Comfort and Health on Air Travel
Avoid crossing your legs on flights, safety advisory suggests due to potential hazards
Navigating air travel can be a breeze, but it's essential to keep one eye on health, especially during lengthy flights. Crossing your legs, a common lounging position, might seem harmless, but experts caution against adopting this stance, particularly for older passengers.
As reported by our site, Lee Cartwright from Mobility Solutions Direct sheds light on the potential health risks associated with crossing your legs during a flight. Crossing your legs might seem innocent, but it can lead to discomfort, such as back pain, joint aches, and most dangerously, it restricts blood flow in the legs and increases the risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A Serious Concern
DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in the veins, typically in the legs. If this clot travels through the bloodstream and reaches the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Lee believes that older people are particularly vulnerable to this condition, as aging impacts blood circulation, muscle tone, and vein valve efficiency. Furthermore, age-related health issues like diabetes can further increase the risk of blood clots.
Minimizing the Risk of DVT During Air Travel
To reduce the risk of DVT, Lee offers simple yet effective tips:
- Move Around: Encourage movement by standing up and walking around the cabin every hour to activate your legs and improve blood circulation.
- Avoid Crossing Your Legs: Instead of crossing your legs, slightly bend your knees and extend your legs to reduce pressure on your back and enhance blood flow.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key to good blood circulation. So, drink plenty of water, and avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration.
- Wear Compression Stockings: These garments apply gentle pressure to your legs, boosting circulation and minimizing swelling.
- Perform Seated Exercises: Seated ankle rolls, toe curls, and knee lifts can help prevent blood stagnation.
Recognizing DVT Symptoms
- Look out for swelling in one leg, especially in the calf or thigh area.
- Be aware of cramps and pains similar to muscle spasms, often occurring when walking and causing skin redness.
- Watch for changes in skin color, as the affected region may become darker or redder than usual, and feel hot.
- Notice symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, as a clot moving to the lungs may cause sudden discomfort and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical help in such situations.
Ear Blockage on Flights
Apart from leg issues, ear blockage is another common concern during flights. William Hose, a pilot who consulted for Airalo, explains the cause behind this discomfort. When an airplane ascends, the cabin pressure changes, making the air thinner and less pressurized, which can lead to ear discomfort and, in some cases, tooth pain.
To alleviate ear pressure, William suggests simple remedies such as chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing during takeoff and landing.
Remember, while comfort is important, maintaining good health should always be a priority, especially for elderly passengers.
Previously, flight attendants explained why it's always cold on an airplane and why cabin temperature is often kept below normal "room temperature". The pilot also shed light on why ears get blocked during flights and provided tips for coping with air travel-related ear issues.
Read also: Armrests on Airplanes: Who Has the Right to Use Them, According to Etiquette
Interesting Facts:
- According to a study by the University of Geneva, deep vein thrombosis affects about 1 in 1,000 air passengers every year[2].
- Reduce the risk of DVT by implementing simple measures such as walking in the cabin once every hour, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol[5].
- What's the advice from experts for older passengers during flights to avoid health risks?
- What condition involves a blood clot forming in the veins, often in the legs, that can be life-threatening if the clot reaches the lungs?
- What impact do aging, health conditions like diabetes, and restricted blood flow have on the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
- What's a simple way to reduce the risk of DVT during air travel?
- Why should passengers avoid crossing their legs during a flight?
- What tips does Lee Cartwright offer for minimizing the risk of DVT during air travel?
- How can staying hydrated help reduce the risk of DVT during air travel?
- What benefit do compression stockings have in reducing the risk of DVT during air travel?
- What exercises can help prevent blood stagnation during a flight?
- What are some symptoms of DVT that passengers should look out for?
- Why do ears get blocked during flights, according to William Hose?
- What simple remedies can alleviate ear pressure during takeoff and landing, as suggested by William Hose?
- Why should maintaining good health always be a priority during air travel?
- What study revealed that Deep Vein Thrombosis affects about 1 in 1,000 air passengers each year?
- What factors can contribute to reducing the risk of DVT, as mentioned in the study by the University of Geneva?
- What is the connection between autoimmune disorders and mental health, as it pertains to men's health?
- What are some ways skin care can impact cancer risk and treatment, especially when it comes to avoiding harmful sun exposure?
- What role does nutrition play in managing weight, preventing chronic diseases, and maintaining overall health and wellness, as well as in addressing hearing, eye health, and sleep issues?
