When flying, it's important to take steps to avoid developing Deep Vein Thrombosis, commonly known as DVT, a potentially fatal condition which can occur after long periods of inactivity, like sitting on a long haul flight. In the United States, figures indicate that one in 100 people who develop DVT die, but the good news, DVT can be easy to prevent through simple precautions like wearing compression stockings, exercising during a flight, and drinking plenty of water. Read on to find out more about how to have a safe and healthy flight and prevent DVT.
1. Get fit before flying - You can lower your risk of developing DVT just by being a fit, active and healthy person. Quit smoking and get regular exercise to lower your blood pressure. When you have lower blood pressure and a healthy weight, you'll not only lower your risk of developing DVT but also set yourself up to enjoy your vacation even more.
2. Wear graduated compression socks - Health professionals recommend that those particularly at risk of developing DVT, such as people with high blood pressure, elderly and overweight people, pregnant women, or people with an illness or a history of DVT, wear stockings with graduated compression to aid with circulation in the legs while flying. Graduated compression stockings work by exerting pressure around the ankles, and the pressure gradually decreases as it goes up, to get the blood flowing and circulating - they're very different from ordinary support socks - with even pressure throughout the leg-- , which can actually cut off your circulation. When choosing compression stockings, get measured properly so that your stockings are the best fit for your legs.
3. Exercise on the plane - You don't have to run up and down the aisles of the cabin in your compression stockings, because that would be unsafe, but do take a walk to the front or back of the plane every hour or so and do some stretches while you're waiting for the restroom. While it's tempting to get as much rest as possible on a long haul flight, it can be dangerous to sit or lie in the same scrunched up position for hours on end, especially if you're particularly at risk of developing DVT. When you're in your sitting in your seat, do some exercises - wiggle your feet and toes around, flex your legs, and lift your knees.
4. Wear loose clothing - You don't just wear compression stockings and loose clothing on long haul flights because it's comfortable, you wear it to keep your blood circulating. So forget about looking fashionable on your flight and ditch your skinny jeans and cowboy boots in favor of track suits with loose elastic waist bands and put your feet in socks, slippers or lightweight shoes.
5. Drink lots of water - In addition to wearing compression stockings, it's important to drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks because dehydration can result in thickening of the blood, which can cause blood vessels to narrow and clot. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol which can cause dehydration.
Author Resource:-
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