HealthyLife Articles

Category: Healthy Travel

Prevent In-Flight Ear Pops

Healthy Travel

If you’re riding in a plane, your ears might feel full during takeoff and landing, then suddenly “pop.” Ear pops result from pressure changes in the middle ear as a plane changes altitude. You may feel pain or only mild discomfort. And if you have a head cold, ear pops can promote an ear infection.

It’s rarely convenient to cancel or postpone your flight because of ear trouble. It is highly recommended, however, that you don’t fly if you have an acute ear infection, a severe head cold, or sinusitis. Consult your physician regarding this. If you still decide to fly, here are some ways to keep your ears from popping.

* Swallow frequently, yawn, or gently blow through your nose while pinching the nostrils shut, to equalize pressure within your ears. (Don’t do this if you have a head cold, as it will promote an ear infection.)

* If you have a mild head cold, use a nasal spray to keep the nasal passages open. Oral decongestant medications are also effective.

Infants and young children tend to develop ear pain when traveling by plane, too. To prevent discomfort and ear infections in your children:

* Have your infant suck on a pacifier or bottle during the takeoff and landing. (Nursing a baby helps, too.)

* Ask your doctor about giving children a mild decongestant and antihistamine 1 hour before takeoff and 1 hour before landing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Abcs Of Traveling With Children

Healthy Travel

Traveling with children can be very trying-you try to keep them from getting tired, bored, hungry, sick, or lost. Here are a few strategies to help you succeed.

* Make sure your child has had all immunizations required or recommended for travel.

* Have each child wear an identification tag that includes his or her name, plus your name and home address, phone number where you can be reached, and where you’ll be staying. In airports, add the name of your airline, flights, and departure times. The identification tag should be placed inside (not on the outside) of the child’s garments. Tell your child what to do if he or she gets lost.

* Take along a child-strength painkiller, motion sickness medication, cold preparations, an antibiotic, and Pedalyte (a medicine that replaces essential body minerals lost due to vomiting and diarrhea).

* Dress your child in loose, comfortable travel clothing and shoes.

* According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children need their own seats on airplanes and children younger than age 2 or weighing less than 40 pounds should be fastened in child restraint seats on an airplane. Parents should choose safety seats that are labeled for use on aircraft.

* On long automobile trips, stop every 2 hours and walk around with your child. When flying or traveling by train, take your child for a walk around the coach or cabin.

* Help prevent your child from getting motion sickness. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are more prone to motion sickness than toddlers or teens.

* If your child will be flying unaccompanied by an adult, make arrangements with the airline for an adult to escort the child off the plane.

* Avoid introducing a young child to a lot of unfamiliar foods away from home.

* When traveling in developing countries, repeatedly remind your child about food and beverage safety.

* For more information on safe air travel for children, contact the FAA at 1.866.TELL.FAA (835.5322) orwww.faa.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Reduce Flight Risks

Healthy Travel

Don’t let motion and a long flight ruin your trip.

Flying can trigger more than anxiety in airplane travelers. Sitting for hours in narrow, cramped seats can cause a decrease in blood flow and poor circulation in the legs. These problems can lead to “economy-class syndrome” which refers to a deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot in the leg. Even if you sit in first class or business class, there are things you can do to help avoid this problem. If your seatmates stare, suggest they join you!

Airplane aerobics:

* Tense your feet for five seconds, then relax them. Repeat with each muscle group, including your calves, thighs, buttocks, shoulders, neck, forearms, and hands.

* Drop your head forward. Then move it slowly to the right, to the back, then to the left and the front again.

* Raise both shoulders. Move them back, then down, and then forward in a circular motion.

* Reach toward the ceiling with your right arm and stretch. Repeat with your left arm.

* Flex and extend your feet. Spread and then point your toes up and down.

* Get up and walk at least once every hour.

* Focus on your breathing. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. It’ll help you get enough oxygen into your blood so you don’t feel fatigued.

To deal with motion sickness:

* Reserve a seat over one of the wings, if you can.

* Avoid sitting in the tail section, which is usually the bumpiest.

* Get plenty of rest before you fly.

* Avoid drinking alcohol before or during travel.

* Take a motion sickness medication, such as Dramamine, 30 minutes before your plane takes off.

* Open overhead vents and direct air at your face.

* Don’t read while traveling and don’t focus on any other stationary object.

* Breathe slowly and deeply.

Action Step

Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks, and shoes. If you have cardiovascular disease, talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings and other advice before you take long flights or travel long distances by car or train.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Check Your Health Insurance Coverage

Healthy Travel

Don’t assume that your medical insurance policy covers medical care you receive outside the United States. To protect yourself against unforeseen-and perhaps costly-medical charges, take these steps.

* Check with your insurance carrier to see if you’re covered when abroad, or if they offer health insurance for travelers.

* If your insurance doesn’t fully cover you away from home, you may be able to purchase traveler’s health insurance through a major credit card company.

* If you’re traveling with a package tour that offers a health insurance option, consider purchasing it.

* Find out if your policy places any restrictions on coverage. Some insurance companies do not cover chronic illness, complications during the third trimester of pregnancy, or sports-related injuries.

Some plans also cover the cost of returning home in case of an emergency.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safe Travel For Pregnant Women

Healthy Travel

Expecting to travel before your baby is due? Follow these guidelines.

* Check with your physician to make sure travel is permissible. Travel during pregnancy is least risky during the fourth to sixth months.

