Surviving the long distance flights

The long-distance flights are the nightmare of many travelers, though they save time (fewer stops flights = less change) and are more convenient. But the truth is that being more than eight hours in a cramped little seat can be hard. Luckily there are several steps you can take to make this type of trip more comfortable and less stressful for your body.

• Wear comfortable clothes. Wear loose clothes, preferably cotton. You'll be sitting in a confined space for hours in temperatures that rise and fall, so it is better to be comfortable. The same advice applies to shoes. The feet, hands and face swell normally with altitude, so ladies, no heels.

• Drink plenty of water. Before and during the flight. The air board is dry and usually occurs dehydration. Try not to drink alcohol or diuretics as these contribute to dehydration.

• Take appropriate hygienic products. Include in your hand luggage for skin moisturizer, lip balm and salve. The sleep masks moisturizers are a common choice for those who travel frequently.

• Stretching. Immobility combined with dehydration can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of blood clots in deep veins of the lower leg and is associated with long distance travel. It is therefore important to do some simple exercises and move your legs during the flight. Rotate the ankles, raising the toe and the heel, and pull your knees while seated for a few minutes every half hour. Also stretch muscles of the legs and walk down the hall from time to time to help circulation.

• Take other preventive measures against DVT. Wear socks or stockings specially indicated to prevent DVT. Take aspirin in small doses (100-150 mg) before the flight and during flight (check the maximum dosage). Aspirin helps prevent blood clots.

• Delay your dream. Instead of a nap right after the first meal and movie, try to keep the mind active for several more hours. Staying awake longer, you will get to sleep in a more profound and lasting way when you finally close your eyes.