Know before you go - Extra Health - Brief Article

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Jan-Feb, 2003

* When you fly, take an oral decongestant an hour before landing (unless contraindicated) or use a nasal spray shortly before touchdown. Keeping your sinus passages open can minimize ear pain caused by changes in air pressure.

* Relative humidity in the Sahara Desert is 20%-25%, while cabin humidity can fall below 10% on a long-distance flight. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 ounces of water for every hour you're in the air.

* Take along a sports drink to sip from in-flight. Drinking a combination of salts, minerals and carbs (like that found in Gatorade and Powerade) about every two hours may reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Or get up every 2-3 hours to walk through the cabin.