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5 SIMPLE WAYS TO ENSURE A COMFORTABLE FLIGHT JOURNEY by : Fauzunnasirah Fazil
Food & drink
Eating is in moderation to avoid indigestion and feelings of being bloated . Consumption of alcohol exacerbates dehydration , compounded by high-altitude flights . So it is advisable to keep the body topped with fluids by consuming plain water .
Skin dehydration
Frequent application of moisturizing creams is highly recommended to hydrate skin .
Shoes & clothing
Comfortable footwear and the use of deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) sock are essential to help prevent DVT and swollen ankles . Layers of loose , roomy clothing are ideal for flying and can be adjusted according to the changing cabin temperatures .
Exercise
Beat the lag by having as much sleep as possible . Use comfort kit ( neck pillow , blanket and eye shade ) to aid . Gentle body movements also can assist in avoiding tiredness and aching limbs on long-haul flights .
Air pressure
Changes in air pressure or altitude could cause ears to ‘ pop ’, usually referred as ‘ popping ears ’, and sometimes ache during take-offs and landings . Suck on sweets or try to mimic the act of chewing and swallowing . This will relieve the discomfort and help stabilize the pressure in the ear canals . For baby , the use of pacifiers or nursing ( direct breast feeding ) will work best for them . If you have a cold , use nasal passage to alleviate the ache . Mid flu can cause extreme pressure in the ears which may be relieved by pinching the nose and swallowing . While on board , just relax and hold a deep breath , meanwhile , shut your nose and mouth simultaneously , then exhale ( while nose and mouth are shut ). Repeat until your ear canals feel relief .
Fauzunnasirah Fazil is a tourism senior lecturer at UiTM Melaka Kampus Alor Gajah specializing in Travel & Tour Operations .
ACCESS :
Voice Of Tourism Education 2nd Edition
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