99TravelSafe.com
28 - Preventing Thrombosis Injury During Air Travel
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PLEASE do not wear anything that could impede the circulation of blood within your body.
Extend your legs straight out in front of you and flex your ankles, pulling up and spreading your toes, then pushing down and curling the toes. If your shoes limit toe movement, just make the effort or just remove the shoes.
If there isn't room to extend your legs, start with your feet flat on the floor and push down and curl your toes while lifting your heels from the floor. Then, with your heels back on the floor, lift and spread your toes.
Repeat this heel-toe cycle ten times.
Sleeping is dangerous. A thirty minute nap would probably be OK, perhaps using an alarm clock to awaken yourself.
You could sleep longer if there is enough room for you to lie with your legs up on the same level as your upper body. Flex thoroughly when you are awakened.
Avoid sitting with your legs crossed for more than a few minutes at a time.
Drink extra non-alcoholic caffeine-free beverages before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.
Stand up or walk occasionally.
Select an aisle seat when possible so you can walk around every 2-3 hours.
When traveling by car, include breaks in your travel schedule to stretch and walk around.
Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting.
Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.
Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, please check with your doctor.