Re: Flying and Leg Pain

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna in hot, sunny London,

When you fly, do you elevate your knees - preferrably higher than

your hips? (while sleeping?) Or if you are seated, are your knees up

higher with your feet resting on something that will make them higher

than your hips? Also, are you using a seat cushion - for spine care

(but it affects the body all over?) Something like you can find in

the Magellan's catalog is whatI use, although I have never had leg

pain when flying. I do get up and walk the distance of the plane,

back and forth about 4-5 times on a 11 flight too.

I know you're a seasoned traveler, so please excuse this info if I am

redundant or you are already knowledgeable on this.

In the Fijiwater I drink, about 3-4 liters a day, there is a good %

of Magnesium - so I am not taking it orally, it is just one of the

ingredients in the mineral water besides the Calcium and Silica.

I have discovered Tonic Water to be a 'natural' muscle relaxant -

when out in the evenings, I will drink 1 or 2 tall ones with fresh

lime, when guests or friends are having their cocktails. (OK so it is

a 'mocktail' for me) But it has a relaxing effect after a busy day

and is also refreshing, and I stay sober (important for me). I have

also noticed lately that it stops my tremors if they kick up.

~ Gretchen in hot, dry, So. California

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gretchen. I am lucky when I fly because I stick to BA and for the long

flights get the flat bed, which means my feet are stretched out and elevated.

The issue tends to arise after the flight, so I am thinking it is some sort of

imbalance brought on by dehydration or something. I have noticed more of a

creepy crawly feeling in my calves since flying so much more this year.

I am a fan of Fiji water, but have not found the routine of internet

shopping yet in the new house. Once the kitchen is done then I will settle back

into it I guess. And then it is Fiji water and the rest of my proper eating

regime. The tonic with lime slice is a great idea. I will try that as an

alternative to just water next time I am out.

Best wishes,

Donna from London

[Guest guest]

Donna:

I take 500 mg of magnesium a day. One thing to remember that magnesium

is an antacid. Be sure to take the tablets when an antacid won't

interfere with any other drugs.

As to tonic, I drank 12-18 ounces per day. I used sweetened tonic as I

found the unsweetened version undrinkable.

As to flying and leg pain, be careful about deep vein thrombosis in

legs from sitting in one position for long periods. Walking around

every 2 hours is a good idea. I always sat on the aisle so when anyone

sitting next to me had to go to the loo (While working for an English

company requiring frequent flights to London then Reading, I picked up

SOME slang!} I stood up to let them by. Free exercise!

-- Larry