destination. For your flight, choose loose clothing made from natural fibers. Planes are often too hot or too cold. Stay in control of your own temperature by having layers to add or subtract. Also, take off shoes on longer flights as ankles normally swell up a little.

• When the plane is taking off: Many people get pain in their ears when the flight takes off or lands. The culprit behind such problems is a part of the middle ear called the Eustachian tube, a tiny but important passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. One of the best ways to equalize the pressure in your middle ear is to chew gum, swallow vigorously, or yawn widely. This activates the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube.

• Chamomile tea: Pack three chamomile tea bags in your carry-on bag. When the airline attendant comes around with drinks, ask for a cup of hot water and dunk the tea bag. The herbal tea will soothe your travel jitters and relax you enough so you can get some sleep on the plane, arriving refreshed.

• Avoid alcohol: Avoid alcohol the day before you fly and while you are flying. It can dehydrate you and leave you feeling drained.

• Keep moving: Even though the person in the aisle seat may not approve, it's important to move around the cabin, especially on long flights to keep your circulation up, and to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a disorder linked to lack of blood circulation. Crossing your legs should definitely be avoided.

• Stretch: Not only will it help keep the blood flowing, but also it will alleviate the cramping and pains that come from sitting for an extended period of time. Try curling and un-curling your toes, and constantly changing the position of your legs and simply stretching your back and arms.

• Flight food: A number of foods served inflight are laden with sugar, or have a `heavy' feeling to them. Because such foods can cause fluctuations in blood sugar and leave you feeling bloated and achy, be wary of them. Sometimes toting your own snacks can make sure you feel at least somewhat the same when you disembark as when you boarded your flight.

The air up there may not be very hospitable but it doesn't have to be a threat. Following these tips will help you avoid most common health-related complaints and stay healthy in the air.