A Blood Clot Can Ruin Your Journey

Sitting continually through a long journey means your blood can’t flow through your body and back to your heart the way it should.This results in a real possibility of blood clot formation.

Formation of a blood clot in a leg vein can develop when confined to spaces that limit movement.

Normal physical activity causes the muscles in your legs to contract, this helps move blood from your legs toward the heart. However, when your leg muscles are not contracting blood pools in the veins, increasing the potential for blood clot formation.

A Blood clot puts you at risk for a pulmonary embolism if the
clot in your leg vein breaks off and travels to your lungs.

The combination of stasis in the legs and dehydration which is not uncommon during long flights are real health issues. Therefore, while sitting through a long journey pay attention to any symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood or feeling faint.

It’s prudent to engage in some simple leg exercises, flexing and stretching your legs to encourage blood flow, especially to your calf area.

Stretching your legs can pay dividends, a great exercise when in a confined space is to stretch your legs out as straight as possible in front of you. Point your toes down toward the floor and up toward the ceiling. Also rotate your ankles, moving your feet around in circles. Stretches also lessen the cramping and pains that come from sitting restricted for extended periods.

Run through the exercises several times to avoid blood stasis during your long journeys when you’re in a confined place. Exercise will get the blood flowing and can help reduce your risk of developing a blood clot.

If you have a history of blood clots, it’s particularly important to remain active during your stay put journey. When you’re on an aeroplane take the opportunity to move up and down or around the isles several times.

If you are in another mode of transportation plan having periods when you can move about with ease.

Remember it is a good thing to stay well hydrated and travelling healthfully is your best defence.