Many people travel abroad during the year-end and New Year holidays by taking advantage of the holiday break. According to statistics compiled by Fox News in the United States, over 119 million people travel between Christmas and New Year's each year. The dry air on airplanes and long periods of sitting can negatively affect health, so health management is necessary even on flights. Let's learn about health care tips that are useful to know when flying.

 

◇Adequate hydration

 

The inside of an airplane maintains a very low humidity level of 10-20%. This is much less than the amount of moisture our bodies normally absorb from the air, so it is necessary to drink water frequently. Doing so helps prevent dry skin and sore or itchy throat and nose. Drinking water on the plane also helps prevent barotrauma of the middle ear caused by flying. Barotrauma of the middle ear is a condition characterized by severe pain, ringing, and sometimes hearing loss during takeoff and landing. It occurs when there is a malfunction in the 'Eustachian tube,' which helps equalize pressure inside and outside the ear. Swallowing water allows for ventilation of the eardrum through the Eustachian tube, helping to prevent and alleviate symptoms of barotrauma. Beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol tend to promote dehydration, so it is advisable to limit their intake.

◇Take allergy medication in advance or chew gum and suck on candies

 

People who suffer from severe barotrauma during flights should take allergy medication before flying. Especially if they have conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis, the symptoms of barotrauma tend to be particularly severe. Among allergy medications, antihistamines help dry up the exudate (fluid) that causes barotrauma, inhibit blood vessel dilation, and reduce swelling. Pseudoephedrine medications constrict dilated blood vessels, helping to reduce ear swelling. If you are unable to take allergy medication, chewing gum or candies, or wearing earplugs can be helpful. When symptoms of barotrauma appear, gently holding the nose with the thumb and index finger and breathing softly as if blowing your nose with your mouth closed helps maintain pressure balance inside the ear and alleviates symptoms.

 

◇Stretch frequently

 

Sitting in the same position for a long time on an airplane can impair blood circulation in the legs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by blood clots and blocked blood vessels. It commonly occurs among passengers who remain seated in the cramped economy class seats for extended periods, which is why it is sometimes called "economy class syndrome." To prevent deep vein thrombosis, it is advisable to periodically lift and lower your heels during the flight, walk along the cabin aisle, massage your legs, or stretch to promote blood flow and relieve stagnation.

 

Use a neck pillow or lumbar cushion

 

You should maintain proper posture while sitting in an airplane seat. Poor posture can increase pressure on the spine and cause pain. Sit with your hips deep in the seat and straighten your back. Using a lumbar cushion or neck pillow can help reduce the strain on your neck and spine.

 

Travel first aid kit required

 

Carrying a travel first aid kit is also important. This is because medical access may be limited in unfamiliar countries, and language barriers can make it difficult to respond quickly to health issues. Prepare items such as ▲pain relievers ▲fever reducers ▲digestive aids ▲wound care supplies (bandages, gauze, disinfectants) ▲thermometers ▲motion sickness medication. It is essential to check the expiration dates of medications and to verify the drug import regulations of the destination country.

 

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Do you have travel plans for the end of the year?

It would be better if you know these tips beforehand.

It helps a bit, doesn't it?

 

Take your time to prepare before the trip.

It might be possible to take care of it...