|
October 3, 2008
Posted: 09:23 AM ET
One thing to think about while traveling is your health. Although flying is a pretty harmless venture, it can lead to headaches and even the common cold. A more serious condition that may develop is deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. While statistics are imprecise, a study published in the journal Lancet estimated that nearly 1 million DVT cases related to air travel occur in the United States every year. DVT is when a blot clot forms, usually in your leg, and then breaks loose and travels to your lungs.  Here are some steps you can take to avoid illnesses while flying: Keep hydrated: You can prevent DVT, as well as headaches, by staying hydrated. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol in flight will also help. Walk around: Try to get up and walk around every hour. It is important to get your circulation pumping. This can prevent clotting. Wash hands: Germs breed in public places such as airplanes. Wash your hands often or bring waterless hand cleanser. Remember meds: It is important to always carry your medication on the plane with you. If you have a serious condition, such as heart a problem, and are traveling alone — alert the flight staff and show them where your medications are. You can limit your risk of catching a cold on a plane or any other public place by keeping your immune system strong. Regular exercise, an annual flu shot, and a diet packed with vitamin-enriched foods will help. Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You’ll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN. Posted by: Dr. Sanjay Gupta - CNN Chief Medical Correspondent |
 
About this blog
CNN's team of experts share their top tips to help you become a wise consumer. We know you're busy, and that's why our tips are quick and effective. From health to personal finance, we'll arm you with the information you need to make smart choices.  Recent Posts
Contributors
Gerri Willis is CNN's Personal Finance Editor, hosting Open House and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Ali Velshi is CNN's Senior Business Correspondent, hosting Your $$$$$ and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent and host of House Call.
 Elizabeth Cohen offers up medical advice in her weekly Empowered Patient report.
 Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily weekdays on Headline News.
  |
|
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
|
|
del.icio.us
