Staying Comfortable and Healthy

There are a number of things you can do when preparing for a flight maintain your health.

One of the main issues on long flights can be blood clots. To avoid them try doing the following:
First, get up and move arounf every so often. Stretch your lower leg muscles and lightly massage your leg muscles. If you have to stay in your seat, try lifting your heels (with your toes on the ground) and then lifting your toes (with your heels on the ground) to stretch your calves. You can learn more about this condition here.

Stay hydrated. The air in an airplane cabin is very dry. Drink plenty of liquids on a flight - especially water and decaffeinated beveraged. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Don't forget your medications. Bring medications along in your carry-on bag, and make sure you have enough to cover flight possible delays. It might be a good idea to check with your doctor before leaving on your trip to make sure your supply of meds is adaquate and to see how to treat changes in time zones if you are on a strict schedule.

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Avoiding Jet Lag

Jet lag is a physical and mental issue that occurs when you take a flight where your arrive at a time different than where you departed from. Some people suggest, and I believe it, that you should begin to adopt your destination time as soon as you board your flight. Change your watch to the time at your destination. Eat meals according to the destination time. Drink plenty of water. And upon arrival, join into the activity schedule of your destination. For example, if you are flying to Europe from America you may leave in the early evening - which means you will arrive in the morning in Europe. Therefore, try and sleep on the plane. When you arrive seize the day - try and stay awake until a reasonable bed time. This will help you adjust. The wikipedia article on jet lag is here.