Helpful Hints for Healthier Flying
There are endless tips for travellers on how to avoid the usual hazards of flying. But who better to give advice than a seasoned cabin crew?
Here are a few suggestions from a bmi flight attendant:
Air sickness
The weird thing about any kind of transport is that your body is sitting still while your eyes are transmitting an entirely difference message. This discrepancy between what you actually see and what your inner ear is telling you is what can cause nausea and vomiting.
To counteract this sensation, avoid looking out of the window and try to sit in the centre of the plane where the ‘seesaw’ effects of the flight will be less noticeable. Regularly sipping cold water and keeping the air vent open will also help relieve nausea by reducing your body temperature.
And, if all else fails, ask your chemist for an effective travel sickness remedy.
Intoxication
Lower air pressure at high altitudes slows the rate at which your body absorbs oxygen , so the effects of alcohol are significantly enhanced as it hits the bloodstream. Dehydration is a secondary factor, given the lack of moisture in the cabin’s atmosphere.
Obviously, the best way to avoid intoxication is by not drinking in the first place; however, if you can’t resist that tempting glass of wine, sip plenty of water during the flight.
Dryness
Because aircraft humidity is just 20% (as opposed to 40%-70% of air-conditioned buildings), your eyes and skin will naturally be prone to dryness, especially if you drink alcohol or even tea and coffee.
Again, water is the best solution. A glass of water every 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty, will help reduce any dehydrating effects.
Fear of Infections
The good news is that air in the cabin changes between 15 and 20 times every hour (an average office building has an air change 12 times an hour) and roughly 50% of this air is thoroughly filtered to remove almost 100% of bacteria.
Any problems you may have are more likely due to being near other passengers with infectious diseases.
Jet Lag
Crossing different time zones can certainly affect your natural rhythms, sleep patterns and even hormones.
On arriving at your destination, try to spend a minimum of an hour in natural daylight, as this will help to ‘reset’ your body clock.
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