Tips for taking care of your health while traveling

Taking care of your health while traveling is a must. You can always communicate with us for a comprehensive range of services inside and outside the airport, such as booking airline tickets, booking hotels, and receiving and seeing off delegations.

Pressure changes

The height of the aircraft at take-off leads to a decrease in the pressure in the passenger compartment and the expansion of gases. Trapped gases can expand by more than 25% compared to those at sea level. When the aircraft lands, the volume of gas decreases. The expansion of confined air can cause discomfort in certain areas. from the body, such as the sinuses, ear, and intestines.

To mitigate the effects of this change in pressure on your body, avoid carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods like legumes and cabbage, and avoid sleeping during the last hour or so of your flight so that you can yawn, swallow, or “pop your ears” to equalize the pressure when the plane descends.

The risk of problems with the ears and sinuses increases greatly if you suffer from congestion or a “stuffy” nose due to a cold. It is advised to delay your trip if you feel ill or to discuss this with your doctor as decongestants can also help.

Eat and drink

Digestion becomes slow when the body is in a state of inactivity, so eating small and light meals will make the trip more comfortable, and it is also better to avoid excessive consumption of caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee and tea, as these drinks are considered diuretics, which increases the need To visit the restroom, you can instead drink juices and water continuously to maintain proper hydration of your body.

Exercises during the flight

To keep yourself refreshed before and after a long flight, try doing these exercises while sitting in the seat every few hours, also available in the flight magazine:

• The circular movement of the feet: Move your feet from the ankle, 20 times for each foot.
• Lifting the buttocks: Lift one of the buttocks off the seat, so that the muscles on that side are stretched, count to 5, and repeat this exercise on each side 5 times.
• Pressing on the knees: press the knees and thighs together and tighten the muscles of the buttocks, count to the number 5, and repeat that 5 times.
• Back press: Press the lower part of your back on the bench, so that you direct the shoulders forward, alternating the exercise so that you press the shoulders on the bench, repeat that 5 times.
• Rotating the shoulders: Push your arms to the sides and rotate the shoulders in a circular motion forward 10 times, then 10 times backward.
• Moving the head in a circle: slowly move your head in one direction and then repeat in the other direction, repeat this 10 times.
• Pressing on the feet: Lift the heels and press the toes on the floor, then lift your toes and press the heels on the floor, repeat this 10 times with each foot.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness occurs when the sense of balance in the body does not match what is seen, and it may worsen during turbulence. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you:

• Ask for a window seat over the wings.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during the flight.
• Avoid dehydration and make sure to drink enough water before and during the trip.
• Eat small, spicy meals.
• Wear loose, comfortable, cool clothing.
• Fix your eyes on the land, the sea, or the horizon if the weather is clear.
• Focus on a specific activity to keep the brain active (but avoid reading if it makes symptoms worse).
• Know where your airsickness bag is located when you’re seated and keep it within easy reach.
• Ask your doctor about using appropriate medications. You can use the preparations and medicines available in pharmacies that are dispensed without a prescription.

Cabin air quality

Modern aircraft are quiet and comfortable with excellent levels of ventilation. The rate of air change in the cabin has been shown to be better than in office buildings and trains and is comparable to that found in hospital operating theatres.

On the other hand, the level of air humidity in the cabin is low, which may cause slight dryness of the skin, nose, throat, and eyes. To reduce the effects of dehydration, the following precautions must be taken:

• Avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Remove contact lenses and wear glasses instead during the trip.
• Use skin moisturizing products.
• Medical assistance during the trip
• The cabin crew is trained in first aid to deal with emergencies on board.
• The aircraft is supplied with a comprehensive set of medical instruments and defibrillators for use by the service crew.

Some aircraft have state-of-the-art telemetry equipment so that medical staff on the ground can assess patients’ conditions while on board. It should be noted that passengers are responsible for paying the cost of any medical care that may need to be obtained on the ground, so it is highly recommended to obtain Comprehensive travel insurance.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the lower part of the leg. This will not be dangerous unless the clot moves from its place and travels to the lungs. Immobility is the biggest factor causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which can occur after travel By car, train, plane, or after sitting in the cinema.

In fact, an international report by the World Health Organization (Wright Report) showed that there are no increased risks for healthy travelers when flying for long hours when compared to the risks resulting from immobility for the same period when using other means of transportation. So you should be careful to follow Here are general tips to make your trip comfortable and to reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT):

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Put your luggage in the overhead lockers instead of under the seat in front of you. This will allow you to stretch out periodically and exercise your feet and ankles.
• Immobility is the most significant risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). So doing the recommended exercises while sitting periodically and taking advantage of the opportunity to go to and from the bathroom to stretch.
• Make sure to drink enough fluids by drinking juices and water and avoid drinking caffeinated drinks.

Some people may be more susceptible to this disease than others. The following are known risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT):

• Individuals over 40 years old.
• Recent major surgeries or recent injuries, especially those affecting the lower extremities or the abdomen.
• Not moving recently for a day or more.
• Previous injury, whether personal or in the family, with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• blood coagulation disorders;
• some heart disease.
• Past or current history of cancer.
• Hormonal therapies include oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• travel during pregnancy.
• smoking.
• Obesity.
• Varicose veins.

If you suffer from any of these risk factors, you should consult your doctor before traveling and discuss possible medical precautions as follows:

• Use anti-clotting socks or flight socks.
• Anticoagulant medication or other pre-flight precautions.

Special health conditions

Some travelers require different preparations than usual. Traveling in a wheelchair can be a little stressful. That is why here we are going to give you some tips to help you calmly prepare for your trip and enjoy it, without having to worry about a wheelchair.

Before leaving, communicate your full needs

The first thing to do when planning to fly in a wheelchair is to notify your airline of your situation. You can do this when buying tickets online or by phone, but also 48 hours before departure. In this case, you will be asked for several pieces of information: the model of your chair, its dimensions, its weight, the batteries used. As well as any useful information regarding your disability and what equipment you should keep with you. Depending on your needs, your airline will offer different types of assistance.

Good to know: Help for people with reduced mobility is always free.

Can a wheelchair be transported by plane?

Transportation of your wheelchair is completely free of charge, regardless of the airline used, including low-cost airlines. However, the chair must be subject to certain conditions to take the chair with you.

Manual wheelchairs are generally not subject to any restrictions and can even be transported in the cabin with certain companies and according to specific standards. However, whether or not your chair is manual, maximum dimensions may be required for chair handling reasons. Be sure to check with your airline when requesting assistance.

Batteries for electric wheelchairs on the other hand are subject to very specific regulations:

• Dry batteries are unconditionally authorized and can remain attached to the wheelchair in the luggage compartment on board the aircraft,
• Lithium-ion batteries are approved provided they do not exceed 300 Wh and are carried in the cabin,
• Liquid batteries are generally prohibited due to the hazards they may pose to the journey. However, some companies accept their transfer on special terms.

You can inquire directly with your airline.

It is better to fly on direct flights and avoid transit flights. They are often a little more expensive, but more convenient and safer for your equipment.

On departure day take precautions.

Ask for the service as soon as you arrive at the airport. and learn about the support services available at the airport.