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Health Tips for Travelers
I recently returned from a vacation that required
several very long flights. I think I’m just about
over the jet lag by now, but the idea occurred to
me that others might be interested in a few tips to
help make long journeys easier.
Try to begin your journey well rested, well hydrated
and well organized. I have a list (which I refine
after each trip) of things that I took and didn’t
use that I didn’t take and had to buy. One of the
things I didn’t take were corn pads and there was
a lot of walking. I now know the word in German for
“corn” and I’ll probably never forget it.
While standing in the back of the plane waiting
for the lavatory I noticed many people standing and
doing very simple exercises, and this is the main
focus of the article. Long journeys (more than five
hours) by plane, train or bus are thought to cause
an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which
is a blood clot that forms in a deep leg vein . This
is probably due to sitting immobile and cramped for
long periods. In plane journeys, in addition to the
immobility, other factors which may play a part include
the reduced cabin pressure; reduced oxygen levels
in the plane; dehydration and drinking too many alcoholic
beverages which are often freely available.
The airline I flew recently will remained unnamed,
but when I asked for more water and the entire can
of ginger ale, the response was “The plane is full
and we don’t have any extra.” A good idea is to bring
your own large water bottle in your carry-on luggage.
While the vast majority of travelers don’t experience
these problems, it is wise to try and reduce the risk,
particularly if you are in any of the “at risk” groups
listed below.
Anyone may develop a DVT, but the following increase
the risk:
- Immobility which causes blood flow in the veins
to be low
- A history of heart failure
- A history of cancer
- Obesity
- Varicose veins
- Paralysis
- Being over age 40
- History of a previous DVT
- Faulty blood clotting (an uncommon cause)
- Hormone replacement therapy and contraceptive
pills which contain estrogen which can cause the
blood to clot slightly more easily
When a blood clot forms in a leg vein it usually
remains stuck to the vein wall. The symptoms tend
to settle gradually, but there are two main possible
complications:
Pulmonary embolus (a blood clot in the lung) occurs
in a small number of people who have a DVT. An embolus
is a part of a blood clot which breaks off and travels
in the bloodstream. One that comes from a clot in
a leg vein will be carried up the larger leg veins
to the heart, through the large heart chambers, but
will get stuck in a blood vessel going to a lung.
This is serious, and can sometimes be fatal.
Long-term discomfort (post-thrombatic syndrome) and
swelling of the calf occurs in some cases following
a DVT.
To reduce your risk, particularly on a long-haul
plane trip you can do the following:
1. Every half hour or so, bend and straighten your
legs, feet and toes when you are seated
2. Press the balls of your feed down hard again the
floor or foot-rest every so often. This helps to increase
the blood flow in your lungs
3. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour or
so, when the aircraft crew say it is safe to do do
4. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
5. Do not take sleeping tablets which cause immobility
6. Consider wearing compression stockings (you'll
be amazed at the reduction in swelling of your feet
and ankles)
7. Have a little walk as soon as possible after your
journey to improve circulation
The vast majority of travelers have no problems.
However, if you develop a swollen painful calf or
breathing difficulties shortly after a long journey,
then consult a physician.
Here is to your health while traveling!
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