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How can I stay healthy on a long-haul flight?

16:36 Mon 24th May 2010 |

Long-haul flights, by their very nature, can sometimes require staying in a confined space for extended periods of time.

Many fliers tend to panic about their flight; being stuck in a "tube" for more than 9 hours can be a claustrophobic experience that can get to the best of us.

Some experts have offered tips and advice on how to stay calm during a long-haul flight, and how to keep healthy when packed away in such cramped conditions.

Over the years, scientists have asserted this can have an effect on passengers' health, both in the short and long-term.

Deep vein thrombosis is one of the most commonly known conditions, which is a clotting of the blood in deep veins – often in the calf area of the body.

They can occur during – or weeks after - a trip, meaning stringent prevention can be far more worthwhile than trying to deal with a case when it happens.

Once on the plane, there are a number of simple steps passengers can take to try and reduce their risk, including wearing specially-made anti-thrombosis stockings which increase blood flow.

Keeping the legs moving in whatever capacity could also be a key tactic. Although this can be difficult on cramped aircraft, simple leg movements and swivels while sat down may help.

Walking up and down the aisle when possible might also be a good way to keep your in-flight health in check. The gangways can often be cramped with other passengers stretching their legs, so pick your spot to get up wisely. If you're on an over-night flight it may be a good idea to have a quick walk when people are sleeping. Try to get up and move around every hour or so.

Some people are more predisposed to this sort of condition – for example those who are obese or have recently undergone an operation - so they may be advised to seek medical opinions before boarding a flight of a few hours or more.

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