Health Tips to Know When Flying

With the popularization of international travel, many people are now taking long flights. While flying is a convenient and fast mode of transportation, spending long hours in a confined space can lead to various health issues. Especially on long-haul flights, your body's condition can be significantly affected, so it's crucial to prepare in advance for health management. This article provides various tips to help you stay healthy during your flight.

Maintaining Skin Health During the Flight

Apply Sunscreen Regularly

The intensity of UV rays entering through airplane windows is much stronger than we typically expect. At an altitude of over 30,000 feet, the thinner atmosphere allows UV rays to hit the skin more intensely. Prolonged exposure to these rays can accelerate skin aging and, in severe cases, increase the risk of skin cancer. It's essential to apply sunscreen thoroughly to protect your skin, especially if you're seated by the window. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff, and reapply every 3 to 4 hours during the flight. This will help effectively protect your skin from UV exposure at high altitudes.

Hydrate to Combat Cabin Dryness

The air inside an airplane is extremely dry, with humidity levels averaging below 10%, similar to a desert. Spending long hours in such an environment can quickly deplete moisture from your skin and body. To prevent your skin from drying out and cracking, it's important to drink water frequently. Avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, as they can cause dehydration. Maintaining your skin and body's moisture balance through adequate hydration is essential for a healthy flight.

Protecting Eye Health and Vision

Wear Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses

The dry air inside an airplane can be very harmful to your eyes. Wearing contact lenses for long periods during a flight can worsen dry eye symptoms. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, redness, and in severe cases, pain or vision impairment. Therefore, it's better to wear glasses instead of contact lenses when flying. Glasses can protect your eyes from the dry environment, and you can easily remove them to rest your eyes during the flight, providing more comfort.

Use Artificial Tears to Maintain Eye Moisture

When dry eye symptoms become severe during a flight, using artificial tears can be very effective. Artificial tears help keep the surface of your eyes moist and prevent them from drying out, even during long flights. Carry a small portable bottle of artificial tears and use them as needed to reduce eye strain. Regularly using artificial tears during the flight is a good habit for maintaining eye health.

Relieving Body Fatigue and Pain

Stretch and Walk in the Cabin

Sitting in a cramped seat for a long time during a flight can place significant strain on your body. You may experience pain in your legs, back, or neck, and poor blood circulation could lead to dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis. It's advisable to stand up and walk around the cabin periodically, or perform simple stretches. Simple exercises like raising and lowering your heels or stretching your legs back and forth can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle stiffness.

Protect Your Spine with a Lumbar Cushion

Airplane seats are often not suitable for long periods of sitting. To reduce the pressure on your back and spine, it's important to use an appropriate cushion. A lumbar cushion can reduce the strain on your spine, allowing you to sit more comfortably during long flights. Additionally, using a neck pillow can help reduce the burden on your neck and spine, making long periods of sitting more comfortable.

Managing Ear and Dental Health

Protect Your Ears During Takeoff and Landing

During takeoff and landing, rapid changes in air pressure can cause your ears to feel clogged. If your Eustachian tubes do not function properly, you may develop airplane ear, and in severe cases, it could lead to hearing loss. To prevent this, drinking water or swallowing during takeoff and landing can help. Chewing gum or sucking on candy can also help open the Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure on the ears. Using these methods to protect your ears during the flight can be very helpful in maintaining ear health.

Tips for Preventing Tooth Pain

Changes in air pressure during a flight can cause tooth pain. As the cabin pressure drops below ground level, the blood vessels in your gums expand, and your nerves become more sensitive, leading to pain. This is especially common if you've had dental treatment in the past, as those areas can be more sensitive to pressure changes. In such cases, holding cold water or ice in your mouth can help reduce the pain. It's also a good idea to have a dental check-up before the flight and get any issues treated in advance to prevent unexpected tooth pain.

Meal Management for a Healthy Flight

Maintain Energy with Proper Meals

In-flight meals are often high in sodium and may not be nutritionally balanced. Consuming such meals for extended periods can strain your body, so it's important to be cautious when selecting in-flight meals. Avoid overly salty foods and try to include vegetables or fruits to supplement your nutrition. Additionally, having a light meal before the flight can help maintain your energy during a long flight. To keep your energy up, it's also a good idea to eat light snacks at regular intervals during the flight.

Choose Easily Digestible Foods

Digestion may slow down while on a plane. Prolonged sitting can slow down the activity of your digestive system, leading to indigestion. To prevent this, it's important to choose easily digestible foods. Avoid greasy or fatty foods that can burden your digestion, and opt for light, easily digestible options instead. After eating, a light stretch or a walk in the cabin can also help with digestion.

Resting Techniques for Recovering from Fatigue

Prepare for a Good Sleep

Getting good sleep during the flight is crucial for recovering from fatigue. This is especially important on long-haul flights. To ensure a comfortable sleep, bring a neck pillow and an eye mask. A neck pillow supports your neck and spine, making it easier to sleep comfortably even while sitting. Additionally, using earplugs to block out cabin noise can help. Good sleep will help you feel less tired when you arrive at your destination and allow you to start your journey with more energy.

Take Adequate Rest Before and After the Trip

It's also important to get enough rest before and after the flight. After the flight, do some light stretching or take a walk to relieve the fatigue accumulated during the flight. Additionally, getting a good night's sleep the day before the flight helps you maintain your body's condition at its best. This will reduce fatigue during the flight and allow you to start your journey in a more comfortable state.

Conclusion

Long-haul flights can place various strains on your body, so it's important to prepare and take precautions in advance. Refer to the health tips provided above to prevent issues that may arise in various parts of your body, such as skin, eyes, ears, and teeth. Thorough preparation before the flight and simple practices during the flight can greatly help in protecting your health. A healthy flight will make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful.