By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)
Preparing for vacation is daunting. Count underwear, match one pair of shoes with four outfits, and find someone to feed the cat. Rarely does the preparation turn to you – are you physically ready for your trip? It’s important not to forsake healthy habits in the haste of making your plans. Travel, particularly long airline flights, can wreak havoc on your body, so here are some tips to get you safely at your destination, feeling as well as you can possibly feel.
What Not to Wear
Choose loose fitting clothes and slip-on shoes. You don’t want to be tying tennis shoes when navigating through security. Wear either low-cut socks or better yet, a pair of compression stockings. Blood tends to pool in your feet when you sit, the back of your knees hugs the seat, and it’s important that you minimize the risk of “traveler’s thrombosis,” better known as a blood clot.
I’m Starving
Pack your own snacks. Apples, bananas, grapes, almonds, granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruits can stave off hunger. They’re also much healthier and less expensive than most food you’ll be served on an airplane or buy at the airport.
Coffee, Tea or….??
Water. Water. Water. Many people avoid beverages in flight because it’s such a hassle to lumber down the narrow aisle to the restroom. Water is your best choice but drinking any fluids is better than nothing. It is essential that you stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to a host of problems, including inner ear disturbances, air/motion sickness, and of course, the dreaded blood clot.
Exercise – you’re kidding, right?
I’m on a plane! You want me to exercise? YES!! Move your legs around frequently, do foot circles, and alternately tighten and loosen your calf muscles. Kick your shoes off. Put them on again. Repeat. Walk up and down the aisle once an hour if they’ll let you (see “drink” above and you’ll need to). Kick your shoes off again. “Draw the alphabet” with your toes. It’s a great ankle exercise and it keeps the blood flowing. When you get to the airport, use the stairs and the hallways instead of the escalators and the moving walkways.
Seize some Z’s
Grab every opportunity for a power nap. Put your seat back, stretch out your legs as much as you are able, and just rest. You can listen to music if it will help you relax and block out noise, but be sure to remove ear buds before the descent, or you may get some air sickness when the cabin pressure changes.
Don’t forget your medicine
If you take prescription medication, carry it in the original labeled container, and make sure you have enough for a few extra days in case your plans go awry. Carry a small card in your wallet with a list of your medications and any important medical information that an emergency team would need to know about you.
Happy traveling!
Candy Steele is a registered nurse who has worked with cardiac patients for over thirty years. “Functional foods” have become her passion, and she enjoys sharing her love of cooking, a random life and a faithful Jesus with her friends at Steele (the Day). She is blessed with three grown children, a new daughter-in-law, and a kind and patient husband who only knows how to fix popcorn (but she’s OK with that).