Fit & Proper: Watch out for health risks, frequent flyers

Frequent flying involves many health risks, especially during long-haul flights. The extended periods of sitting and heavy luggage are some of the major concerns. Here's how you can make sure that your flight is comfortable and risk-free.

• Once you are inside the aircraft, you would have to lift your luggage to keep it in the overhead bin. It is best to first keep your bag on your seat and then lift it. Take care not to hurt your shoulder by lifting the bag straight from the ground to the bin.
   
• Small legroom is uncomfortable for those who are tall. For a long journey, therefore, you must choose your seats carefully. Everyone loves a window seat, but in a six-to-eight-hour journey, it is advisable to choose an aisle seat.
  

 

Sitting for long hours could put pressure on your back and spine. Therefore, for a long-duration flight, it is best to move around every 45 minutes.
 

Avoid keeping your luggage below the seat, and give your legs enough space to stretch. If you are short, keep a small pillow under your leg to maintain the posture.
 

Keep moving your feet inside the shoes. You could even open your shoes to relax your toes, which will help reduce the chances of a blood clot.

 

Instead of tea, coffee or alcohol, have water in the flight. There are chances of dehydration during the flight and tea or coffee would further dehydrate you.

 

If you have a history of back and spine pain, keep medicine with you and let the crew know about it so that they can help you if the need arises.
 

Avoid twisting your back. Instead, turn your full body to avoid putting pressure on your lower back.

While carrying heavy load, keep the weight distributed evenly between both your shoulders.

Mandeep Singh
Senior consultant, orthopedics, Fortis Escorts Bone & Spine Institute, New Delhi