The Gift of Good Health: 5 Things to Know When Traveling During the Holidays

 
“I encourage my patients to spend time with their family and friends during the holidays whether it is at home or out of town, but if travelers don’t take the proper precautions before and during their trip they can end up sick and missing out on the fun of the holiday season,” said Matthew B. Ajluni, DO, an osteopathic family physician practicing in Chicago.  “While air travel is quick and convenient, it is also a confined space where it is quite easy to pick up germs that could cause a traveler to become ill.”

Dr. Ajluni shared five tips for staying healthy while traveling by airplane:

 1.    Have a healthy immune system before you leave. While traveling by plane is the quickest mode of transportation for long trips, you are also in a small space with large groups of people who may or may not be sick. Give your immune system a boost before your trip even starts by making sure you are well rested, eating right and getting lots of exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids.

2.    Avoid stomach problems. While traveling many people find themselves dealing with the uncomfortable problem of constipation, which is often caused by a change in diet. While a slice of pizza or a burger might be tempting while waiting for your flight, Dr. Ajluni reminds his patients to eat a salad or something rich in fiber to avoid stomach problems later. Once you reach your destination try to abide by your normal diet as much as possible. An occasional splurge is acceptable during the holidays so have a little pumpkin pie, but make sure the rest of your meal contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, and don’t forget lots of water.

 3.    Stay hydrated. A cocktail might sound relaxing once you are in the air, but it can also cause dehydration. Planes are dry to begin with and alcohol only worsens the effects and could cause headaches and drowsiness. If you really want a drink, Dr. Ajluni advises that you only have one during the flight and balance it out with two glasses of water.

 4. Stretch your legs. Most people become uncomfortable after sitting during a long flight, but trying to remain active by stretching your legs during the flight or periodically moving your feet and ankles even while seated can help avoid dangerous pooling of blood.  It is especially important for pregnant women to stretch during even a short flight. Dr. Ajluni advises pregnant patients to try to get up every hour and walk up the aisle to help against swelling. He also recommends expectant mothers avoid the salty foods— like peanuts and pretzels— offered on flights and instead bring their own fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.

5. Carry on your germ defense army. As you pack your carry-on bag make sure you have a few essentials to staying healthy in flight such as a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, tissues, eye drops and lip balm. “If your lips and eyes are dry, you are more likely to touch them and carry germs to your face,” warned Dr. Ajluni. Dr. Ajluni also suggests bringing your own pillow and blanket on board instead of using those handed out by the airline, which have been used by other passengers who could be sick.

Media Contacts:

Nicole Grady
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8038 (Toll free)
(312) 202-8038 (Office)
ngrady@osteopathic.org

Vicki Martinka
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8159 (Toll free)
(312) 202-8159 (Office)
vmartinka@osteopathic.org

Twitter: @AOAforMedia  

About the American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) proudly represents its professional family of more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs); promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.​

###

How to Use These Tips

These tips may be excerpted or used in their entirety for any print or broadcast story with appropriate attribution of source. ​​