Inflight well-being Dr. Vincent Feuillie, chief doctor for Air France, offers a few tips for a comfortable, relaxed flight. Peace of mind Statistics show that air to determine a diagnosis, administer aisle often, and do a few exercises, like travel is far safer than many other daily appropriate medication and, if necessary, gently contracting the muscles of your life situations. Air France flight atten- organize further treatment of the patient calves to boost circulation in your legs. dants are qualified to perform first aid, on landing. – Drink more water than you usually do to and they undergo regular training to compensate for the low level of humidity deal with any health problems that may Relaxing duringte gt Here are a in the aircraft. Limit your consumption affect passengers on board. Every flight few tips and recommendations when of coffee and tea, and also of alcohol, attendant joining the airline receives a traveling on long-haul flights: which can have a stronger effect in flight. first aid course to ensure they are able to – It is best to wear appropriate clothing: – Do not take any sleeping pills during provide in-flight medical assistance. If opt for loose-fitting clothes that are not the flight. there are no doctors on board, the crew too tight around the waist or legs, – Moisturize your lips and skin. can provide emergency care. together with comfortable shoes. – Remove contact lenses and wear Every year, these specific skills are main- – Good-quality support stockings or tights glasses instead. tained and developed at workshops, are recommended to prevent the possible – Offer water regularly to your children. which include theoretical sections and risks of deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis For infants, bring a bottle, which can be practical exercises based on real-life situ- that can occur after sitting for too long. extremely useful during takeoff and ations (cardiac arrest, fainting, trauma, For optimal effectiveness, they should be especially as the plane begins its descent etc.) and the use of specific equipment worn starting on the morning of air travel. for landing. (oxygen mask, defibrillator, blood pres- This recommendation applies to all adults, – Don’t forget to pack in your carry-on sure monitor, etc.). particularly for flights lasting over six hours. bag any medication you may need to Flight attendants are also responsible for – After takeoff, listen to relaxing music take during the flight. Keep it in its orig- communicating with a doctor who may to unwind. Make yourself as comfort- inal packaging, and bring the doctor’s be traveling on the flight or via telephone able as possible by stretching your prescription indicating the exact name of with a doctor from the Paris SAMU muscles, without crossing your legs. the medication. Pack enough for the (Emergency Medical Assistance Service) – Stand up and walk up and down the entire duration of your journey. À bord, portez de préférence vos lunettes (et non vos verres de contact) et détendez-vous. On board, wear glasses rather than contact lenses, and relax. 167