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Use these helpful health tips when flying from Heathrow Airport. Explained is the range of potential health risks when flying, by some (but not all) passengers including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). |
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Being aware of in-flight health is important, especially to those passengers travelling long haul.
Firstly, do not panic. Flying is one of the safest ways to travel and very few passengers suffer from any ill health when flying.
For your peace of mind we cover ways in which passengers can prevent health risks by applying some simple precautions before, during and after your flight.
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Health Tips When Flying ... |
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| Here we explain and list the various health risk few passengers can experience when flying: |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ... |
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| DVT Explained |
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DVT is where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis. This is caused because the blood flow is not circulating as it should be. This can be caused by the blood becoming dehydrated (do drink plenty of water during your flight regardless of whether it is short or long haul). Orr from a major trauma such as heart disease, abdominal surgery or childbirth.
Evidence shows, that because of the limited space on an aircraft travellers on long haul flights, and the lack of exercise they get, can be more susceptible to DVT. |
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| Travellers at risk from DVT? |
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- Travellers over 40
- Family history of DVT
- Recent trauma or surgery, particularly that experienced in the abdominal, legs, knees or hips
- Those passengers who are either pregnant or have just had a baby
- Cancer patients
- Those with problems with their heart or circulation
- Obesity
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| How to avoid DVT? |
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- Drink lots of water or fruit juices, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks before and during your flight
- Wear loose clothing
- Throughout the flight do some leg stretches and rotate and wiggle your feet and toes
- Try and walk around the plane every couple of hours
- Consider wearing 'flight socks' with graduated compression, especially if you are at risk
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| DVT symptoms |
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| Many travellers do not suffer any symptoms of DVT, this is why it is vital to avoid the condition as much as possible by following the above advice. However, if symptoms do occur passengers may suffer from the following: |
- Soreness or aching in the calf
- Swelling in the ankles or calf
- Moderate fever and generally feeling unwell
- Do note that symptoms do not always start on the flight, they may start several days or weeks afterwards
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| In the worst cause, the possible sequel to DVT is where a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack. |
| If you think you have DVT? |
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If you are on a flight and suspect you are suffering from DVT consult one of the cabin crew immediately.
If you suffer symptoms whilst on holiday contact your Holiday Rep for advice and help. Or if at home contact your Doctor. |
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| The cabin in a plane runs at a much lower pressure than we are use to normally. This is why some passengers suffer from the effects of low air pressure such as: |
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- Painful ears during take-off or landing - swallowing frequently by drinking, or eating something - a boiled sweet or gum - helps
- Should you suffer from breathing or heart problems be sure to take your medication before travel and include them in your hand luggage, not your main luggage
- Drinking alcohol when flying has 2 to 3 times increased effect
- Avoid dehydration, that's a common problem on a flight, by drinking lots water and avoid caffeine or alcoholic drinks as much as possible
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| Some passengers may suffer from motion sickness, especially if the plane experiences turbulence. If you suffer try the following advice as much as you can: |
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- Do avoid alcohol 24hrs before flight
- Ask for a seat over the wings
- Do request a window seat
- Keep your seat belt fastened throughout
- Natural remedies can help, like:
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- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness
- Vitamin B6 which can alleviate dizziness
- Peppermint tea can prevent stomach upsets and vomiting
- Reduces stomach acidity and stress by taking Magnesium
- Ginger can help prevent nausea
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- Speak to your Doctor about motion sickness if you suffer very badly
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Prescription Medication & Vaccinations |
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| if you take prescribed medication do remember to pack it in your hand luggage: |
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- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Inform the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Carry your required medicines with you in your hand luggage and take enough medicines to last longer than your trip in case you get delayed.
- If you have diabetes or epilepsy, carry a notification and identification card, in case of an emergency have the name and phone number of your doctor with you.
- Make sure you have had the correct vaccinations for the place you are travelling to.
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Jet Lag & How To Avoid It ... |
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Jet lag symptoms vary from passenger to passenger, however are normally due to fatigue as the internal body clock is out of sync with the destination time.
Sleep is often disrupted, making fatigue worse and sometimes causing insomnia. Don't worry unduly, most travellers overcome jet lag in just a few days. |
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- Reset your watch to your new time as soon as you take off
- Try to eat and sleep around the times you normally would considering the new time you are travelling (not the actual time from take off)
- Eat lightly and keep hydrated with water and fruit juices avoid alcohol.
- For very bad jet lag that effects you sleeping try herbal sleeping remedies before consulting your Doctor
- If at home, don't be afraid to have a little sleep during the day, maximum of half an hour.
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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