* If you’re planning to travel by airplane or train, ask for an aisle seat so you can get to the lavatory more easily.

* Don’t exert yourself to the point of fatigue.

* If you experience motion sickness, get some fresh air or eat soda crackers. Don’t take motion sickness medication.

* If you’re traveling by car, wear a safety belt. It should fit snugly across your chest and hips, not over your stomach.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Destination: Healthy Vacation

Healthy Travel

Plan ahead to have a safe and fun trip!

You deserve a break. In fact, doctors recommend it. Vacations are good for your health and happiness. Planning ahead, packing smart, and knowing about your destination will help you relax and enjoy.

Do your homework.

Learn about the places you plan to go to. Check out their weather conditions, construction areas, crime rates, and health concerns. Find out what your health insurance plan does and does not cover and if you need extra insurance. No matter where you travel, following these steps could make the difference between a great and a dreadful vacation.

Dos

* Pack a basic first-aid kit.

* Pack all prescriptions and other valuables, such as jewelry in your carry-on luggage.

* Stretch your arms and legs at least every hour during travel.

* Stay hydrated. If the drinking water could be unsafe, choose bottled water.

* Wash your hands often. Take travel-size hand sanitizer gels and cloths.

* Talk to your family about safety concerns. Set rules for the kids.

* Tell a trusted friend or relative your trip schedule so you can be contacted for emergencies.

* Stop deliveries of papers and mail. Or, arrange to have someone pick them up.

* Ask your cell phone provider if you will have coverage. If not, consider renting a cell phone that does.

Don’ts

* Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry.

* Don’t let kids wander or swim unsupervised.

* Don’t announce your vacation on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social network.

* Don’t hide the house key under the doormat.

* Don’t leave your pets home alone.

Traveling abroad?

Find out if you need certain vaccines. Contact the CDC Travelers’ Information Line at 800.CDC.INFO (232.4636) orwww.cdc.gov/travel. Ask your doctor, too. Discuss what medications you need to take to prevent and treat illnesses for you and your family.

Action Step

Make a To-Do list. Ask others traveling with you to contribute. Nothing is too obvious to write down. Check off tasks as you complete them.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Take A Vacation For Rest & Relaxation

Healthy Travel

Taking vacations has been shown to lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones.

* Plan ahead to avoid traveling mishaps.

* Leave your work and worries behind.

* If traveling far busts your budget or is too stressful, enjoy a “staycation.”

* Visit a local museum or landmark. Relax at a nearby park or lake.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Destination: Fun

Healthy Travel

Taking a break from it all is good for your health and happiness. Planning ahead, packing smart, and knowing your destination will help you relax and enjoy. Use these tips for a safe and healthy vacation.

* Find out what to expect at your destination – weather, construction areas, and health concerns.

* If you are going outside the U.S., find out if you need any vaccines. Ask your doctor or visitcdc.gov/travel.

* Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

* Make sure you have enough of your medicines. Pack them in your carry-on bag.

* Pack a first-aid kit with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, sunscreen, and bandages.

* During airplane travel, stretch your arms and legs at least every hour.

* Leave valuables at home. Don’t become a target for theft.

* Stay hydrated. If the drinking water is unsafe, choose bottled water. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

* Wash your hands often. Take alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain least 60% alcohol.

* Talk to your family about safety concerns. Don’t let kids wander.

* Supervise your children at all times.

Action Step:Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Taking The Stress Out Of Travel

Healthy Travel

Even if you’re jetting to a sunny climate on your dream vacation, travel can be stressful. Any change in routine, scenery, eating habits, or time zones can take its toll on your well-being.

Here are some things you can do to minimize travel stress.

* Begin to prepare for your trip well in advance of your departure date. Make a list of things to do each day.

* Finish packing your bags at least one full day before you leave. Devote the rest of the day to quiet activities, such as reading, napping, taking a leisurely bath, or listening to soothing music.

* Allow plenty of time to reach your destination or catch your flight. It’s better to have time to spare than to rush.

* Once you reach your destination, don’t over-schedule every day with endless hours of shopping, sightseeing, sports, and partying. Allow for some “downtime.”

* Don’t overeat, especially at night.

* Get enough sleep. Otherwise, you’ll come home pooped instead of renewed and refreshed.

* Get some exercise.

* Schedule your return so you have a day or so to “decompress” before you return to work.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Don’t Forget Your Medication

Healthy Travel

Running out of your high blood pressure medicine or other prescription drugs at home is not as big of a problem as when you’re traveling. To avoid running out of vital medications, take these steps.

* Ask your doctor to prescribe enough medication to last the duration of your trip.

* Carry medication with you in a small bag. Don’t pack medicine in checked luggage, in case the baggage gets lost or delayed.

* If you take liquid medications, ask the pharmacist to put it in a plastic container instead of a glass bottle to avoid breakage.

* To avoid having your medicine confiscated by Customs agents, keep all medicine in its original container, with contents clearly labeled. Find out from your doctor if the medicine you take (injection supplies, etc.) can go through the X-ray scanners at the airport. Cards identifying you as the user of a medicine may be available from the medicine’s manufacturer. If you take an injectable medicine, you may need a note from your doctor when you travel by air.

* Keep your medications away from humidity, direct sunlight, and hot temperatures, which can reduce the potency.

* Insulin-dependent diabetics should check with their doctors about adjusting their dosage schedules to local time when traveling to a different time zone.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026