Doctor’s recommendations

Many people fly between continents without any difficulties as often as several times a month, while others may have health problems during their flight. These complications are frequently linked to when people remain seated for a long time, without moving their lower limbs enough. Some passengers can also be sensitive to the height at which the aircraft is flying, as well as to the specific cabin environment. It has not been proved that these factors have any direct impact on the body, but we don't wish to underestimate them.

Experts have concluded that every passenger inside an aircraft can have a positive effect on his or her condition during the flight by simply respecting the following basic principles:

1. Drink an adequate amount during the flight - ordinary water is best.

2. Cut down on your consumption of alcohol, coffee and strong tea - these contribute to dehydration, which can have a negative effect on your metabolism.

3. Remove shoes (or loosen laces)

4. Loosen any belts or tie-knots

5. Do not cross your legs (this helps to avoid the formation of blood clots)

6. Change position and stretch frequently.

7. And, above all, exercise several times during your flight.

 33 Exercise 4

Potential health risks for pilots

Environmental concerns include noise and vibration, hypoxia, dehydration, extreme temperatures, flickering lights (as in helicopters). Long international flights and automation cause a reduction of mental stimulus and increase in boredom. Long schedules and changes in circadian rhythms are among the most common causes of fatigue faced by pilots. Circadian rhythms are the biological clock existing in our brains since prehistoric times, which tell us that we should work when it is light (day) and sleep when it is dark (night). Circadian changes make a person try to sleep when their mind is wide-awake, and they force them to remain awake when their mind is screaming to go to bed.

Fatigue is often the cause of pilot error and it is therefore often the vital link in the chain of events leading to an accident. Fatigue can be prevented by individuals taking the following preemptive measures:

1. Planning to get enough sleep before a trip is the most obvious step.

2. Another factor is nutritional intake. So the important step is to eat properly.

3. Everyone should exercise often, but remember to do so well before the start of a trip. This will make the pilot healthier and more alert.

4. Pilots can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during a flight, and avoid coffee, sodas and alcohol.

5. Pilots can wear noise-reducing headsets if the cockpit is loud.

6. If you are sick, don’t fly. It is an obvious statement, but many people fly when they are sick anyway. Pilots must stay home when they are ill, for their own sake and for their fellow crew members.

Unit 7. Weather. Climate. Natural disasters

 34 Exercise1.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. ATC has informed us that all eastbound flights will be held on the ground for a short delay. The eastern coast experienced heavy fog this morning and Richmond has not improved enough for arrivals to land. ATC would rather hold us on the ground for a while than hold us en route for an indefinite period. We will keep you abreast of changes and appreciate your patience. "

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Your Captain has informed us that we are flying through an area of local turbulence. Please return to your seats, fasten your seat-belts, and observe the sign. Toilets are not available at the moment.

As soon as the aircraft leaves the area of turbulence, Captain will switch off the sign and you will be able to move safely about the cabin.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We are sorry that due to adverse weather conditions at Domodedovo airport we have to land at Pulkovo Airport.

Please remain seated with your seat-belts fastened until the aircraft comes to a completed stop.

We kindly ask you to follow the further announcements. Thank you.

 35 Exercise 2.