April 22, 2016: Here’s what American says will help when you fly:
- Dress comfy and drink lots of water to stay hydrated
- If you have breathing issues — including heart or lung disease — check with your doctor first.
- For flights six hours or longer, wear compression socks to help prevent clotting — and again, check with your doctor as compression socks vary by size, weight and any medical conditions — Amazon is a good resource but know exactly what compression value you require.
- In flight, airlines lower humidity, keep drinking water and use eye drops.
- Get up and move around from time to time — and do simple feet, leg and stretching exercises when seated. (move your ankle in circles, do leg and foot pumps, knee lifts, and if you have enough seat room, knee to chest lifts). Pay no attention to your seat mate — he already thinks your crazy doing all this.
Now, it this all doesn’t scare you, enjoy your flight!
Note: Deep Vain thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually your leg. It can travel through the blood stream to vital organs and cause damage and or death. Most DVT’s don’t produce symptoms — but could include pain or swelling, redness of the affected area.
