ComputerHunter.org

 

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.







Google News - Top Stories

CBC.ca

European leaders hatch aid plan for banks in crisis
Reuters - 31 minutes ago
By Huw Jones and Brian Love PARIS (Reuters) - European leaders hurried out plans to help banks through the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, pledging before panicky world markets reopened that any solvent institution would get public funding if ...
Video: Draft Statement: Europe Will Guarantee Bank Debt AssociatedPress
European leaders agree on financial deal CNN
Voice of America - Financial Times - New York Times - Bloomberg
all 1,621 news articles


McCain plans to stress tax cuts to help economy
USA Today - 1 hour ago
By David Jackson, USA TODAY WASHINGTON - As the presidential campaign heads into its final three weeks, Republican John McCain plans to stress anew tax cuts as a way to fight the sluggish economy that has threatened global credit markets and hampered ...
Video: Obama, Biden Get Boost From Clintons AssociatedPress
In Friendly Region, Biden Cites McCain as Erratic New York Times
Austin American-Statesman - MLive.com - The Associated Press - Richmond Times Dispatch
all 1,166 news articles


Washington Post

Council Leader Pledges Support, but Mayor Needs More
New York Times - 3 hours ago
By DAVID W. CHEN, MICHAEL BARBARO and FERNANDA SANTOS This story was reported by David W. Chen, Michael Barbaro and Fernanda Santos.
Christine Quinn is gambling for her political life New York Daily News
NYC Council speaker supports term-limit law change The Associated Press
New York Times - New York Times - New York Times
all 885 news articles


BBC News

South Korea may reward North for nuclear deal
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By Jon Herskovitz SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea may reward North Korea for reaching a compromise to save a crumbling nuclear disarmament deal by sending a delayed shipment of steel aid to its destitute neighbor, a government official indicated on ...
Bush's North Korea Surrender Will Have Lasting Consequences Wall Street Journal
US Declares North Korea Off Terror List New York Times
AFP - guardian.co.uk - The Press Association - Contra Costa Times
all 3,301 news articles


CBC.ca

Dodgers Fight Back for Game 3 Victory
New York Times - 57 minutes ago
By BEN SHPIGEL LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers watched the Phillies have their fun in Philadelphia. They watched the Phillies scamper around the bases and throw brushback pitches and walk with a swagger.
Five-run first lifts Dodgers in Game 3 MLB.com
Dodgers To Turn to Lowe on Short Rest Washington Post
Los Angeles Times - The Associated Press - The Canadian Press - Seattle Post Intelligencer
all 2,096 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base