During the course of the year, especially in summer and during the holidays, many of us will be hopping a plane. To protect your health and reduce stress while flying, try these tips:

• Take vitamin C and zinc before and after boarding the plane to help compensate for pressure changes, lower levels of oxygen, and dry air in flight.
• Bring along single-serve beverages and water bottles, fruit, energy bars, nuts, and other healthy snacks (check with your airline or visit the TSA's web site to verify what is allowed in your carry-on).
• Try to get up and walk around every 30 minutes or so; jump up and down in the lavatory to compensate for sitting so long.

In addition to cramped conditions on board aircraft, low air pressure and oxygen levels can contribute to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), aka “economy class syndrome,” in some people. Drinking too much alcohol and taking sedatives during flights only increase the risk for DVT. But a recent clinical study suggests that French maritime pine bark supplements, taken two to three hours prior to flying, may effectively protect against this syndrome.