Top Travel Health Tips

Virgin Atlantic shares its list of Top Holiday Health Tips.

Global mountain travelers should be conscious of their travel health and taking care of it.

Virgin Atlantic says flying long distances in a pressurized cabin at altitude does have some effects on the human body.

Dr Tim Stevenson, Aviation Medical Examiner, Virgin Atlantic, offers these Top Holiday Health Tips:

• Take out travel insurance:  “Many people don’t realize the real cost of medical emergencies abroad. Travelers should ensure they take out adequate travel insurance and not rely on their credit card, home insurance, or private health cover.”

• Visit your Doctor: “Visit your (doctor) as soon as you book your holiday to check if you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures such as malaria tablets for the destination you are visiting.”

• Don’t wear tight clothing on long-haul journeys: “Although we see many celebrities wearing high fashion and even higher heels while traveling, it is best to wear loose fitting comfortable clothing for long-haul travel.”

• Move about: “Change position often and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in developing clotting disorders such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (“DVT”) during long distance travel, whether by plane, train, bus or car.”

• No Pills!: “Although everyone likes to get as much sleep as possible on-board, don’t take sleeping tablets, unless expressly recommended by your doctor, as they will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish.”

• Drink plenty!: “Ask a member of cabin crew if you’re thirsty and take advantage of for the regular water and fruit juice services.”

• Moisturize: “The dry air on-board may make your skin feel dry so moisturizing creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you as your eyes may feel drier than usual.”

• Pretend you are already there: “To minimize the effects of jet lag, set your watch to your destination time as soon as you board the aircraft and try to adjust your eating sleeping pattern accordingly.”

Image courtesy of Virgin Atlantic.