These tips will come in handy for every traveler.
General practitioner, therapist of the highest category, specialist of the School of Active Aging.
What happens on board
As the aircraft climbs to altitude, the atmospheric pressure in the cabin decreases, as does the oxygen content in the air. These conditions have a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels, which means that patients with chronic heart and vascular diseases must be treated with caution. Among them are hypertension, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease. Flights should be minimized for lung problems such as asthma. It is undesirable to use this type of transport during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester and later), in the risk group – children under one year old. You should fly as little as possible with varicose veins: circulatory disorders can lead to stagnation, the risk of blood clots will increase. It is worth considering that the humidity on board is no more than 20%, while the norm is 60%. This has a negative effect on the condition of the respiratory tract. With low humidity, the eyes may feel gritty, and the skin may feel dry.
Prepare
In order for the flight to go well, prepare for it, says Olga Molchanova, a leading researcher at the Institute of Preventive Medicine, an expert of the National Health League. Taking medication? Don’t forget to take them to the salon! Don’t eat a lot, especially if you suffer from motion sickness. It is advisable to schedule a meal three to four hours before the flight, in this case, when the atmospheric pressure changes, the stomach will be empty, which will help to avoid nausea, do not forget to put a few mints in your pocket. Those who wear contact lenses should replace them with glasses and do not overuse decorative cosmetics that can irritate the skin, it is better to stock up on a moisturizer for the face and hands. Compression hosiery will help patients with varicose veins in flight. Choose comfortable clothes and shoes, take a neck collar with you.
Behavior on board
Drink as much water as possible during the flight. Feel free to ask the flight attendants for it. Get up and walk at least once an hour – this will help to avoid stagnation of blood in the vessels. In a turbulent zone, passengers are asked to stay put, but this is not a reason to give up gymnastics. Sitting in a chair, stand on your toes for five minutes, roll from heel to toe, change your body position. Planning a trip with young children? Try to choose a flight that coincides with the child’s sleep period.