Medical Health Encyclopedia

Preventing Jet Lag. Crossing time zones can throw off the body's natural rhythms, especially when travelers fly from west to east. But jet lag can be minimized. A few days before long flights, adjust sleeping and eating patterns:

• When traveling west, travelers might avoid outdoor light after 6 PM.
• If traveling east, travelers might begin going to bed earlier a few days before the trip and avoid outdoor light until 10 AM.
• If possible, flights should be completed well ahead of an important event requiring concentration.
• If crossing multiple time zones, the traveler should schedule overnight stopovers.
• The traveler should drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and coffee, which increase fluid loss.

Melatonin, a natural hormone associated with light changes, may help people recover from jet lag. Some people report good results by taking it on the day of departure a half hour before the expected sleeping time in the arrival city. Travelers might also ask their doctors about short-acting benzodiazepines ("sleeping pills"), such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), or temazepam (Restoril). They have been known to cause short-term forgetfulness and other side effect.

Cruise Ships

Reports of illnesses aboard cruise ships, particularly gastrointestinal problems from contaminated food, have alarmed many travelers. A sanitation program conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service should significantly cut the risk for such problems. Cruise ships are inspected twice a year and are then rated. The CDC provides ratings to the public for all ships sailing from U.S. ports. At this time these ratings are the only guide for a healthy cruise. Meanwhile, cruise-ship travelers should avoid eating eggs and shellfish to help protect against diarrhea.

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Aside from sanitation, health problems in general are common on cruise ships. A study of one major cruise ship reported that nearly 30% of the passengers were treated for skin disorders and 26% for respiratory problems while on board. Flu outbreaks sometimes occur even in summer. Older people who have not been immunized the previous flu season should ask their doctor about flu vaccinations. They add no value for people who had been previously immunized.