by Margery Wilson

If you or a loved one suffers from fear of flying you will want to listen to our December 4, 2009 show. Our good friend Marsha joined us – she is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health Nursing. She talked with us about flight anxiety and treatment options

If you have fear of flying well meaning friends will often tell you things like

“Airline travel is 29 times safer than driving an automobile.”

The problem is that the risk factor is not the problem. If it was, everyone who has fear of flying would never set foot in an automobile!

Fear of flying is a phobia, one of several anxiety disorders. The “fear” stems more from what might happen than with what is happening. Components might be related to many anxieties, some of which are not specific to airplanes: heights, enclosed spaces, crowded conditions, worrying about turbulence, not feeling in control, the possibility of terrorism.

If you have fear of flying, you are not alone. And, luckily, there are many resources to help you get past your anxieties.

Some people get past their fears by hitting the airport bar before a flight, and making sure the drinks keep coming  once on board. This is one solution, but it probably isn’t the best choice for your health. There are also anti-anxiety medications that your physician can prescribe (and Marsha explains about these). Just make sure you do not mix medication and alcohol, and don’t plan on driving while under the influence of either.

Should you decide to address your anxiety you might consider a group program—sometimes offered through airlines—that might help you find relief from your symptoms. In fact, many anxious passengers simply need the reassurance and information these programs offer. Such group programs offered by several airlines, and are easily found by searching the internet. There are also several video programs you can use in your own home.

You might also want to consider individual treatment from a qualified therapist. You will discover that fear of flying is something that many therapists deal with on a routine basis.

DOES TRAVEL EXHAUST YOU?

Pam Hussey from NAP26™ talks with us about her amazing power nap program that gives you the rest and rejuvenation of a 3-hour nap in just 26 minutes.  Studies show that taking regular, short naps under 30 minutes can do wonders towards improving your mood, work performance and overall productivity throughout the rest of your day, without making you feel groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep. A recent study from NASA showed that 26 minutes was the average time necessary to show marked improvement in productivity and alertness for pilots.

Any traveler knows that getting enough rest while on the road is a challenge. We usually arrive at the airport already tired from rushing to get to the airport, and things go downhill from there, right? Pam will explain how NAP26™ can be one of your best travel accessories.

You can order NAP26™ by calling 1-888-997-NAPS

Jetiquette Upgrade Bag News

We also touch base with our friend Leah Hawthorne about her “Jetiquette upgrade bag” experience on her Delta flight to Italy.  Even flight attendants need love – and Leah’s story reminds us all of why life is better when we are considerate of one another.