Advice for long period air travellers

ONE thing to watch for when travelling on long-haul flights is pain or swelling of the legs. This could be Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs or pelvis, of the body. Blood clots form in veins, where the blood flow is sluggish or has been traumatised. DVT may affect air travellers in any class of the aircraft or passengers in any other form of transport if they sit down for a long time without taking exercise. The incidence of DVT is low in physically active subjects. To prevent DVT
during long-haul flights, passengers are advised to:
• Exercise both legs periodically;
• Walk around the cabin from time to time;
• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Avoid heavy alcohol consumption; and
• Wear loose fitting clothing.