Are you boarding a plane this summer? Consider these tips to avoid or alleviate common health concerns related to air travel, such as deep vein thrombosis, earaches and more.
- Dress in comfortable, loose clothing and shoes. Tight clothing can restrict blood circulation throughout the body and prevent a cozier ride.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can slow blood flow and lead to digestive discomfort and other issues. If you experience dryness in your skin or nasal passages while flying, be sure to use moisturizer or bring a saline solution.
- Be active. Find ways to move your legs despite a lack in personal space. Stretch, rotate your ankles or do calf raises in your seat. Avoid crossing your legs and get up and walk down the aisle at least once an hour.
- Be proactive. Plan ahead for your trip. If you know that you get headaches or experience digestive issues when flying, pack appropriate carry-on relief remedies.
- Invest in airplane earplugs or bring sugar-free gum to chew on to help ease pressure placed on the eardrums during flight.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often. A dry, confined space packed with people can test your immune system.
- Uphold a nutritious diet to boost or maintain the strength of your immune system while you travel.
- Get plenty of sleep leading up to your travel and try your best to observe local time in order to prevent jet lag and alleviate its symptoms.
For further reading on healthy air travel tips, check out the Harvard Medical School’s Family Health Guide air travel page or learn more about keeping healthy while flying from WebMD.