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10 tips for Plane travel

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4 months ago

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Many people experience some form of discomfort or sickness when they travel by plane. Dry mouth, aching limbs, swollen ankles — they’re par for the course on plane rides and they are, in fact, caused by the very environment you’re traveling in.

That means there’s nothing you can do to eliminate these issues entirely, but you can take a few steps in the right direction.

Cabin pressure creates an environment akin to being 8,000 feet high — similar to being on a mountain. As a result, it’s not uncommon for sitting and breathing to feel more challenging, and the low humidity means your body can become dehydrated.

Here’s how to feel your best when you’re in the air:

  1. Drink more water.
    Hydration will help you handle anything air travel sends your way. Water is the most accessible option, and electrolyte-heavy beverages — like sports drinks — can also help in certain instances. Avoid caffeinated beverages (and diuretics) like coffee and soda. You should drink a bottle of water for every hour you’re in the air; the increased bathroom breaks will offer an additional opportunity to stretch your legs.
  2. Drink less alcohol.
    Alcohol presents a double threat to airplane wellness. Not only does alcohol make it more difficult for cells to absorb oxygen, which will worsen your altitude symptoms, but it also dehydrates your body faster. So if you’re feeling stressed about flying, opt for a non-caffeinated tea instead of a stiff drink.
  3. Pack for hydration.
    Low humidity on planes can be a real problem. While a comfortable indoor humidity is anywhere from 30 to 65 percent, the humidity inside an airplane cabin is only around 10 to 20 percent. As a result, you and your body will feel better if you pack a good moisturizer for dry skin and eye drops like saline solution, especially if you wear contact lenses. Just remember to pack a travel size to get past the TSA.
  4. Prepare your immune system.
    Getting a cold on a flight isn’t the result of poor air quality or recycled air; it’s more likely due to a combination of excessive germs and your body’s compromised ability to deal with them. Hundreds of people have touched what you’re touching and everyone is breathing — sometimes sneezing — in the same confined space for multiple hours. You can pack disposable wipes for the tray tables, but your best defense is getting rest and staying hydrated.
  5. Flex your calves.
    Immobility can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sometimes called “economy-class syndrome” in travel talk. It’s still unclear whether flying scientifically raises the risk of DVT, but prolonged (more than four hours) immobility is unhealthy in any context. However, you only need to contract your calf muscles — for example, by tapping your feet, which also moves the shins, thighs and hip joints — to get the blood flowing. Walking to the back of the plane or using the restroom are also easy, inconspicuous ways to keep your blood flowing.
  6. Stretch everything else.
    While less crucial than leg stretches, if your body is going to be in one position for a long time, stretching is a good idea. Bring your chest down to meet your thighs to stretch out your back, and reach out in front of you to get your arms, too. For more involved airplane moves, you may need to get out of your seat and find a space — probably near the back of the plane — to stretch.
  7. Sleep near the window.
    While you shouldn’t count on restful sleep on the plane, it could be an opportunity to rest during your travel, particularly if you’re facing jet lag. If you plan to catch some shut-eye, opt for a window seat. Not only will you have control over the window shade (and sunlight), but you’ll also be out of the way of climbing seatmates or people bumping into you in the aisle. Also, pack a neck pillow.
  8. Make your own legroom.
    Baggage fees encourage most travelers to bring their luggage on board, meaning overhead compartments and space under the seat in front of you fill up fast. If you have the opportunity, pack only the necessities in your carry-on to give yourself the most amount of legroom possible.
  9. Dress comfortably.
    Travel attire is an increasingly personal decision, but regardless of how trendy you choose to dress, layers are key. Airplanes tend to be cold, but the ability to add and remove layers will be incredibly helpful as you acclimate to different airports and maybe even climates.
  10. Breathe.
    Take a few deep breaths when you’re settled into your seat. Not only will breathing and meditation techniques help if you’re stressed or nervous about flying, but adjusting your breathing rhythm can also help you adjust to a new altitude.
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APPLY: FIRS begins recruitment of senior managers, directors

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6 hours ago

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December 23, 2024 1:50 pm

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has begun its recruitment exercise for experienced professionals to fill specialised positions in the organisation.

Announcing various vacant roles on Monday, the FIRS said the recruitment exercise is part of its consolidation strategies.

The advertised positions include assistant manager and deputy manager roles in tax (investigation), PRS (research), public relations, and ICT (cybersecurity and AI management).

