Although jet lag can be an annoyance for the average traveler, for a person who is doing medical tourism and traveling overseas for surgery or other health care procedures it can have a serious negative impact.
Medical tourism is no longer a small niche. An estimated one million Americans traveled abroad for the purpose of having medical or surgical procedures done in foreign countries in 2008, and the trend is continuing to increase, primarily due to the saving of about 75% compared to the cost of care at hospitals in the USA.
Whether it is for hip surgery in India, cosmetic nips and tucks in Thailand or dental implants in Costa Rica, anyone who is planning an overseas trip for medical reasons should be aware of the negative effect jet lag can have on your wellness.
Although most people who fly tend to be more worried about the highly publicized problem of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the probability of this happening is quite low compared with the 80% of international travelers who suffer from the effects of quickly moving through many different time zones.
Jet lag is a serious concern for medical tourists because its symptoms, both physical and emotional, can have a long term impact on a person’s health. Besides causing insomnia and fatigue, jet lag can have such acute effects as causing nausea, anxiety, confusion and even loss of memory. What to do at sentosa singapore
Here are some suggestions for ways a traveler can lessen the impact of jet lag.
Maximize your ability to be relaxed and free of stress during your flight by wearing clothing that is loose and comfortable.
A medical study has shown that eating less food helps the body readjust its natural rhythm more quickly. Although you probably will not wish to fast before flying, it helps to eat a meal that is relatively high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.
Being in an aircraft for extended periods of time dehydrates the body, so apply skin moisturizer liberally as well as drinking lots of water, not only during the flight, but also after you have arrived at your destination.
Avoid the temptation to crash in your hotel in the middle of the day. Instead, take a cold shower to help stay awake, then go outside and spend time in the sunlight without sunglasses on. When it is finally your natural bed time in the time zone of your destination country, a hot bath may be helpful before you go to bed.