GREENSBORO, N.C. — It doesn't matter if you're riding on a plane, or you're traveling by train, or hitching a ride in the backseat. In all these holiday travel scenarios you're sitting and you're in one place for a while. Doctors say-- if you're in one of these seats for more than four hours at a time.... you're at risk for a blood clot.
"When you're walking around your calf muscles pump and when they pump, they push that blood around, allowing it to move and not clot. Clot happens because either your blood is too thick, it's not moving around enough," said Dr. Anahita Dua, Massachusetts General Hospital, Vascular Lab Co-Director.
Dr. Dua says that only about half of all patients will notice symptoms like swelling and pain in the leg that's affected. If you are experiencing those symptoms, she says you need to get to an ER immediately.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT A BLOOD CLOT?
Hydrate. Dua says when you are hydrated, it keeps the blood from thickening. So be intentional with your water intake.
And of course, MOVE!
"I would tell a person maybe once an hour if you're sitting at your desk or sitting at a chair or sitting in the car, pump your calves up and down for about five minutes, right? So it's not really reps, it's more about time. And if you're able to, get up and walk every two hours, move around. Take just 5 to 10 minutes, it doesn't have to be crazy," said Dua.
She says wearing compression stockings or socks is a good idea and put your feet up when you can. Not only does the doctor say it helps prevent clots, it will also make it a whole lot easier for you to get up and walk when the trip is over.
