Health Tips
At EGYPTAIR, we aim to look after our passengers in the air and also ensure they arrive at their destinations in good shape.
As we all know, flying can be rather stressful but there are ways of alleviating muscle aches and swollen feet and stimulating blood circulation to have a more comfortable journey.
But, please consult your doctor if you have a medical condition or temporary health problem, including pregnancy, and do not attempt exercise if you feel any strain on the areas involved.
Before you leave...
- Get a good night's sleep.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
- Eat light and easily-digested food.
- Take a rapid walk or shower.
- Wear loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes and, if necessary, support stockings.
- Consult your doctor on the usage of anti-embolic medications before you fly.
- Drink adequate fluids.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid crossing legs when seated.
- Wear loose comfortable clothes when travelling.
- Avid taking sleeping tablets.
On board
Do not place your hand baggage in the space under the seat in front of you as this will restrict your ability to stretch out and move your legs.
- If you are travelling to a destination for less than 48 hours, keep your watch on its usual time, but if your stay is longer, change to local time as soon as you board as this will help you to cope with jet lag.
- Choose light foods, particularly those low in sugar, salt and dairy products, or pre-order the vegetarian special meal.
- Do not cross your legs as this will restrict your blood circulation.
- Try not to fall asleep in a cramped position.
- Drink plenty of fluids - water or juices will be offered to you on a regular basis.
- Do not smoke cigarettes.
- Try to move around where possible.
Most airlines operating international flights have a policy for dealing with medical incidents on board. Cabin crew trained to recognize and manage a range of in-flight medical emergencies.
Air time action
The following exercises are easy to do in your seats without disturbing your neighbor or drawing attention to yourself. Only stretch as far as comfortable and remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
At your fingertips
- With your palm facing down, stretch your thumb towards your wrist, and breathe out. Repeat 20 times with each hand.
- Palm up, stretch each finger downwards, breathing out each time.
- Rotate your wrists 10 times clockwise and 10 times anti-clockwise.
- Vigorously shake out your hands.
Feet first
- Rotate both ankles 10 times clockwise and 10 times anti-clockwise.
- Stretch your legs out and spread your toes, bringing them up towards you. Now clench toes and point downwards. Repeat 10 times with each foot, flexing your ankles.
- With feet on the cabin floor, raise your heels and then relax. Repeat 20 times.
Back to front
- Rotate your neck slowly five times in each direction, taking care not to overstretch.
- Shrug your shoulders upwards towards your ears. Breathe out and lower them. Repeat five times.
- Rotate your shoulders backwards and forwards, five times.
- Without moving your hips, turn your head to face the back of your seat, first to the left side and then to the right. Repeat five times.
Smokers
Smoking is not permitted on board aircraft, with the exception of very few airlines. Smokers who regularly smoke heavily may experience stress and discomfort, particularly during long flights. Heavy smokers may benefit from medical advice before travelling. Nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum may be helpful and use of a mild tranquilizer can be considered.
Motion sickness
Travelers by air very rarely suffer from motion sickness.Travellers disposed to motion sickness should request a seat over the wings and/or a window seat. If necessary, medication may be taken to prevent motion sickness.
Stress, fatigue, jet lag
Jet lag refers to the disruption of sleep patterns and other circadian rhythms that result from abrupt changes in time zones. The adverse effects of jet lag may lead to insomnia, indigestion, reduced physical and mental performance and general malaise.
The effects of jet lag can be reduced by use of effective strategies.Travellers who takes medication on a strict time schedule (e.g. insulin, contraceptive pill) should seek medical advice.
General measures to reduce the effects of jet lag may include:
- Be well rested before departure and rest as much as possible during the flight.
- Drink plenty of water and/or juices before and throughout the flight.
- Eat light meals and limit consumption of tea coffee and alcohol before and during the flight.
- Stay out in the natural daylight or in brightly –lit areas at appropriate times during the day to help adjust more quickly to the time zone of the destination.
Airlines reserve the right to refuse to carry passengers with conditions where adverse effects or hazard may result during the flight.
Frequent travelers who are permanently or chronically incapacitated may obtain a frequent traveler s medical card from the airline s medical department. This card is accepted, under specified conditions as proof of medical clearance and for identification of the holder s incapacitation.
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