SUMMER TRAVELER : Travel tips for flyers

Going on a much- awaited trip this summer? Go an

extra mile, healthwise. It’s the best way to get the

most out of the vacation you really planned for.

When taking the wings to your holiday spot, Singapore

Airlines offers these healthy travel tips to help you fly fit

and arrive fit:

Before take-off

•Take a healthful meal, not a heavy one, before the

flight. Stay away from spicy food, alcohol, tea and coffee

a day before your flight.

• Wear comfortable clothing made from cotton or any

natural fiber. They let your skin breathe freely and keep

you cool.

While airborne

• Eat a light, balanced meal. The inflight menu consists of

well-planned delicious meals that keep you fit to fly.

• Drink lots of water. Alcohol and some carbonated sodas

can cause thirst and dryness of skin.

•Listen to soothing music to calm down your nerves or

just to keep you relaxed. It might even help to use your

imagination like picturing yourself finally relaxing in the

vacation spot you are flying to.

In-flight aerobics

It is easy to stiffen up during a long flight. Doing simple

stretching exercises can improve blood circulation and

lessen flight fatigue. You can perform them in your seat

while in an upright position. Just remember to respect the

airspace of the other passengers.

• For the neck, move your head slowly towards your right

shoulder and hold the position. Then, move towards your

left shoulder and hold. Move chin slowly towards your

chest, hold and relax. Repeat three times.

• For the arms, stretch out your arms in front of your

body. Flex at the elbow and bring them slowly to your

chest. Repeat five times.

• For the abdomen, start from an upright sitting position,

hands on lap. Slide hands down to your legs and feet.

Straighten up gradually to position. Repeat three times.

• For the legs, put feet on the floor. Bring your knees up

slowly to your chest, then back to the floor. Repeat

three times.

Forewarned is forearmed. People under medical

observation or medication may still fly, provided they

take all the necessary precautions. For pregnant women,

most airlines do not allow flight after 35 weeks of

pregnancy. They should check with immigration

authorities at their destination to make sure they are

allowed to enter the country.

So whether you are going on a leisure vacation or a

business trip this summer, remember that flying in good

health will truly make your spirit soar.