subject: HEALTH IS BOTTOM OF THE LIST WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY WORRIES [print this page] HEALTH IS BOTTOM OF THE LIST WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY WORRIES
According to a recent survey of passengers bound for air travel, the risk of developing DVT is bottom of their list of worries, falling well behind fears over flights delays, airport security, and now volcanic ash.
DVT, previously a hot topic amongst the air travelling community, has dropped off the consumer radar as other more logistical matters consume the mind before hitting the airport. With extensive media coverage about problems with volcanic ash, x-ray security scanning and airline strikes, people are forgetting about this life threatening condition so prevalent amongst air passengers.
John Darrock of Daylong.co.uk, the UK's leading online retailer of compression hosiery said, "DVT was, for a time, on everyone's minds as they prepared to fly to sunnier climates, but people are no longer as aware as they should be about the risks. DVT is a potentially fatal condition that affects thousands of people every year but can be largely prevented by wearing specialist compression travel socks when flying."
Opinion at Daylong is that much of this ambivalence comes from a lack of knowledge about who is at risk, and have therefore comprised a simple checklist to highlight where DVT can strike most often. Whilst everyone is at risk of developing DVT, including those with no previous history of leg swelling, there are some guidelines as to those at highest risk:
passengers on flights of 4 hours or more duration
people over 40 years of age
people over six feet tall
people with varicose veins
people with heart disease
people suffering from cancer
people with a history of blood clots
people who have recently undergone surgery
people who have had recent leg injuries
women taking the contraceptive pill
In a review of research, scientists said that travel socks, which gently compress the leg from the knee down, encourage blood to flow properly in the legs and prevent it from clotting. Travel socks provide a graduated compression and are a medically approved aid for the prevention of DVT on long-haul flights.
"Airline passengers can expect a substantial reduction in their risk of a DVT if they wear travel socks, a form of compression stockings," comments John. "We would strongly recommend that anyone that fits into the checklist above should investigate good quality flight socks for use when flying. Customers should particularly look for a good degree of compression , breathability of the fabric and socks that are comfortable when worn next to the skin"
To further reduce your risk of developing a DVT during a flight here are some simple do's and don't's that will help.
Before flying DO
DO consult your GP about any previous or existing medical conditions.
DO exercise calf muscles every hour during your journey by lifting toes up and down. Lift heels and roll balls of the feet.
DO drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Before flying DO NOT
DO NOT consume an excessive amount of high caffeine drinks or tea or coffee as these products may cause dehydration.
DO NOT consume 2 units or more of alcohol before or during the flight. Try to avoid alcohol at all times.
DO NOT wear clothes that are tight fitting (except for TRAVEL SOCKS and only if fitted properly). Avoid rolling down the socks at any time as build up of compression may occur.
DO NOT sit or sleep in a position that forces your calves against the seat.
Travel socks from Daylong.co.uk can be used for a variety of different things, not only air travel. They can help ease aching legs through inactivity, long periods of time sitting down during travel (car, coach or train) or to help reduce slight swelling. They can also benefit wearers by revitalising the legs and giving them more energy.
