High Flying Health

For many of us air travel has becoming an essential part of life - be it business or leisure.

It has to be noted though that conditions on board the plane disrupt your system, as does flying across time zones. Interestingly, cabins are tightly sealed so fresh air on planes is drawn inside and then conditioned by an environmental control unit' at an increased loss in fuel efficiency.

Consequently, provisions to ensure air quality can be lacking as basic design standards for ventilation in air cabins are minimal and may not be switched on until the plane is fully loaded and ready to go. That means being delayed and sitting on a plane, when air and ventilation controls are not being used, can encourage the transfer of "bugs and viruses very quickly before and during a flight.

‘Ventilation is up to five times better in business and first class when compared with economy’

Aircraft are not perfectly pressurised so the air is thinner, similar to that of an altitude of 5.000 feet, and the effect of alcohol is almost twice as great! Therefore, if you feel the need for alcohol, consume only one drink at the most, accompanied by a glass of still water.

Cabin air is drier than normal air, which can cause dryness of the eyes, nose and mouth, so drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids during flights: saline nose drops may also be helpful.

When ascending and descending, ease sinus and ear discomfort by pinching your nostrils, closing your mouth and trying to blow out slowly, this will help clear any potential pressure build up, especially in the ears.

Long periods of sitting can also hamper digestion, circulation and flexibility, often causing feet to swell and most airlines these days will provide suggested stretching guidelines to help mobilise?the feet and encourage the promotion of venous return to the heart.

To avoid the potential for deep vein?thrombosis (DVT), it's advisable to loosen up and?walk around the cabin at least every hour coupled?with light stretching. It's also a good idea to wear special airline socks that reach up to your knee, additionally supporting venous return from the lower limbs towards the heart.

Even taking an enteric coated baby aspirin (75 mg) two to three days before you fly maybe useful to help prevent blood clotting, but you should check with your doctor before you do that.

HANDLING JET LAG

Crossing time zones causes fatigue, insomnia and often energy loss. Jet lag is caused by a disruption of normal sleeping/waking patterns, disturbing the normal biological clock and circadian rhythms. Flying westward lengthens your day and flying eastward shortens it. The latter particularly compresses the normal day/night cycle and is most likely to produce jet lag, hence the adage 'east to west is best, west to east you will like least'. To compensate if flying east to west, start shifting your sleep/wake cycle to the new time by going to bed and getting up an hour later each day for three days before departure. Flying west to east? Then move your sleep time an hour earlier each day. If you're flying a great distance schedule a stop over if you can.

THE JET LAG DIET

It may help to eat a high protein diet when you are trying to stay wake and high carbohydrate diets when you need to sleep. US military research shows that starting these diets three days before flying helps. Sunlight may also help your biological clock adjust when you arrive at your destination. Try to spend some time outdoors, especially if sunlight is available, when you arrive.

AIRLINE FOOD

Airlines are required to offer specialist meals, if required you can usually book these up to 24 hours before flying.

Hydration: When you fly it's easy to become dehydrated. That will accelerate the feeling of jet lag, tiredness and general malaise. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. Cool still water is better as carbonated water can hinder the absorption of essential minerals into the cells.

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Medical standards can differ in other countries, so before you travel review your medical records and insurance. Any doubts, particularly if you have ill, should be reviewed by your doctor before you leave. Carrying a written summary of any health issues in your passport is a good idea after any illness, together with any immunisation records. Also take a list of your medications with you should any medical authorities need to be aware of this (heart patients are also advised if possible to include a copy of their recent electrocardiogram with their doctor's and/or health specialist's telephone number). If your credit card offers medical coverage, check the details before you travel and carry them with you. Equally, if you are travelling outside the developed world, get proper immunisation and allow at least six weeks for any immunisation before you travel.

CORONARY RISK AND FLYING

Even the most accomplished traveller can find flying stressful. Getting to the airport, delays, crowds and the organisation needed can cause a rise in stress hormones in the body. If there is a history of cardiac problems check with your doctor. For example, if an angioplasty/ stenting has recently been administered a balloon catheter to open up blocked coronary arteries - an individual should be fit enough to travel after one to two weeks. Taking some time to relax through deep breathing techniques (covered in previous issues of the Manager) can help moderate heart rates, reduce tension and benefit any stress related arrhythmias that may occur by helping to neutralise the production of stress hormones within the body.

Fly safe

Dorian

https://www.drdoriandugmore.com/