Headed south for a little R and R? Make these suggestions part of your flight plan:

1. If you have cardiopulmonary disease, ask your doctor if it’s OK for you to fly, and what precautions to take.

2. Ask your doctor if you are at risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

3. Wear compression stockings to support circulation in your lower legs.

4. With your doctor’s approval, take a low dose of aspirin before flying to help prevent blood clots.

5. Enjoy a light snack and beverage before takeoff to keep up your energy. Bring chewing gum and healthy snacks like almonds or protein bars.

6. Drink fluids, but avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

7. Ask for an extra pillow to place behind your lower back for lumbar support. Keep your laptop case or carry-on bag under the seat in front of you and use it as a footrest.

8. Get up at least once an hour. If you can’t walk in the aisle, do stretching exercises in your seat. Flex your ankles (as if you were pressing up and down on the accelerator) often.

9. If a passenger near you is coughing or appears to be ill, notify a flight attendant.

10. If you experience shortness of breath, leg pain, or chest pain upon arrival, or several days to a month or two after a long plane trip, seek medical attention immediately.