- Health Tips for Long-Haul Flights.
THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS WE FIND IN AIRPLANES CAN BRING ABOUT SOME INCONVENIENCES FOR PASSENGERS, SO IT’S RECOMMENDED TO BE MORE CAREFUL IN LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS
Long-haul flights (over three hours) involve more preparation than short ones, especially if you are traveling abroad. It’s all about preparation for both enjoying a comfortable flight experience and arriving in your destination at your best.
In this regard, experts advise to take a series of measures. You’ll find a few below:
» Pressure variations when taking off or landing can cause a clogging sensation in the ears. This situation can be avoided by leveling the middle ear pressure. So, wipe your nose with a handkerchief or chew gum.
» It’s advisable not to ingest flatulent or stodgy food since the day before the trip because pressure variations also have an impact on our intestinal gases, which tend to expand and upset the stomach.
» Humidity on aircraft is lower than usual, 10 to 20 percent, so it can bring about a dryness sensation on the skin, the respiratory tract and the corneas. This feeling is lighter if you avoid drinking alcohol and coffee at least a day before the flight. These substances prompt a dehydrating effect. It’s also suggested to drink water and juices during your flight and even applying a hydrating cream on our skin.
» Jetlag can trigger tiredness and day sleepiness, which can be more intense depending on the time zone gap between the place of departure and the final destination. Not much can be done to counteract these effects, although experts recommend trying to adapt to the new time zone as soon as possible, especially if you are going to stay for a long time there. If you are only going to stay for a few days, you should try to stick to your original time zone.
» Turbulences could cause such injuries as contusions, although they are usually detected by the crew in advance so they can warn passengers. If the crew’s instructions are followed, nothing is supposed to happen. Just remain in your seat as long as possible, with your safety belt properly fastened.
» Smoking is strictly banned in all flights, but some people, due to their special dependency, can suffer from anxiety crises during long-haul flights. In these cases, they should ask their doctor about any substitute of nicotine, such as patches or gum.
» Finally, space is narrower than usual and some people can get their feet and ankles swollen. The recommendation is to wear loose-fitting and fresh clothes.
» You should also move your feet and hands while you are in your seat by doing light rotations that, believe it or not, are the key to activating the blood stream. And whenever possible, walk to the restroom and stretch your arms, back and neck.
» If you get airsick, try to avoid sudden turns of your head, especially down and to the sides. Don’t you dare get on a plane without having eaten something. The lack of sugar in your blood can prompt sickness. You must sleep well enough before flying. If you get airsick anyway, looking at the horizon and breathing slowly will help you feel better.
As you can see, good preparation will not only help you endure but also enjoy your flight with nil concern.