Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
Traveling for the holidays? Share these travel-health measures with your loved ones and the elders you work with who may be flying with the reindeer or driving over the river and through the woods this holiday season. Immobility from hours of sitting in airplanes, cars, and trains is a risk factor for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in the deep veins usually located in the large muscles of an arm or leg. A life-threatening condition arises when such clots break off and travel to the lungs.
Airline magazines and the occasional news article encourage airplane travelers to stretch their legs, rotate their feet, raise, and stretch their arms while taking deep breaths, and walk around to avoid the dangers of immobility. Those taking to the highways are encouraged to stop at least every two hours to stretch, which can also help drivers stay awake.
It is recommended that air travelers take the following steps to lower their risk of DVT:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Store hand luggage in the overhead bins to keep the room under the seat free for moving feet and legs.
- Bend and straighten legs, feet, and toes every half-hour while seated during the flight.
- Avoid taking sleeping pills, which encourage sleep that discourages stretching and walking.
More good news is that airline travelers can reduce their risk for DVT by staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and wearing support stockings. In certain circumstances, doctors may also recommend taking blood-thinning medications.
Extended travel is not the only contributing factor to DVT, it is a silent killer that can have few or no symptoms. DVT prevention can be one of the best holiday gifts that you can give to yourself and your clients.
If you would like more information on “Safe Holiday Travels” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus information in next week’s paper.