Flying Healthy Today

Better Flying Experience

Judi Ketteler
Flying High . . . and Healthy

Between long security lines, delayed and cancelled flights, and fewer in-flight amenities (when is the last time you got served a meal in flight?), flying can be a stressful experience. But your health doesn't have to take a hit when you board the plane. "Overall, commercial flying is extremely safe," says Russell Rayman, M.D., Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association. More often than not, avoiding medical problems while flying means practicing common sense behaviors, he says. Here are 10 tips for staying healthy once the wheels go up.

Get Moving

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in your legs. Because you're not moving around, and your legs are below your heart, blood tends to pool in your legs. The danger -- though rare -- is that a piece of the clot could break off and travel to the lungs, where it blocks an artery (a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism). Anyone can be at risk for DVT and the best way to prevent it is to get up and walk around every few hours -- especially on long flights. It can also be genetic, and people with heart disease, cancer or varicose veins may be at higher risk. If you fall into these categories, talk to your doctor before taking a long flight.

Stay Hydrated

You're not just imagining those dry eyes. The air in the cabin is extremely dry -- usually around 10 to 20 percent humidity. High altitude air doesn't have much moisture, so your eyes, throat, nasal passages and skin can start to feel very dry. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water and juices. But go easy on the soda and coffee -- especially during longer flights. If you tend to get dry eyes, call your eye doctor and ask what kinds of drops you might bring with you.

Wash Up

The ventilation systems on today's planes are generally good, so you don't have to worry about airborne diseases. You're more likely to pick up something from the person next to you. Wash your hands before boarding and again when food is served (if you can get to the lavatory easily), and again after landing. Or bring a stash of antibacterial wipes with you. It's also a good idea to only use blankets that have been laundered and are wrapped in plastic (versus just grabbing one you happen to see lying around).

Practice Anemia Awareness

If you're just mildly anemic, you probably don't have anything to worry about. But people with severe anemia can have trouble at high altitudes because they don't have enough oxygen carrying capacity. And since there is less air at high altitudes, that can mean trouble. If you're severely anemic, you should be under a doctor's care anyway -- just make sure you mention your upcoming travel plans to your physician.

Feeling Swell?

Though not as dangerous as DVT, swollen feet and ankles are no fun (especially if you take your shoes off and can't get them back on!). If you're lucky enough to be in first class, you can stretch out and possibly elevate your feet. But for the rest of us stuck in coach, the best remedy is simply to stand up every hour or so and move around -- even if it's just to go to the bathroom.

Ease Your Ears

Your ears "pop" during pressure changes. Some people's ears are more sensitive to this, and gasses wind up getting trapped in their ears. The descent of a flight can be especially annoying -- and even painful -- if this happens. Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum or holding your nose while blowing all helps relieve that "unpopped" feeling. If your ears stay blocked for several hours after landing, try using over-the-counter nose drops (in your nose, not your ears!).

Skip Your Pre-Flight Cocktail

If you're at all prone to motion sickness, avoid tipping back a few at the airport bar before boarding. Alcohol only increases the feeling of motion sickness. (It's not so good for staying hydrated either.) If you still feel queasy in the air, consider getting some anti-motion sickness medication, or try natural anti-nausea remedies like ginger. Also, there is less motion if you sit over the wing, so choose your seats accordingly.

Take a Pregnant Pause

Besides the fact that you'll be pretty uncomfortable stuffed into the tiny airplane seat, flying beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy isn't generally advisable. It won't harm the fetus, but there is always the chance that you'll go into labor in-flight. Your doctor should have the final call on this one, so make sure you consult him or her before flying late in your pregnancy.

Squash Fear Flat

For nervous flyers, the anticipation of the fear you feel when you fly only makes it worse. Instead of working yourself up ahead of time, have a plan in place -- whether it's prescription anti-anxiety medication from your doctor or a routine that brings you comfort, such as listening to your iPod while flipping through a favorite magazine.