11 Jul 2011

Be plane savvy

Flying off to an exotic holiday destination or simply going on a business trip? Flying is associated with a number of health risks. Fortunately, most of these can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.

Take action:
Consult your doctor if you’ve had surgery within the previous month or if you’re pregnant – flying could be dangerous to you; if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the adjustments you should make to your medication schedule; cancel your flight if you have a cold or infection – congestion can lead to pain, bleeding and possibly a ruptured eardrum; don’t wear tight shoes, as your feet may swell during the flight; wear light, comfortable clothing and take a coat or sweater to cover up if you get cold during the flight; drink water before and during your flight to avoid dehydration; take a walk around the cabin every hour or two; and do neck, back, shoulder and ankle exercises to avoid stiffness.