Five Tips To Reduce DVT When Traveling

We're ready for a vacation, and have been planning a trip South. To help us reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from sitting to long during the trip to our destination the experts at the American Society of Hematology have five helpful tips.
This medical condition occurs when a blood clot forms deep inside a vein, usually in the legs or arms. And, it affects as many as 900,000 Americans each year, and travel, especially a long flight, which is a major risk factor.  If untreated, DVT can also be silent and lethal, killing 60,000-100,000 Americans a year where the first symptom is sudden death.
Five helpful tips to lower your risk of DVT:
1. Skip The Alcohol. While having a drink to help you relax and sleep before an early-morning flight sounds good - think again. Consuming alcohol before and during travel can thin your blood.
2. Pack smartly. If you have to put a bag under your seat, make it a small one so you can stretch your legs as fully as possible. And,  don’t be cross with your legs: Keep them straight for better circulation.
3. Expecting a little one, or just became a mom? Pregnancy and the postpartum period can increase your risk.
4. Shake and Shimmy. During a flight, don't be afraid to shimmy on down the aisle and shake off any stiffness. Moving and stretching frequently can decrease your risk of DVT.
5. Wrap It Up - pack a pair of compression socks. This tip cover men and women, and don't worry - find plenty of fashionable compression socks and stockings available today.
For more tips and news from the American Society of Hematology visit their website.