It’s the end of the year, and once again, Singaporeans decide to leave their warm sunny island in search of cooler destinations. Of course, this means more flying
Every seasoned traveler knows that flying in a plane can be daunting. Think 2 to even 18 hours of being stuck in the same position. Airplane food is of course notorious for its taste and not to mention the constant coughing and sneezing sounds from your fellow passengers, reminiscent of a hospital bedroom. It’s also not exactly the favourite place of the claustrophobic traveler.
- Drink plenty of fluids (drink a glass every hour, if possible). Keep yourself hydrated as the weather in the air can be very dry. Keeping hydrated will also lessen the possibility of jet lag
- The dry air in a plane can be so bad it can cause your lips and the skin on your hands to crack (make sure you mosturise)
- Don’t wear contact lenses during your flight. These will irritate your eyes during your flight. Leave the beauty factor for after you leave the plane
- Take whatever medication you need with you. If you require and inhaler for your asthma, don’t forget to bring it
- If you have connecting flights get out of the plane and try and get as much fresh air as possible while outside the plane
- When you land, get a soothing hot shower to clear you mind
- Opt for the seats near the exits to allow more leg space.
Also to note, the cramp conditions in the air jet may give opportunity for germs to breed
When are you too unhealthy to travel?
-If you’ve had a heart attack within the last month, a stroke within last two weeks, have severe high blood pressure or heart disease, or any other conditions that weaken the heart, you should seriously consider postponing travel.
-Those with severe respiratory illnesses should remain on land.
-If you have the flu, a cold, allergies, acute sinusitis, or middle ear infections, avoid flying if you can.
-If you’ve had abdominal surgery within two weeks of your flight, consider postponing your trip. You should not fly if you have acute diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, acute esophageal viruses, acute gastroenteritis, or an intestinal virus.
-If you have epilepsy you shouldn’t fly unless your condition is under sound control or you know that you’ll only be flying at altitudes below 8,000 feet.
-If you’re suffered a recent skull fracture or brain tumor, you should stay on the ground.
-Those with severe anemia or hemophilia with active bleeding shouldn’t fly. If you have sickle cell anemia, you shouldn’t fly over 22,500 feet.
-If you’ve had recent eye surgery or had your jaw wired shut, you shouldn’t fly.
-If you’re more than eight months (or 240 days) pregnant or if miscarriage is a serious threat, you shouldn’t fly.
-If you went scuba diving 24 hours before departure, you should not fly--you may suffer an unfortunate bout of the “bends” from the rapid decrease in air pressure experienced in the compressed air environment of a plane. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, neuralgic pains, and paralysis.
-Newly born babies (during first few days after birth) shouldn’t fly.
If you are suffering from a cold but insist of flying, it is necessary that you purchase a decongestant tablet, or a nasal spray so that you do not infect others who are at risk of catching your cold.
And of course, if you suffer from any chronic illness it’s always important that you consult a doctor before you leave
With that, have a safe trip, and please buckle your seatbelts
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