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Air travel health
Jet
lag
Safety
DVT explained
General health problems
Pregnant travellers
and new mothers
Jet
lag
This is another common condition affecting travellers, the result
of travelling east or west across time zones. In general, the more
time zones you cross, the greater the effect. The results are more
sever when traveling eastwards, because you tend to 'lose hours'.
There are various methods of reducing the effects of jet lag, try
some of the following:
Set your watch to local time throughout the flight
Eat certain
foods - research 'jet lag diets'
Maintain
a normal routine; sleep at night, not too much during the day
Get out
and about when you reach your destination
Medication
- sleeping pills or melatonin - taken at your destination
Motion-sickness sufferers can take
medication prior to departure to help relieve adverse affects of
air travel.
Safety
While many frequent fliers ignore safety videos and other safety
information provided on board the plane, it is a good idea to familiarize
yourself with the layout of the aircraft and, at the very least,
take note of where the nearest emergency exit is. First time fliers
may wish to check the location of their lifejacket and read the
safety information card located in the pocket of the rear of the
seat in front of them.
DVT explained
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a thrombus (blood
clot) within a deep vein, commonly in the thigh or calf. The blood
clot can either partially or completely block the flow of blood
in the vein. DVT occurs when the flow of blood is restricted in
a vein, and a clot forms. It can be caused by poor circulation because
of problems such as heart disease, a recent heart attack or stroke,
varicose veins, or from inactivity or prolonged bed rest.
DVT may develop during a long flight
and has been dubbed 'economy class syndrome' because the cheaper
seats in a plane have less leg room, restricting
movement. However, it is not confined to economy class or to long
haul flights. Although anyone can develop DVT on a flight, certain
people are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, people who
are overweight, those whose feet don't reach the floor (because
the seat puts more pressure on the backs of their legs), the elderly,
smokers and those with coronary artery diseases and certain blood
conditions.
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
include:
tenderness
and redness in the affected area
pain and
swelling in areas drained by the vein where the blood clot is located
fever
rapid
heart beat
sudden,
unexplained cough
joint
pain and soreness
Your chances of developing DVT from
a long flight are thought to be only one in several million, but
you can take simple measures to reduce this risk still further.
Have a single low-dose aspirin just before you board the plane.
This helps to thin the blood. However, do not take it if you have
stomach ulcers or suffer badly from indigestion, or you could get
bleeding in your stomach. Wear loose clothing and move around before
boarding.
Most important of all, do not just
sit still in your seat during the flight. Wriggle your toes and
flex your ankles to keep your circulation going, and walk up and
down the aisle when you can (at least once an hour). Do not cross
your legs. Drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid alcohol,
to ensure you don't become dehydrated. Those with a higher risk
of developing DVT should consult a doctor before flying.
Seek medical advice if you have symptoms suggesting DVT, even if
they only appear several weeks after you have been on a plane, or
after a short flight. The most common, serious complication of DVT
is a pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks free from a vein
wall, travels to the lung and blocks an artery. A pulmonary embolism
can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.
General
health problems
If you have recently had a heart attack, or suffer from angina attacks
you are advised no to fly.
Asthma sufferers should have no problem
flying but be sure to have inhalers and other aids at hand. There
is a slight drop in cabin pressure during take off and landing,
which may create breathing problems.
A minimum of a three-week period is
recommended if you intend to fly after suffering from a stroke.
Diabetics shouldn't have any major
problems while flying, provided they continue with their daily medication
requirements and should keep to their regular meal (and insulin
dosages where applicable) schedule, despite a change in time zones.
After you have landed you can gradually readjust your mealtime schedule.
It is advisable to advise the airline in advance about your dietary
limitations.
Pregnant
travellers and new mothers
Travelling by air when you are pregnant isn't likely to affect you,
other than the discomfort of long periods seated in a cramped space.
However, most airlines do not allow women to fly after their 35th
week of pregnancy unless it is an exceptional case. By contacting
the airline in advance you can arrange personal help for yourself
or your baby. New mothers should contact their GP about travelling
with infants.
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