july/aug 2019 A publication of St.Joseph’s/Candler
TRAVELING SOON? HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR TRAVELING BY PLANE OR AUTOMOBILE. If you do get sick on vacation, St. Joseph’s/Candler Smart Care 24/7 is ready to help Summer is upon us. What better time to pack up the grandkids for an unforgettable vacation. And while traveling can be exciting and adventurous, trips also can be disruptive to one’s health unless the proper preparations are taken into consideration. With a little preparation, you can increase the odds of having a safe and healthy trip. Here are some tips whether you are traveling by plane or automobile. FOR FLYING • Reduce your exposure to viruses. With more than 3.5 billion people flying each year, airplane cabins can be a source of viruses. Wash your hands often and use antibacterial wipes to clean your seat’s tray and arms. • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, constipation and dizziness. To avoid an uncomfortable flight and an ill feeling when you arrive, drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid caffeinated drinks which can worsen dehydration. • Minimize jet lag. Traveling between time zones can throw off your circadian rhythms, which regulate your sleep/wake cycle. It can take your body a few days to adjust to a new time zone, leaving you feeling groggy, fatigued and moody. To minimize these disruptions, book an early flight for travel east and a late flight for travel west. At departure, set your watch to the time at the destination and start adjusting your meal and sleep times to that time zone. • Prevent blood clots. Sitting in the same position for prolonged periods increases the risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Such clots, which form in your legs, can dislodge and travel to the heart or lungs. Swelling, pain/tenderness and redness in the extremities are all symptoms of DVT. Before you take your seat, stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment to increase legroom. When the seatbelt sign is off, get out of your seat and move around the cabin. Walking around gets blood circulation. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. FOR DRIVING • Prevent blood clots. Just as you are at risk of developing blood clots while flying, long-distance car rides also put you at risk of developing a DVT clot. When traveling long-distance by car, plan frequent stops to stretch your legs and walk around. If you are a passenger, do easy leg exercises like raising and lowering your heels and toes, stretching the calf muscle. (continued on back cover)
St. Joseph’s/Candler SmartSenior is looking for members to join our Advisory Board team. If you are interested in helping grow and direct the SmartSenior program and promote successful aging in your community, please contact Jenny Koch at 912-352-4405.
SMARTSENIOR OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE CLOSED
Mon thru Fri 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday & Friday, July 4 & 5
(Closed for lunch: 12PM - 1PM)
836 E. 65th St., Ste 8 • Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-4405
Fourth of July