Stressed Body

First broadcast September 2005

In this documentary, the body gets a chance to speak for itself. The body itself - played by Nina Wadia - tells us what's going on when we the flesh and blood is put through the extremes of modern life.

Part 1: The Fifteen Hour Flight

Have you ever wondered why you feel so dreadful after a long-haul trip?

In these days of ever-longer non-stop flights, we give the body a chance to describe what's going on inside during fifteen hours at a height of 35,000 feet.

It is well known that there is a connection in some people between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and frequent long-haul fliying - it is thought that as many as 1% of long-haul travellers may develop potentially-dangerous blood clots as a result of their trips.

But there are many other concerns related to long-haul and frequent flying.

For example, airline pilots may be at increased risk of eye damage because of their exposure to cosmic radiation.

And prolonged exposure to air conditioning dehydrates your body.

So what really happens to our bodies when we fly?

Leading aviation health experts explain the effects of everything from deep vein thrombosis and cosmic radiation to dehydration and upset Circadian Rhythms - the "body clock".

But it is the Body itself which takes centre stage as it describes, hour by hour, the battle to stay fit and well.

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