Deep Vein Thrombosis...an In Flight Risk

DVT?
an in flight risk
by Cathy Gatson

Planning to do some long distance traveling this summer be it train, plane or automobile?here is some important information to pack with you to avoid this trip from being your last leg.

WHAT IS IT?
DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the deep vein of the leg. The Deep Vein in the leg passes through the center of the leg and is surrounded by muscle. Superficial veins are on top of the muscle and are visible to the eye.

DVT's usually occur in the lower leg between the ankle and the knee areas. DVT's are serious and can be fatal. Once a blood clot occurs, it can travel through the veins and get lodged in the lungs or heart resulting in death.

Since DVT can develop very rapidly, symptoms, if any may be difficult to detect. In fact, an estimated 50% of reported DVT incidents went undetected. However, seek medical advice if during or after a flight you experience:
· Pain and warmth in the lower legs
· Prickly sensation in the legs
· Warmness or swelling of the feet or legs
· Shortness of breath
· Noticeable pain in the lower legs that worsens when walking or standing

IN FLIGHT RISK
What's the connection between travel and blood clots? Keeping the legs in a cramped position and inactive for long periods of time restricts the blood flow in the legs and increases the risk of a blood clot.

Some doctors believe that DVT is "more common today as a result of two factors, the increase in the number of frequent flyers and airline deregulation". As a result of deregulation, the distance between one airline seat to the one in front of it is no longer regulated. Many airlines moved seats closer together in order to fit more passengers on the planes thereby reducing the leg room between seats from 40 inches to 28.

Tighter seating arrangements plus existing medical conditions can equal danger.
· History of blood clots
· Cancer
· Prolonged bed rest following orthopedic surgery
· Estrogen therapy
· Obese or very tall individuals
· Birth control pills
· Recent treatment involving general anesthesia
· Cigarette smoker
· Previous thrombotic episode
· Congestive heart failure
· Pregnancy
· Dehydration
If you have any of the above conditions it is wise to seek medical advice before traveling.

STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT
Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of a DVT:
· Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration before and during your trip.
· Try to keep your thighs clear of the edge of your seat.
· Wear loose fitting clothing.
· Keep the legs uncrossed.
· Wear graduated compression hose (www.healthylegs.com or www.supporthosiery.com)
· Get up and walk for 5 minutes every hour. If you cannot stand flex your ankles up and down and curl your toes about 20 times every hour. These exercises will help stimulate blood flow through the legs.
· Aspirin - it is suggested to take an aspirin before departing and at safe intervals during your trip - consult with your doctor.

Now, the informed traveler, get fly, go fly and be safe!

Further information
www.dvt.net, www.economyclasssyndrome.net.

Cathy Gatson is a freelance writer and owner/operator of Yada Beauty Lounge, a hair and body salon in Northern California.

---

Non Prescription Cats Eye Contact Lenses - Animal Attraction!

Long gone are the days when a set of contact... Read More

How to Choose the Right Sunless Tanning Product

Sunless tanning products come in several forms. The efficacy and... Read More

Do You Want To Look Ten Years Younger?

Do you want to look ten years younger?Here are twelve... Read More

What Exactly is a Tan Towel?

Many of us have heard about the latest trend in... Read More

A Review of Popular Sunless Tanning Products

When the weather starts to warm up and the days... Read More

The Ultimate Beauty Tip: Good Posture

When you think of projecting a professional image, do you... Read More

Baby Boomers Seek Hold on Youth Through Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Elkhart-IN -People in the 35-50 age group comprise the largest... Read More

Colored Contact Lenses Guide ? Picking The Right Color Every Time

Choosing the perfect colored contact lens can be a daunting... Read More

Facts about Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular in the recently years... Read More

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate... Read More

Clean Your Face With Ultra Botanicals Facial Cleanser

Women are chasing down ultra botanicals facial cleanser in droves.... Read More

The Best Tan is a Sunless Tan!

Never used a sunless tanner? Don't sweat it?it's a no... Read More

Belly Fat and Cellulite Realities and Remedies

About Consumer products: As a scientist coming from the... Read More

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures.... Read More

How to Use Avocado as Your Hair Care Product

Let's role on?life must go on and the life of... Read More

Teeth Whitening: Frequently Asked Questions

OverviewTeeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve... Read More

How To Wear Contact Lenses In The Allergy Season

The allergy seasons are a real challenge, especially if you... Read More

Hyaluronic Acid vs. Collagen - A Growing Debate

The debate continues as to whether Hyaluronic acid or collagen... Read More

The Evils of Tanning Beds

OK, so you've had a few days of steady rain,... Read More

Do-It-Yourself Manicure

Your hands are as obvious as any part of your... Read More

Collagen in Skincare

Collagen is one of the main constituents of our skin.... Read More

What the Peat Bog People Can Tell Us About Beauty

Over the past centuries, remains of many hundreds of people--... Read More

Radio Frequency Energy Fans Thermacool

I guess you wouldn't think that radio frequency energy would... Read More

The Many Faces Of Mascara

After finding the right foundation shade, choosing mascara is probably... Read More

New York Laser Hair Removal Clinics Are All The Rage

Laser hair removal: New Yorkers are in love with it.... Read More