Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Terry Rindfleisch: Stress is a real health hazard of flying
Flying is now one of the most unhealthy things we can do.
Remember when jet lag and motion sickness were the major health hazards associated with airplane travel?
People may be suffering more jet lag these days due to more flight cancellations and difficulty in making plane connections. But for a lot of people, stress is the No. 1 health problem when traveling by air.
Many people take a vacation to get a break from work, but in the end may spend much of their vacation waiting for an airplane. They’ve invested time, money and huge expectations in their vacation — and what they get from a broken airline system is stress, frustration, disappointment and a vacation in ruins.
And all that seems OK with the airlines and the government.
On top of that, people need to build in more days on both ends of their vacation just to get to their destination and back home again. That’s fun, isn’t it?
Is it a surprise some people have a short fuse? Is is a surprise normally happy, patient people lose their patience and yell, “I’m mad as hell and I won’t take it anymore”?
My anxiety level and blood pressure go up every time I’m about to fly because I expect the worst, and much of the time my expectations are realized. I often find travel more stressful than work.
They say we should enjoy the journey. I don’t, and I’m surprised if I actually reach my destination.
I think the American Heart Association should list flying as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and many other medical problems.
How do we fight back?
I plan to fly less, mainly because I cannot afford to take the risk — investing money put away for vacation, only to have it ruined.
I also have decided to fight back with a smile, patience and acceptance when I do fly.
What else can I do?
- Drive to a major airport hub, stay overnight and take a direct flight. It might cost more, but it also may spare a few headaches.
- Get to the airport in plenty of time, and spend the extra time there with a good book.
- Keep well-hydrated with water. Alcohol is a poor and dangerous substitute.
- Use the airport as a walking track — exercise.
- Take long, deep breaths when your flight is canceled for the fifth time.
- Make sure to eat something, but avoid airport fast food and junk food. A healthy snack during travel delays will help.
- Stay calm and remember you probably will get to your destination eventually.
- Laugh, laugh, laugh at the ridiculous situations you may see or face. Be thankful your life and your work doesn’t work like the airlines.
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