Air travel is clearlythe safest means of travel. More people travel safely on these big birds thanin cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and trains. That should tell the wholetruth, but it doesn't. Where else in your life are you seated within spittingdistance of 180 other people who may, or may not, be ill?



You can probablyconcede that there's nothing you could do in the case of engine failure or somesort of hostile takeover of an airplane in flight. That's okay because theseincidents are so very, very rare. What you can do is help prevent getting sickor infecting others by following these simple steps and tips.

Understanding the AirUp There

You shouldn't besurprised that the air at 35,000 feet is much different than on the ground,even if you live in the Mile High City at 5000+ feet above sea level. To startwith, you will likely feel thirstier than you would on the ground. That'sbecause the filtration of the air, in an attempt to keep it clean, removes allparticles, including moisture from the air in the cabin.

The pressure, even in apressurized cabin, will feel heavier to some than to others. It is important toyawn often or plug your nose and mouth and GENTLY blow out. This will help "pop"your ears, allowing them to adjust to the pressure in the plane.

To Fly or Not toFly

Those suffering with acold, flu or other airborne virus or bacteria are urged not to fly if at allpossible. Not only are you putting 180 of your fellow passengers at risk, youare likely to feel worse during the flight than at home, resting. If youabsolutely must fly sick, consider wearing a hospital mask to keep your germsto yourself. For comfort, take a decongestant soon before boarding and rub theinside of your nose with petroleum jelly to avoid the lining of your nose fromdrying out in the dehydrated air. Also, keep your medicines with you in yourtravel bag ? do not check them ? if at all possible.

If you've been underthe knife recently and still have stitches or sutures that have not healedcompletely, flying could set back your recovery considerably. The pressure maycause unnecessary stress on your wounds and cause them to reopen. Alwayscontact your doctor before flying post-operatively.

Should you foresee thepossibility of being under the weather or post-operative before making yourflight reservations, consider purchasing travel insurance. It is almost alwaysmore expensive to buy new tickets or change your old ones if you do not havetravel insurance in place.

Cocktails,Anyone?

For some, theexperience of flying includes a cocktail or two. Understand that your bloodoxygen level decreases in flight, so the concentration of one glass worth ofwine is heavier than on the ground. While a gin and tonic may not make youloopy at home, it will likely have the effect of one and a half or even twococktails in the air.

Another effect ofalcohol is its natural tendency to act as a diuretic while on the ground or inthe air. Diuretics will increase blood flow through the kidney causing morewater to filter out. Your urine production goes up, your water volume goesdown. Avoid alcohol and caffeine to keep your kidney in check.

Exercise? In TheseSmall Seats?

Don't start your Tae Boworkout or work on your yoga inversions in your 2 cubic feet of personal space,but do practice some simple stretches and exercises to keep yourself fromfeeling run down.

Start with neck andshoulder stretches. Practice putting your chin to your chest, then looking upto those reading lights. Tip your head from side to side and do a few slow,controlled circles in both directions. Next, shrug your shoulders a few timesthe press your chest out while pushing your shoulder blades together.

Move onto your arms bybringing your elbows to shoulder level with your fist pointing straight up at a90 degree angle from your elbow. Flex your bicep slowly until the muscle beginsto hurt a little. Repeat with the other side.

For forearms, packalong a tennis ball and squeeze with your hand facing down and your forearm outin front of you. Once you're done with your forearms, put the tennis ballbetween your knees and SQUEEZE those inner thighs for 5 seconds, then release.Repeat.

Fight the urge to letyour abdominals turn to flubber in the plane and work them, as well. Don't dosit-ups in the aisle, instead try this breathing suction motion. Exhale all theair in your lungs. Before inhaling, suck your stomach in as high into your ribcageas you can. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then inhale and relax. Repeat as manytimes as you can. Note: don't do this right after eating.

When you get up to takea walk to the front or the back of the plane, stop for a minute or two and docalf raises. Stand flat-footed then raise up to your toes. Repeat until yourcalves are on fire or the seat belt sign illuminates and the Captain asks youback to your seat.

ShiftingWeight

Not in the bulkheadcompartment, though those suitcases have been known to shift during flight, butyour weight. Avoid sugary or heavy meals or snacks on your journey. Bring alongan apple, banana, a cheese stick or a sandwich wrap to munch on. Choose a dietsoda, club soda or plain old sky-juice (water, that is) instead of acalorie-laden cola.