12
Another
method is
to
improvise a day
-
by
-
day schedule with the physician
to allow a slow transition from day of departure continuing on as long as
necessary at the destination.
This requires a written schedule with particular
attention given to meal times and other activitie
s such as
physical exertion.
Diabetic travelers under reasonable control can fly anywhere safely with
proper planning.
Control
enroute as well as at the destination is greatly facilitated
not only by the availability of special diets, but also by the cap
ability to se
lf
-
monitor blood glucose levels.
Alcohol
Use caution if you decide to drink alcoholic beverages when traveling by
air.
Alcohol can dehydrate you and will interfere with your ability to sleep.
It has
also been implicated
in recent incidents
of “air rage.” Consequently, it is most
prudent to avoid or at least minimize alcohol consumption during air travel.
Motion Sickness
Although motion sickness is less common with jets than with propeller
-
driven aircraft, it may occur, particularly in sus
ceptible individuals.
If you think you
might require medication, consult your physician.
For those susceptible to motion
sickness:
•
Request a seat over the wing.
•
Schedule flights on larger airplanes.
•
Request a window seat (and gaze at the
horizon).
•
Direct c
ool, ventilated air onto the face.
•
Avoid excess liquids and gas producing
foods.
•
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to flight and inflight.
Fractures
Most passengers with treated fractures can travel safely by air. The only
potential problem is swelling o
f the tissues under the cast that can occur due to a
decrease in barometric pressure at altitude. This could interfere with healing and
cause pain. In general, the risk of swelling is greatest the first 72 hours after the
cast is set. It is, therefore, adv
isable to wait 3 days before traveling. However, if
this is not possible, your physician can fix the cast in such a way that it can be
loosened (by splitting it along the sides and wrapping with an elastic bandage
—
called bivalving), if necessary. A bivalve
d cast will probably have to be replaced
at the destination. If a large or bulky cast is necessary that might crowd other
passengers, you may be required to purchase two seats.