As many of you know, we have completed over 15,000 thousands miles in the air over the last 6 months. China, Italy, NYC, and Los Angeles. Whew, it's enough to make one sick, and it did. I don't want to go specifically into either of our medical health conditions, but it was very serious, and it will change the way we travel in the future. Pill supplements, compression socks, changes to diet, and exercise, etc. If we want to continue our jet-setting ways, it's imperative to understand our bodies. Even the most healthiest individual can take on a condition that is onset by frequent travel under varying circumstances (cabin pressure, altitude, etc). However, it doesn't have to be the end-all. It's important to know and understand your medical condition before taking an airline flight, cruise, or lengthy car/train ride. You should share with your doctor your upcoming itinerary and make adjustments as he/she sees fit. Here are a few tips that can apply to almost any circumstances, whether it's related to travel or not.
1) Don't cross your legs over thigh; if need be, cross ankles.
2) Walk around every 90 min- 2 hrs. This applies to anyone who sits in a chair at work; and air/train/automobile travel. Walk to car, break room, a co-worker's office, etc. Walk the aisles on an airplane or train. Walk around the car a few times if traveling long distance more than 2 hours. Switch drivers often.
3) Drink water at high altitudes; avoid alcohol and carbonates
4) Elevate feet- use foot-rest, purse, carry-on bag, etc.
5) Under Doctor's care, wear compression socks during long flights. Your feet should be measured and the socks fitted properly. Many CVS stores have this service. Certain medical conditions related to poor blood circulation, including anyone who suffers from anemia, may need to avoid them, as it could make the condition worse.
6) If you're prone to motion sickness (air, train, automobile, boat, etc), wear a prescribed patch or ointment; take a prescribed tablet; or wear a wrist-band.
Rhonda & Sharee
Take A Leap
I'm sorry to hear about your illnesses. Hope you've not suffered any permanent adverse effects.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I've used the first 4 in my travels and even when I'm not traveling, I keep my feet elevated. I used to love crossing my legs but once I found out about how it impacts circulation, I stopped doing so.
Hope you get back to traveling soon!
Thanks Marcia for checking out the blog post. The medical concern for the surgery my sister had was in no way related to travel, but with the nurses and doctor's asking questions about her doing things out of the ordinary, it was mentioned that her (and mine too) travels may have aggrevated common medical conditions most people don't think are affected by travel, specifically when flying. Everything from sinus/allergies to diet/nutrition to blood circulation need to be remedied or properly maintained when taking off on an extended trip of any kind. No wonder I often get sick the first day or two of my travels. But all is well, and we won't let it be a setback; if anything, it'll be our (mostly my sister's) testimony. Take A Leap...Onward & Upward!! Sharee
DeleteLovely posst
ReplyDelete