Fall and winter jet setting: how to cut stress and stay safe

The idea of flying over the Pacific blue can spur a myriad of emotions within holiday travelers. 

Some love the thrill of globetrotting and can settle in without much trouble. Others however, have a hard time with jet lag, motion sickness and luggage woes. 

To travel nimbly and more comfortably – follow these tips and ease your anxieties.

Book early

Worried about timing and availability? 

Set your travel plans as soon as you can. Last minute bargains don’t always guarantee the best deal. In fact, most hotels and cruise lines offer early bird incentives. 

Pick also, a non-stop earlier flight. One less airport kerfuffle means your journey will be that much smoother.

Travel light

When it comes to travel, minimalists have an edge.

Especially if your destination includes several stops, taxi rides or public transit. Totting around extra luggage is weighty and exhausting. You’re also more likely to forget items like your wallet or passport as you stop and go. 

To lighten your load, use Ziploc bags to carry simple toiletries. If you use makeup, pack just enough to last the length of your trip in small containers.  

Likewise, bring clothes that can be worn in layers and as multiple outfits. This way you’ve got enough variety for changing weather without overloading your suitcase.

Ensure plenty of time

Imagine relaxing with your bags checked in and a cold drink versus hustling to your gate number in a panic.

Whether it’s the airport, bus or train station – plan to leave 30 minutes early to beat delays. 

Early check-in also means you’re less likely to be bumped from an overbooked flight. Plus it gives you time to shop for snacks and catch a breath.

Prep for security

Metal isn’t your friend at security. If you’re traveling by air, don clothes without metallic fixtures and be ready to remove belts with metal buckles. 

To save time, take body piercings off before arriving, and tuck jewellery, wallets and keys into carry-on bags or purses. 

Traveling with kids? Utilize the family lane for quicker entry. Also ensure children aren’t carrying toys that need to be screened.

Plan for delays

As much as you might dislike the thought – mentally prep yourself for delay or reroute. It’ll help you figure out a Plan B and lower stress.

In case you’re stuck overnight – make room for snacks, small toys and extra clothes in your carry-on. As well, update your phone with digits of friends and family in connecting-flight towns.

Minimize motion sickness

Dizziness, sweat and nausea can make for cranky travelers. 

Lessen motion sickness by watching food and alcohol intake before and during travel. Stir clear of spicy or fat-rich meals, and avoid strong food smells that can cause nausea.

Also try to choose a seat where you’ll experience less movement and try not to sit backwards from your direction of travel.

Diminish jet lag

Jet lag causes daytime fatigue, digestion problems and happens when your body’s internal clock is out of sync. (Jet Lag Disorder)

To keep symptoms low, remain hydrated with H2O and stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Have small meals that are high in protein and low in fat, and if you’re flying eastbound – go to bed earlier a few nights prior. Vice versa, if going westbound try sleeping later.

Once you’ve landed at your destination – adjust your sleep and meal schedule as soon as you can. For AM arrivers, try making it through the day without sleeping early.

Makeup or masks? Halloween safety tips for kids

Mystery and magic will soon be abound  as witches and goblins hit the streets in search of haunts and candy.

But while All Hallows’ Eve is full of spooks and laughter – it’s also a time to watch out for real hazards. Plan for a safe yet scary night by considering these tips: 

Masks versus makeup

When it comes to mask or makeup supremacy – makeup wins the title for health and safety. 

Where masks can limit vision and proper ventilation – a smudge of red lipstick and a splash of ghastly powder can create the same eerie effects minus the safety risks.

If sporting a mask is a must this Halloween, be sure the eye and nose openings are large enough for easy breath and sight.

Find a frightful fit

Before buying that perfect Iron Man or Godzilla getup, make sure it’s loose enough to fit a few layers of warm clothing underneath. Also ensure that hems and embellishments don’t pose as a tripping hazard by sitting too low to the ground.

Youngsters should also be sporting bright colours and reflectors as they trick-or-treat into the night. This helps motorists see them ahead of time.

Map out your haunts

Trekking home alone, in the dark and zigzagging across the street are no-no’s. 

To ensure a safe and abundant candy harvest – plan a route, pair up your kids and have them trick-or-treat in small groups. If you don't plan on joining them – make sure you know where they’re headed beforehand.

Children should also carry a flashlight and cellphone for emergencies.

Get a head start

Give your little ones a head start by planning dinner early and hitting the streets soon after. This way it’s not too dark or cold as they make their way home from candy collecting.

Don’t stash the unwrapped sweets

Make sure your kids aren’t snacking on treats as they walk around the neighborhood.

Any candies that aren’t wrapped or appear torn and damaged should be trashed. You never know when sweets may have been tampered with – usually by drugs, poison or glass.

Though candy altering reports aren’t high, it does happen from time to time. (Is Halloween Candy Tampering a Myth)

Jack-o’-lantern glows

Smiling jack-o’-lanterns and illuminated pumpkins lend a hand to festive cheer. But they can also pose as fire hazards for many kids.

Instead of lighting candles, try a small flashlight or purchase some LED lights. Pumpkin LED’s give your masterpiece that optimal glow plus they’re child-friendly.

Carve with care

Carving kits, blunt tools and a sturdy, flat table are your best allies for pumpkin carving.

Once you’ve got this set up, make a few cuts along pre-drawn lines rather than sawing at your entire pumpkin.

Kids can help by drawing shapes and faces, but leave the actual carving to yourself.

EMS sleep deprivation: tips for better slumber

Back-to-back shifts? No worries. Long hours? That’s okay.

When it comes to EMS – rotating shifts and twilight hours can feel as normal as donning your badge or uniform. Especially when you’ve been running on adrenaline and have a passion for what you do.

But whether you’re a paramedic, nurse or night cleaner – irregular work hours can thwart needed snooze time that most nine-to-fivers take for granted.

If you’re constantly changing up your shifts or taking on more than needed – pay close attention to your sleep. You could be at risk for shift work sleep disorder – absenteeism, inability to focus and accidents related to fatigue are all symptoms to watch out for.

To replenish snooze time try these tips:

               

Stagger night-owl shifts: It’s easy to lack sleep once you’ve worked a few nights in a row. Instead, catch a break and ensure your rest by scheduling days off in-between.

Also smart to avoid rotating shifts as much as possible. Flipping your schedule frequently makes it harder to adjust to a healthy sleep schedule.

Side-step caffeine: A steaming cup of coffee can boost alertness and kick start your day. But too many coffee breaks can lead to irritability and trouble dozing off. Rather than risk a headache, try sipping water to keep hydrated and alert.

Enjoy active breaks: Snap on the iPod, chat to a co-worker or go for a walk. Active breaks help you feel energized for work but ready for slumber once you don your PJs and sink into bed.

Light up the workspace: Twilight shifts can tamper with circadian rhythms (your internal clock that tells you when to wake and sleep.) To optimize snooze time, use a special light box, lamp or visor to signal to your brain it’s “daytime.”

Put on a pair of shades: On the way home, try sporting wraparound sunglasses to protect from sunrays. This helps ready you for sleep and makes dozing off easier once your head hits the pillow.

Use blackout blinds: Sunlight is a strong stimuli that tells your brain it’s morning. That’s why most people have a tougher time sleeping mid-day. Get some proper shuteye by using heavy curtains or blackout blinds to block out the sun.

Utilize employer benefits: Rejuvenate yourself with counseling, fitness programs, paid vacation or mental health days. Many hospitals and fire departments offer these perks to keep employees feeling good and at their best. Use them whenever you need them.