If you are leaving the United States, check with your health insurance provider to make sure that you are insured in whatever country you will be visiting and obtain a toll-free number for referral to appropriate English-speaking medical help. If you're not covered outside of the U.S., there are temporary medical policies that can be obtained on the Net.
First of my rules for long travel is to dress comfortably. For me that will be a loose-fitting long dress or pant suit that will cover my arms and legs and be impervious to climatic changes - something smart looking, but easy to sit in for hours, meaning cotton or cotton blend so that I won't look like a worn-out dishrag on arrival.
The dry air in an airplane or car causes dehydration. Drink lots of water to counter this, leaving the coffee and tea for when the day's travel is done, as they can contribute to increased dehydration. On a plane, I always book an aisle seat so that every couple of hours, I can get up and stretch my legs (except when the fasten seat belt sign is displayed). Try to sleep whenever possible when flying -even a couple of short naps are better than staying awake the entire flight. If you have a daytime flight, blindfolds, ear plugs, and blow-up neck pillows can help you get quality sleep.
When traveling by car, whether you are a driver or a passenger, check your blood glucose regularly. Stop every few hours to stretch your legs with a brisk walk. This will help blood circulation.
Because legs are especially prone to circulation problems on long airplane flights, it's a good idea to also do some exercises while seated and buckled in-simple isometric exercises that several of the long distance airline carriers recommend on their websites and in their pre-flight videos. Place both hands on the armrests, put your knees together, and slowly lift yourself slightly up and off the seat. Do this 10 times. Then do some calf contractions by planting both feet on the floor of the plane, then slowly lifting your heels off the ground. Keep doing the contractions until you feel a little tired. Keep your heels on the floor and elevate the toes of both feet. Do this several times during the flight. You can also do leg and arm stretches (may be only possible if in an aisle seat). Before doing these exercises, make sure you seat is in the upright position, and respect your fellow passengers' airspace. Breathe normally and do not overstretch.
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in one of the legs. Often referred to as the Economy Class Syndrome, DVT is actually more likely caused by immobility and dehydration than sitting in the Economy section of the airplane.
The most common symptoms of DVT are:
- Pain or tenderness of the calf muscles.
- Swelling of the leg, especially on just one side. Don't confuse this with the normal swelling of the feet that most people experience when flying, a result of gravity that will soon disappear upon landing.
- Increased skin temperature of the leg.
- Dilation of the veins right below the skin of the leg.
If you should experience any of these symptoms, alert a member of the flight crew immediately. If you don't notice it until upon arrival, seek medical attention at once.
When you pack, be sure to take along an extra supply of insulin and/or oral medications. You'll need to test your blood more frequently during your trip so also pack extra diabetes testing supplies and treatment for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), snack food supplies, bottles of drinking water, sunblock, and medication for nausea and diarrhea. Remember to properly store your insulin and your blood testing strips in an insulated bag to protect them from hot temperatures.
It's always an excellent idea to wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace that indicates that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Also carry a card in your wallet or purse along with a list of your other medical conditions and medications.
Finally, since you'll well prepared for your trip, relax and enjoy every minute of your time away from home.
FTG
