Five ways to avoid DVT

Sleeping through a long flight can be risky. Photo / Getty Images

DVT is the last thing you want on your holiday, says Megan Singleton.

The good news about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is that it's not as common as some scary headlines may have us believe. Puffy feet and ankles on a flight are not the sign of imminent danger.

But on the other hand, being cramped in any space for more than four hours is not good for us. If you're worried about it, here are five ways to avoid a DVT:

1. Keep hydrated

It'll be interesting to see if evidence comes in over time from the higher cabin humidity and lower pressure that the new Dreamliner 787-9 has on whether that makes a difference to health outcomes. But as it's possible to get DVT on a long bus or a car ride, we won't hold our breath.

2. Exercise your legs and feet

You can do loads of simple stretches in your seat to ensure the blood keeps flowing. Keep the space under the seat in front of you clear so you can bend and straighten your legs, rotate your ankles, flex your feet to feel a stretch up your calf, press the balls of your feet hard on the floor and release.

3. Go for a walk

One of the best things about the double-decker A380 is the spiral staircase at the back of Economy. I used this as my own personal stairmaster last time I was on board. But as soon as the guy next to you gets up for the loo, follow him and get a little exercise.

4. Wear flight socks

These are a good idea if you are prone to bad circulation, have had recent surgery, are obese or pregnant. But make sure they are fitted properly so they do the trick. They need to be graduated from the ankle to the knee as they are designed to stop blood from pooling.

5. Avoid alcohol and sleeping tablets

Knocking yourself out might seem a good idea, but this combination can be dangerous. The main thing we must do on a flight is move to keep our blood flowing. Sleeping Beauty doesn't move at all.

For more from Megan see bloggeratlarge.com.