July 17, 2015
When it comes to air travel, two health issues often cause problems for travelers: jet lag and deep venous thrombosis. Moll shares her tips on avoiding either travel woe the next time you board a long flight.
Jet lag often plagues travelers who cross multiple time zones during a flight. It can leave you sleepy during the day, restless at night, cause muscle aches and headaches, making it tough to really enjoy your vacation.
Avoiding jet lag:
- Get some sleep – both during and after your flight.
- Choose daytime flights to minimize loss of sleep.
- Avoid large and fatty meals, caffeine and alcohol during your flight.
- Drink lots of water.
- After your flight, mild stimulants like caffeine may combat daytime drowsiness.
For travelers who are on long flights, another concern is deep venous thrombosis – or blood clots in your legs. Not only can these clots be painful, but they can pose the risk of loosening and become lodged in your lungs, causing serious medical complications.
Preventing deep venous thrombosis:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is not tight at the knees or waist.
- Consider wearing below-the-knee compression stockings.
- Get up and walk around the cabin hourly, if possible.
- Stand up and stretch. Many airlines provide a video presentation of suitable exercises.
- When seated, exercise your calf and thigh muscles by flexing and extending at the ankles and knees.
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
- Use a footrest when possible to reduce pressure on the backs of your thighs and calves.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid strong sleeping pills and sedatives.
