• Do stretching exercises in your seat to avoid cramped muscles
• Walk around the cabin during your flight
• Yawn or chew gum to avoid pressure build-up in the ears
• Avoid alcohol and coffee before and during your flight
• Carry drinking water with you and drink an 8 ounce glass each hour
• Wear comfortable clothes, especially shoes
• Be well rested before you leave
• Make sure your pre-flight diet contains plenty of starch, carbohydrates and greens
• Set your watch to the time of your destination before you board
• Arrange in-flight meals to reflect the time-of-day at your destination
• Eliminate stress and anxiety as much as possible form your journey

Common Travel Health Problems

MOTION SICKNESS
People who experience motion sickness are familiar with the dizziness, nausea, queasiness, and upset stomach that may accompany car, boat and plane travel.  Motion sickness usually results when the brain gets conflicting information about movement.  When travelling by car, try to sit in the front seat and avoid reading.  When travelling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon or at another fixed point that will not move.  Today's high-tech cruise ships are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing, and most passengers experience little or no motion sickness.  When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane or on the side to which you are accustomed to when in a car.  Ear plugs may also help.  There are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help prevent motion sickness.  Remember to use caution when taking them, as many cause drowsiness which can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle, boat or plane.

OVERACTIVE BLADDER
People with overactive bladders may experience symptoms of frequency (urinating more than eight times per day), urgency (an overwhelming urge to urinate) or incontinence (a sudden, uncontrolled release of urine).  Overactive bladder can be a difficult problem to cope with during trips, requiring many restroom visits, however, there is help available.  Ask your doctor about prescription medications that can help decrease the urge to urinate as often, thus making your travel easier.  For more information visit www.overactivebladder.com

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
People with digestive disorders such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may also require frequent bathroom visits during long trips.  Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications are helpful and there are prescription medications available for people who may experience more severe symptoms.  Avoiding stress, caffeine, and certain types of high-fat foods can help keep these conditions under control.  Consult your travel agent on the availability of special airline meals to suit your dietary needs.  On international journeys, your travel agent can recommend high-quality hotels and tours with meals included at pre-selected restaurants.

ALLERGIES
People who suffer from allergies to molds, mites, dust, pollen, animal fur, insects, foods, and other substances should take the same precautions on vacation as they do at home.  Bring any prescription or over-the-counter anti-allergy medications used on a regular basis.  It's also a good idea to bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.  It may also be helpful to pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels, especially if you have sensitive skin.  Most hotels offer non-smoking rooms and some hotels even offer non-allergic pillows.  Ask your travel agent for availability.

JOINT, MUSCLE ACHES AND ARTHRITIS
The inflammation of the joints that occurs with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips that restrict movement.  Taking frequent breaks to walk around and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane and cruise trips more enjoyable.  Remember to pack aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you normally use for arthritis.  Your travel agent can arrange special assistance at the airport and recommend hotels, tours, and cruises that cater to persons with limited mobility.

Consult a Professional
Don't let travel health concerns keep you at home.  Some advance planning will assure that you have a great vacation.  Talk with your doctor about any health issues you may be prone to such as motion sickness, frequent urination, allergies, or back or joint pain.  If you experience a medical problem during your travels, ask for assistance at your hotel or lodging facility, or consult a local emergency medical clinic or hospital for a doctor-finder service.  Your travel agent can help you locate the hospital closest to your hotel.

Don't Forget to Bring ...

• More than enough prescription medication in case of loss, theft, breakage or spillage
• A note from your doctor with a medical diagnosis for a chronic condition as well as medications and dosages prescribed
• Multivitamins
• Medical ID bracelets or cards listing your chronic health conditions for emergency personnel
• Extra eyeglasses, lens prescriptions, contact lens solutions
• Extra hearing-aid batteries
• Pillowcase from home for allergy sufferers
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)
• Bottled water
• Insect repellent with diethyltoluamide (DEET)
• Ear plugs

First-Aid Kit
It's a good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy for emergencies that may arise during your trip.  The kit should contain:

• Bandages, gauze and tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic
• Antihistamine
• Aspirin
• Cold and flu tablets
• Throat lozenges
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Motion sickness medication
• Water purification tablets

Always pack medication in your carry-on bag.  Never pack them in checked baggage or luggage that will be stored out of your reach, where they could spill or be exposed to harmful temperatures.