There has been much written about the risks for blood clots during long flights. There have even been law suits filed against airlines for placing passengers at risk for pulmonary emboli from deep venous thrombosis (blood clots that form in the veins of calves and enter the lungs). However, researchers in New Zealand recently completed a study of patients with blood clots and discovered that it wasn't the flyers who incurred the greatest risk.
Instructions
1. Realize that while there is an increased risk of blood clots forming because of the conditions incurred during a long flight, ("economy class syndrome,") statistically the most common circumstance associated with clots is working at a job where you sit for long stretches. In March, 2007, The New Zealand Medical Journal reported that in a study of 62 people admitted for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one third, 34%, had recently spent a prolonged period of time seated at their desks. Only 21% had recently taken a long flight.
2. Understand that researchers feel the increased incidence of DVT associated with work follows certain changes that have been noted within the work place. It is these changes that should be avoided.
3. Do not skip breaks or spend breaks seated at your desk. Get up, walk for at least five to ten minutes.
4. Do not eat lunch seated at your desk. Get up, walk outdoors or to some place away from your desk. If you must eat at your desk, at least take a break with a five to ten minute walk.
5. Do not sit for longer than an hour straight without standing, stretching, and moving around your chair.
6. Consider other preventive steps if you are a worker who sits for prolonged periods and are in a group at risk for clots, women on estrogen for example. These steps include wearing mild compression stockings, stretching your legs hourly, avoiding alcohol and taking a daily aspirin.
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