Other available roles are assistant manager and deputy manager in PRS (risk management), assistant manager and deputy manager in legal, and senior manager and assistant director roles in tax (audit).

“Applicants must have qualifications and relevant professional certificates as specified in the positions they are applying for and must also fulfill the following requirements,” the agency said.

“Applicant must possess Bachelor’s degree/HND with at least second class lower/lower credit.

“Applicant must have completed NYSC not later than 31st December 2017.

“Applicant for the position of assistant manager and deputy manager must not be more than 40 years of age while senior manager and assistant director must not be more than 45 as at 31st December 2024.”

The revenue agency said candidates must possess strong leadership and management skills, team spirit and ability to effectively delegate, interpersonal and communication skills, and strong Analytical skills.

“Knowledge of the Nigerian tax laws and appreciation of their application and understanding of the regulatory framework within which the FIRS operates,” the FIRS said.

“Knowledge of business/industry environment within which taxpayers operate.

“Ability to work as a regulator with the courage to ensure full compliance with laws.

“Interested candidates should apply via official FIRS career portal: careers.firs.gov.ng and or FIRS verified social media handles.”

The FIRS said the application portal will open on December 23, 2024, noting that the deadline for submissions is January 11, 2025.

The service advised applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying to ensure they meet all requirements and understand the qualifications needed for successful selection.

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UBA GMD calls for public-private partnership to accelerate economic growth

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8 hours ago

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December 23, 2024 11:28 am

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Oliver Alawuba, group managing director (GMD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of United Bank for Africa (UBA), has called for public-private partnership (PPP) to accelerate economic growth.

Alawuba spoke on December 20 during the launch of the newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, refurbished by UBA.

According to a statement on Sunday by the bank, the project, which signifies a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, shows UBA’s commitment to national development, highlighting the immense value of strategic PPPs.

The ceremony was attended by stakeholders, including Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, and Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Alawuba commended the collaboration that led to the execution of the project, emphasising the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he said.

“Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

“The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

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Petrol to sell at N935/litre from today, says IPMAN

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10 hours ago

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December 23, 2024 9:49 am

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell at N935 per litre beginning from Monday (today) based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide, incurring a cost of N36 on logistics.

“Dangote refinery has brought another new arrangement of loading and pricing by which marketers would pay a fixed ex-depot price of N899.50k.

“The refinery is running a programme whereby it wants the fuel consumption across the country to be at the same rate. We are expecting the new arrangement to kick-start on Monday. Previously, the loading price was N970 per litre, but from Monday, petrol prices will drop to N935,” Garima stated.

The association also stated that over 30,000 of its members are set to commence petrol loading from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Port Harcourt Refining Company following the reduction of the ex-depot price of the product to N899 per litre.

This came as it was observed that the pump price of petrol dropped on Sunday to between N950 and N980 per litre in a few filling stations in Lagos including MRS, BOVAS and NNPC. However, the cost was above N1,000 per litre in many other outlets in the state.

But IPMAN promised on Sunday that the price would drop further, as it said the cost of petrol would reduce to N935 per litre in more filling stations by Monday (today) in view of Dangote refinery’s new arrangement.

Similarly, retail outlet owners under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria have begun registration with MRS filling station to lift Dangote petrol at N935 per litre.

The IPMAN National Publicity officer, Chinedu Ukadike, and the PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed these during separate exclusive interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday.

The development came after intense pricing competition in the nation’s downstream sector, which triggered a price war between NNPCL and Dangote due to a reduction in the ex-depot price to N899 per litre.

On Saturday, the NNPCL, in a surprising development, slashed petrol prices by 12 per cent, to the delight of Nigerians and marketers.

This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement on Saturday.

Before now, petrol prices had consistently increased, causing customers to worry that the price hike might be sustained during the festive season.

The reduction in price to N935 in Lagos confirms projections by marketers and was exclusively reported by The PUNCH last Friday.

Providing further updates on the preparations for product lifting, the IPMAN publicity officer stated that marketers are getting ready to start loading petrol at a reduced price, as the national oil company has updated its pricing on the purchase portal.

Ukadike also said that the competition for market share between NNPCL and Dangote is beneficial for Nigerians because, in the end, it will reveal the true cost of PMS production and the expenses incurred in logistics.

According to him, the price war is central to a deregulated oil sector.

He said, “NNPCL has changed their price at their portal. It means that everyone who has access to that portal can be able to request and pay for products. Once you pay, you will called to the depot to pick up your products. Yes, they have changed the price on their portal.”

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