I'm taking my children abroad on holiday for this first time this summer. I'm worried about the plane journey and how they will cope – is there anything we can do to make sure it goes smoothly?

Follow these tips for a healthy and comfortable flight.

Before your flight

• Pack well in advance. If you have children, bring toys, games and books in your hand luggage to entertain them during the flight.

• If you have a history of travel sickness, there are self-car techniques you can try at www.nhsinform.co.uk or you can buy medication over the counter at a pharmacy. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Get plenty of sleep the night before your flight.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the plane.

• Plan your route to the airport. Book train or bus tickets, or car parking. Check the travel news before you leave and allow plenty of time to get the airport.

During your flight

• Keep hydrated. The air on planes is very dry, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee or cola, because they will make you thirstier.

• Move around. Sitting still is a common risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so do some simple exercises as you fly. Bend and straighten your legs, press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor, and walk around the cabin when you are able to. Avoid taking sleeping pills. These can put you into a deep sleep and you won’t be able to move for a long time.

• Dehydration can make jet lag worse, so drink plenty of water. Change your watch to your new time zone when you board the plane, and try to get some sleep during the flight.

Avoiding ear trouble

The change in air pressure in the cabin as the plane takes off and lands can be painful as your ears adjust. Yawning, swallowing, sucking a boiled sweet or chewing gum can all help. Other tips you could try are listed below.

• Wake up around an hour before landing so that your ears have time to adjust to the descent.

• If you're travelling with a baby, feed them during take-off and landing.

• It's not advisable to fly if you have an ear, nose or sinus infection, as the swelling can cause pain, bleeding or a perforated eardrum. If you have to fly, then ask your GP or pharmacist about decongestants to help reduce the swelling in your ears.

• If you've had any type of ear surgery, check with your GP or specialist before flying.

Air quality in planes

Most planes are fitted with air filters that change the cabin air every three to seven minutes. There's no evidence to suggest that the air conditioning systems in planes spread infectious diseases.

You can catch infectious diseases, such as the common cold, simply by sitting or standing near someone who is infected, or by touching an object, such as a door handle, after they have.

My husband broke his leg a couple of weeks ago and is in a plaster. We are due to go on holiday abroad soon and are travelling by plane. Is he able to travel with his leg in plaster?

It’s best to check with your travel operator or airline. Most airlines will allow you to fly but only 48 hours after your plaster cast has been fitted. This is because there’s a risk of swelling after a plaster cast is first fitted.

If your husband's leg is in a plaster cast and you can bend your knee, you'll be able to sit in a normal seat.

If the plaster cast covers his knee, he won’t be able to bend it, so you’ll need to make special seating arrangements with your airline. Give them plenty of notice . If your husband needs a wheelchair to get around the airport and to board the plane, tell your airline as soon as possible. They can arrange for a wheelchair to meet you at both ends of your journey. There is usually no additional charge for this service.

If your husband is using crutches to support his weight, you need to tell your airline. Most airlines will let you take your crutches on the plane but they’ll need to be stored in the hold during the flight.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. Hands, feet and wrists are commonly affected, but it can also damage other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can make your joints feel stiff and can leave you feeling generally unwell and tired.

The condition occurs more frequently in women than men. It is most common between the ages of 40 and 70, but it can affect people of any age.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This is when your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the cells that line your joints, making them swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joint itself, the cartilage and nearby bone.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually vary over time. Sometimes, symptoms only cause mild discomfort. At other times, they can be very painful, making it difficult to move around and do everyday tasks.

When symptoms become worse, this is known as a flare-up or flare. A flare-up is impossible to predict, making rheumatoid arthritis difficult to live with.

Currently, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be prevented as the exact trigger of the condition is unknown. Although viruses and bacteria may be involved, research is not yet conclusive.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, early diagnosis and treatment can control symptoms and help prevent disability.