A – Z of Holiday Health – F – J

Below are some bite sized bits of information to helping you prepare for a happy, healthy and safe holiday.

F - Flight Socks

Flight socks, also known as compression socks, are specially designed socks that apply gentle pressure to the lower legs and feet. They help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and discomfort during long periods of sitting, such as on flights or while traveling. The compression promotes better blood flow, which can help prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form in the legs during long flights.

G - Ginger

Root ginger can be taken and used before travelling to aid motion sickness. Recent trials have proved its anti nausea and anti vomiting effects.

H - Hayfever

25% of people aged between 12-21 are affected by hayfever causing itchy eyes and a runny nose, in fact 16% of the whole population suffer from hayfever from time to time. Hayfever also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen and depending on peoples allergies can affect people at different times of the year. Below is a list of the pollens released during the year and when to look out for them.

• Spring - tree pollen, i.e., birch, hazel, oak
• Summer - grass pollen
• Autumn - wild flowers

But your holiday shouldn't be ruined by hayfever there are now lots of helpful treatments with the once a day formulation being the easiest treatment.

I - Insects

Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies, can be a real nuisance not only can they cause painful bites and stings but can also spread many dangerous diseases. Insect repellents are used to deter insects which bite, sting, or suck our blood. Those that contain Deet and Permethrin can give almost 100% protection but there are now natural alternatives with lemon or eucalyptus oils.

During the day its best to apply sun cream with an insect repellent or if applying insect repellent separately apply the repellent on top of the sun cream.

J - Jet Lag

Jet lag is when you are tired and can be slightly disoriented for days after a long flight. Jet lag is caused when you fly across several time zones rapidly and are then unable to immediately resynchronize your biological clock with the new day and light cycle. There are ways though to avoid it.

1. Change your watch to the time of your destination.
2. Adjust your meal times and activities to suit local times.
3. Try to avoid night flights.
4. Aim to arrive at your destination as near to bedtime as possible.