("Pluck and Blow")
- [Voiceover] For frequent fliers out there,
you might wanna listen up.
Studies suggest that frequent fliers, like pilots,
have more than double the risk of developing melanoma
compared to the general population.
Plane windows do not sufficiently block
the harmful UV rays,
which are more powerful at higher altitudes.
About a third of your taste buds go numb during flight.
The dry air evaporates nasal mucus,
and membranes become swollen from cabin pressurization,
making it more difficult to detect food scents
needed for taste.
At cruising altitudes your blood absorbs
less oxygen, which may cause sleepiness,
dizziness, fatigue, and a lack of mental sharpness.
The decreased air pressure on the plane
also causes gas to expand in your body,
which can lead to discomfort.
Sitting for a very long time decreases blood flow
and causes blood to pool in your lower extremities.
This causes your muscles to stiffen,
and increases the risk of blood clots.
Pick your legs up and walk around a bit.
There's a risk of altitude induced decompression
sickness in flight.
One symptom is joint pain, or the bends.
If you've gone scuba diving your risk is increased,
and you should wait at least 24 hours after a dive
to take a flight.
Crossing two or more time zones can give you jet lag,
as it takes your brain longer to catch
onto the new pattern of day and night.
The effects are less prominent when flying east to west
because you're gaining day light.
You're exposed to cosmic radiation at higher altitudes.
Some studies suggest that frequent fliers,
like pilots or flight attendants,
have a higher risk of getting cancer due to radiation.
But don't worry, you're probably more likely
to get into a plane crash than cancer from that radiation.
("Pluck and Blow")