Health & Travel

How can I improve plane travel ?
Most people don't have any problems when they fly, but it's possible to make airplane travel safer and more comfortable. Here are some tips :

• Carry enough of all of your medicines in your carry-on luggage. Ask your doctor whether you should change your dosages if your eating and sleeping times will change at your destination. Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip. Take extra medicine with you in case your return trip is delayed.
• If you have diabetes or epilepsy, carry a notification and identification card. Have the name and phone number of your doctor with you in case of an emergency. Remember to bring along the names and dosages of all of your medicines.
• The air in airplanes is dry, so drink decaffeinated beverages and water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

What can I do about jet lag?

• Get plenty of sleep before you leave.
• Don't drink a lot of alcohol.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Avoid overeating.
• Exercise as much as you can on your trip.

What about pain in my ears?
If your ears hurt when you fly, try taking a decongestant medicine (such as pseudoephedrine) before you get on the plane. You can also swallow often and chew gum during the flight. Babies can suck on bottles or a pacifiers during the flight.

What else should I do?
Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long flights. Try to walk every now and then during your flight (unless the crew tells you not to). It also helps to drink water, stretch your calf muscles while you're sitting and wear support stockings.

If your doctor wants you to take oxygen when you travel, remember to tell the airline about this well in advance of your flight. The airline will probably provide oxygen for you for a fee. Federal air regulations don't allow you to carry your own oxygen unit on a plane. You can also arrange for special meals or a wheelchair ahead of time if needed.

It's dangerous to fly immediately after scuba diving. You'll need to wait 12 to 24 hours after diving. Ask your doctor or diving authorities for guidelines on flying after scuba diving.

Before you go

• Plan ahead. If you need any immunizations or vaccinations, see your doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don't reach the highest protection until about 6 weeks after you get the shots.
• Have medical and dental check-ups before your trip, to be aware of problems and to find out about medicines you might need to take along.
• Be prepared. Find out what your health insurance will pay for if you see a doctor while you're in another country. Carry enough of your regular medicines in their original containers, along with extra prescriptions for them. Wear a medical information bracelet if needed. Take along a first-aid kit.

Vaccines you might get
Your doctor will review the plans for your trip and decide if you need any vaccines. The vaccines you got when you were a child also may need to be updated if you are not fully protected. Vaccines that may be needed to protect you include the following:

• Hepatitis A or hepatitis A immune globulin
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza (the flu)
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles-mumps-rubella
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
• Typhoid fever
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Yellow fever

While you're traveling

• Eat carefully if you're going to a country with an increased risk of traveler's diarrhea. Steaming-hot, well-cooked food is usually safest. Avoid eating foods from street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products and raw or uncooked seafood. Peel fruits yourself. Drink water from commercially-sealed bottles or drink carbonated beverages. Avoid ice. Use bottled water when you brush your teeth.
• If you're going to a country with a risk of malaria, your doctor may prescribe preventive medicine for malaria. Remember to start taking your malaria medicine before you leave on your trip, take it during your travels and keep taking it for 4 weeks after you get home.
• Avoid swimming and other water activities in freshwater lakes and streams. Schistosomiasis (also called bilharziasis) is a disease you might be exposed to in some African streams and lakes.
• If you're going to a country with an increased risk of mosquito-borne disease, protect yourself against insects. Use bed nets while you sleep.
• Try to avoid taking overcrowded transportation. Try not to ride in vehicles without safety belts. Wear a helmet if you'll be riding a motorcycle. Try to avoid driving at night or in unfamiliar areas without local help and directions.

Things to include in a first-aid kit for traveling

• Your prescription medicines, in their original containers.
• Medicine for diarrhea and upset stomach. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for an antibiotic you can take in case you get traveler's diarrhea. Pack bismuth subsalicylate (brand name: Pepto Bismol), loperamide (brand name: Imodium) and antacids.
• Cough and cold medicines.
• Pain medicines, such as aspirin.
• Antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, sun protection and lip balm.
• Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, thermometer and a mirror.
• Hand wipes and hand sanitizers.