ok, interesting fact over 300 million people travel on long-distance flights every year
now that's a flight that's generally over four hours long
blood clots are also called deep vein thrombosis or DVT for short
and it can be a serious risk for some long-distance travelers
now in this week's video I've done some research into the best ways to help reduce your risk
of developing a DVT whilst traveling so let's begin
so a DVT is a clot that forms in a deep vein and it's usually in the leg
serious health problems can occur from DVTs
so what can happen is parts of blood clot can break off travel to the lungs and cause a blockage
which we call a pulmonary embolism
the risk of developing a DVT from travel is quite small though
and research shows there's 1 DVT per 4656 flights that last four hours or more
and the good news is there's loads of things that you can do to help reduce your risk so let's begin
firstly compression stockings now these are probably the easiest things you can wear
to help reduce your risk of a DVT they also help reduce swelling in your ankles
and your legs and we call that an oedema in the medical world now the compression
stocking that you need is the class one stocking and class basically means how
much pressure it puts on your leg class one has the least pressure so it's the
easiest to wear really and it's sufficient it's good at what it does
it's fine and it helps to prevent a DVT the length that you need is below knee okay
there's a thigh length one as well but it's really long and you don't really
need to wear it below knee class one the most important thing about
these stockings is that they fit correctly and you wear them properly
okay, in terms of wearing them read the box read the
information leaflet that comes with it on how to wear them so you're doing it
right but in terms of fitting properly I'd highly recommend everyone to visit
their local pharmacy so they can measure your legs for you and pick the right
size that's suitable for you now they might not have it in stock they might
have to order it in but it's definitely worth it
because if it doesn't fit right it's not gonna work and it's a waste of money
remember though compression stockings don't replace the fact that you still
need to remain active and do things whilst you're on the flight now let's move on to those
go for a walk up and down the aisles every hour or so when
the seat belt signs are switched off if you can do it more often
that's even better every half hour or so you can do these mini exercises while
seated foot pumps lifts toes with feet on the floor then lift your heels
and continue doing this for 30 seconds knee lifts lift your legs to your chest
with your knees bent alternate your legs and repeat 20 to 30 times ankle
circles lift your feet and draw a circle with your toes towards then away from
each other for 30 seconds drink plenty of fluids to
avoid dehydration and don't drink too much alcohol either as it can dehydrate
you and cause immobility my last tip is to wear loose comfortable clothes whilst
traveling so basically don't wear what I'm wearing and also avoid taking sleeping
tablets because if you're asleep for the whole flight you're not going to be
able to exercise you're not going to be able to stay hydrated and it's not going
to help you prevent having a DVT
and that's it you now know how to reduce
your risk of getting a DVT whilst traveling long journeys and if you have
any tips for everyone else on how to reduce their risk of getting a DVT as
well then leave a comment below I'd love to read it as well it's also
worth mentioning that certain medical conditions can increase your chances of
developing a DVT on long flights of eight hours or more so I've left the
full list in the description below check it out and if you or someone in your
family falls into those groups then it's really important to speak to your GP before
you travel lastly and I promise this is the last point it's also really
important and useful to know the symptoms of DVT and pulmonary embolism
so I've left them in the description below please read it and that's it
finished have a great flight hey guys thanks for watching this week's video
make sure to click that like follow or subscribe button now to stay up to date
with new weekly videos I picked the black stockings because
that's my favourite colour thought black stockings would be a bit cooler but
there's many different colours you can get beige you can get sand "Can you see me in that?"
We can see you in it Lewis "Is it that wide?" you're there "I'm wanting to walk past that's all"
you can go mate you can go (LAUGHTER) now the compression stockings that you need (LAUGHTER)
do you wear your stockings "I always have my stockings on, can't leave the house without them" good good