What's New - Long haul medical travel tips for the family   Long haul medical travel tips for the family   Dehydration: Encourage everyone to drink pleny of fluids such as water or fruit juice; caffeine drinks and alcohol are best avoided. But remember to buy these in duty free as bottles greater than 100mls are still banned. Avoid over eating: and take healthy snacks and treats, not ones full of sugar to preventive hyperactiveness and thirst. Ear pain; Take off and landing can cause ear pain due to the significant pressure changes and may distress a child or baby. Give your child something to suck on such as a sweet or a dummy; if your child is old enough encourage them to yawn or swallow to equalise the pressure in their ears. Sleep: Try and encourage your family to sleep on the flight by maximising darkness (consider eye masks) using airplane blankets and pillows and taking inflatable neck rests. Jet Lag: Children and babies can suffer from jet lag like adults but tend to adapt quicker to a new time zone. Prevent jet lag as much as possible by staying up to as near normal bedtime in the country you have arrived in and staying in the sunshine or a brilianty lit room as your body clock reacts to light and will rest itself more quickly. Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) The risk of DVT is known to increase with long periods of immobility such as on long haul flights. Gentle ankle rotations and stretches done regularly can help in prevention as will regular walks around the cabin. Sitting with cross legs should be discouraged. You should seek medical advice if you are at risk from DVT prior to flying. Things to pack in your hand luggage • Childs favourite toy, comforter or dummy if they have one. • Selection of healthy snacks and bottled water or drinks in leak free containers. • Wet wipes. • Any regular medication such as inhalers, sachets of paracetamol or ibuprofen for children. • Small books and perhaps a few surprise presents that can be whisked out if boredom creeps in. This article was written by an A&E nurse trainer on behalf of R.E.D.I. Training. If you would like more information about First Aid courses please call us on 020 7348 7117 or contact info@redi-training.co.uk All trainers are experienced nurses with that can come to your house at a time that suits you and your family. DISCLAIMER: This article is written as general information and does not substitute medical advice. R.E.D.I. Training is not responsible or liable for diagnosis or actions taken based on this article.     Return To Previous Page