Flying Healthy

FLYING HEALTHY
By Laura Quarantiello
® Tiare Publications Group
422 words

35 thousand feet up isn't a nice place. It's cold, it's dry and it's
short on oxygen. If you happen to be at that height (in an airplane,
I hope!) you won't notice these little problems because the airline
is nice enough to provide a warm, pressurized cabin. But not
everything is hunky-dory, even inside a cabin, comfortably reclined
in your first class seat. If you fly you're sure to encounter some of
the problems frequent flyers have been grousing about for years:
headaches, dry mucous membranes, plugged ears, swollen feet and
dehydration û not to mention colds and the more recent threat of
SARS. Staying healthy while flying has become a priority.

At the typical cabin altitude of 8,000 feet, the human body is faced
with several challenges that don't occur at sea level. The thinner
air reduces available oxygen, causing increased heart rate and
respiration as the body works harder to supply its needs. Headaches
and fatigue are a common complaint. The changes in air pressure can
also cause inner ear pain, especially for children or people with
colds or sinus problems. The thin, dry air saps moisture from the
body, causing chapped lips, dry nasal passages and dehydration, which
increases your risk of catching a cold or the flu. Dehydration can
also increase the risk of blood clots, which sometimes occur with
prolonged immobility, such as on a long flight.

So now that you're suitably nervous about taking to the skies, what's
to be done? Most health problems at high altitude are relatively
minor and can be overcome with a few simple precautions.

Increase your fluid intake starting several hours before the flight.
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol, which can increase dehydration
Wash your hands and face frequently while airborne
Use a saline spray to keep mucus membranes from drying out.
Use a moisturizing lip balm.
During climb and descent chew gum or pinch your nostrils, close your
mouth and blow gently.
Do leg stretches to relieve cramps and prevent blood clots.
Take frequent walks around the cabin.
Take a baby aspirin (with your doctor's OK) before the flight (to
prevent clotting).
Carry a clean towel to drape over the seatback.
Bring your own pillow and blanket
Use a hand sanitizing gel frequently.
Use a sterile towelette to clean commonly touched areas around your
seat.


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.

(End)

Laura Quarantiello is the author of "Air-Ways: The Insider's Guide to
Air Travel" û your ticket to cheaper, less frustrating, more
comfortable flights. Owning a copy is almost as important as a
boarding pass! More info at: http://www.tiare.com/airways.htm.