A Dose of Rx For Air Travelers

If you're a frequent flyer or plan on taking a trip during the holidays, you should know that a huge majority of air passengers report suffering from physical ailments related to their airline trek. To help stay healthy after landing, consider the information and advice below.

Recycled air. About half of all the air in commercial airplane cabins is recycled. If you feel like you can't get a deep breath, or if your skin is clammy and you can't concentrate, then you may need more oxygen. Check with the flight attendant to see if more fresh air could be cycled into the cabin. Take a long walk outdoors after landing to help restore your equilibrium. Be sure to dress in layers, so you can adjust to temperature differences in airports, airplane cabins and outdoors.
Altitude adjustments. The interior altitude on most commercial flights is approximately equal to standing on an 8,000-foot mountain. But it's not the height that increases your health risk. The combination of prolonged sitting and dehydration is a concern for passengers who have poor circulation, heart disease or are pregnant, because they are at higher risk for life-threatening blood clots. The risk also goes up if you sit with your legs crossed or if your feet swell excessively.
To head off potential problems, wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes, and elevate your feet between flights. On the plane, try to walk around at least once an hour. Or, if you can't get out of your seat, try moving your feet in windshield wiper fashion, raising your knees until you're on tiptoes and contracting your leg and buttock muscles regularly to increase blood flow.
Dehydration. Airline cabins are drier than most deserts, meaning you can become dehydrated quite easily on long flights. Dehydration in turn can affect your digestion, immune system, memory and stamina. To offset this impact, drink at least twice as much water as you normally would, and avoid caffeinated beverages, which also are dehydrating. If possible, bring along your own bottled water.
Contagious diseases. The recycled air on most airplanes means that you're getting air breathed by passengers who may have colds, flu, tuberculosis or other infectious diseases. There's not much that can be done to avoid this hazard, except to cover your nose and mouth with a cotton handkerchief or wear a mask to reduce the number of germs you take in.
Stress. Air travel is stressful for many people. That's especially true during the holidays, when planes are usually full to capacity. Stress, meanwhile, is a major culprit in inducing illness. To help reduce your travel-day angst, pack lightly, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in, and take advantage of layovers to walk, stretch and do in-place exercises.
Positive attitude. Above all, keep a positive mental attitude. Positive thinking not only helps you stay mentally alert, it also gives your immune system a much-needed boost. Remember, a smile also is more likely to result in good service from airline and airport personnel.