Get fit to fly before summer travels begin
vacation destination can effectively take your mind off of the flight. I also strongly suggest taking a few minutes to study the safety card and look for the nearest two exits for your airplane. Having a plan to follow in the (very) unlikely event of a problem is empowering and reassuring in its own way.
When I talk with people about healthy air travel, another point I emphasize is to avoid buying tickets merely by price. The aircraft you fly, the routing you take, and the airline you reward with your money will impact your personal health. Earlier this month, I went to Brazil and chose an international airline that would get me there on a Boeing 787. This aircraft was designed with a unique mechanism for supplying the cabin with some of the cleanest air in the skies. I also like flying the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 767 because the window seats I like give me easier access to the aisle without disturbing more than one person.
Sitting is a problem both on the ground and in the air as new research is showing. Breaking up long flights with walks to the bathroom or chats with the flight attendants are ways to minimize sitting time. Even in economy seating, the wide-body aircraft I just mentioned have short “hallways” that connect two aisles. These corridors are great for stretching and light calisthenics — just be considerate when you are there.
On the subject of movement, I always dress for lots of it. When I must change planes during a stopover, I avoid the airport buses and people movers whenever possible so that I can engage in brisk walking from one gate to the next. Airports often have interesting art installations, mini-spas, and panoramic views that I would miss if I didn’t use the stopover opportunity to go for a walk.
Of course, I always wear appropriate shoes too but not just for my airport walking. I often wonder when I see passengers in flip-flops and flimsy sandals just how would they be able to evacuate an airplane during an emergency? Is that footwear really worth saving a few minutes in the TSA lines?
If you want to learn more about healthy air travel, join me in September when I will teach a course on the subject for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Arizona State University. Details on the course can be found on their website or by calling 602-543-6440.