Taking a Plan Ride During The Holidays? Here’s How to Stay Healthy
As you may know, tens of thousands of Americans will be visiting family or friends for the holiday, and many will make the trip by plane. We’re privileged to live in a world where we can hop on a plane for the holidays. What isn’t so great is figuring out how to stay healthy while flying. The recycled air, tight quarters, and fast food make it seem like an impossibility. Since cold and flu season is in full swing, and the added stress of the flight isn’t helping your immune system, you should actively ensure that you stay healthy. After all, you don’t want to arrive at your relative’s house only to come down with a cold. Here are some tips to help.
- Wash your hands regularly
Germs can be easily spread, and even something as seemingly harmless as the tray table can be loaded with harmful bacteria. Be sure to carry hand sanitizer with you so that you can disinfect before eating, drinking, and touching your face.
- Get moving
Even if it’s a short flight, sitting down for an hour or more can do our bodies harm. When you’ve got the all-clear from the captain, take off your seatbelt and walk a lap of the plane. If you can’t get up just yet, practice a few simple exercises, such as calf raises, ankle rotations, shoulder rolls, and back twists.
- Stay hydrated
You may want to start your holiday off with a glass of wine or beer, but alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it dehydrates you. Instead, keep sipping on water to stay hydrated. It’s a good idea to bring your own empty water bottle with you and fill it up after you go through security.
- Get some sleep
Between jet lag, overnight bus rides, and a lack of routine on the road, our sleep is what suffers the most. Lack of sleep compromises our immune systems when we travel. Travel with an eye mask and a good set of earplugs so that you can catch some quality zzz’s on the plane and wake up at your destination feeling refreshed.
- Eat well
Many airlines will pass through the plane and sell food. Most is heavy on additives and preservatives and light on nutrition. If your airline allows, take some suitable snacks onboard so that you aren’t tempted to fill up on fast food. Opt for dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, kale chips, salads, and fresh fruit and vegetables instead.
When you need urgent medical attention, choose an urgent care with reliable walk-in treatment. At Sand Canyon Urgent Care, we can help you quickly so that you can get back to your festivities. Visit us in Irvine and Stanton.
