Dont Worry About the Plane Crashing Its the Thrombosis That Will Kill You
Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven K. Galson has released a “Call to Action” to reduce the number of cases of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the United States.
The American Physical Therapy Association supports the initiative, and offers tips for preventing these life-threatening conditions during air travel.
A blood clot, called a deep vein thrombosis, can occur after long periods of being immobile, such as on long plane flights. If a DVT occurs, the clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolus.
Symptoms of leg DVT include swelling in one or both legs and calf tenderness. People with pulmonary embolus symptoms may experience shortness of breath and increased heart rate.
“People who experience any of these symptoms should always see the doctor, especially if they occur following a long period of immobilization,” APTA said in a press release.
To reduce the risks of DVT in flight, people should wear compression stockings to keep excess blood from remaining in the legs. In addition, the APTA advises seated exercises to keep the blood flowing, the joints mobile, and the muscles relaxed.
The organization suggests that passengers on long flights get up and walk up and down the aisle every hour or so — when the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is off — to work the leg muscles and ease the back.
Finally, since dehydration may occur during a flight due to high altitudes and dry, pressurized cabin air, the APTA advises that passengers drink plenty of water before and during the flight to help prevent muscle cramping and aching due to dehydration.
Keywords: Surgeon General, Thrombosis, airplane flights, call to action, pulmonary embolism, blood clot, embolus, DVT, APTA
Duration : 0:4:5
November 25th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
this is a good …
this is a good information video…but she shouldn’t be smiling like that, like this is a funny topic. I know you have to be serious and professional when being recorded…but it’s a little too much smiling.