Blood Circulation and Muscle Relaxation tips straight from the Qantas website…I could reword everything but better to read straight from the experts.

With Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) an ever present threat - particularly it seems the older you get this is a timely reminder for all out there who are contemplating air travel sometime soon. For a video explanation click below.

Here is the full extract/ advice from Qantas….

When you’re sitting upright and inactive for a long period of time, several things can happen:

* The central blood vessels in your legs can be compressed, making it harder for the blood to get back to your heart.
* Muscles can become tense, resulting in backaches and a feeling of excessive fatigue during, and even after your flight.
* The normal body mechanism for returning fluid to the heart, can be inhibited and gravity can cause the fluid to collect in your feet, resulting in swollen feet after a long flight.
* Some studies have concluded that prolonged immobility may be a risk factor in the formation of blood clots in the legs, deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Particular medications and medical conditions may increase the risk of formation of blood clots if associated with prolonged immobility.

Medical research indicates that factors that may give you an increased risk of blood clots in the legs include:

* Personal or family history of DVT.
* Recent surgery or injury, especially to lower limbs or abdomen.
* Blood disorders leading to increased clotting tendency.
* Immobilisation for a day or more.
* If you are aged above 40 years.
* Oestrogen hormone therapy, including oral contraceptives.
* Pregnancy.
* Tobacco smoking.
* Former or current malignant disease.
* Obesity.
* Dehydration.
* Heart failure.
* Varicose veins.

Recommendations:

* If any of these categories apply to you or you have any concerns about your health and flying, we recommend you seek medical advice before travelling.
* Compression stockings can assist in preventing swelling of the ankles and feet and they may improve the blood return to the body from the lower legs. You may like to talk to your doctor about this. The stockings may be purchased from medical and surgical supply companies and will need to be individually fitted to your leg measurements.
* While inflight, move your legs and feet for three to four minutes per hour while seated and move about the cabin occasionally.
* Do the light exercises recommended below in the Inflight Workout section.

For more information you can visit the Qantas website at www.qantas.com.au