The habit of sitting on the plane with crossed legs may seem comfortable, but health professionals warn that the seating not only promotes back and joint pain, but can also cause more serious problems.
Although planes are the fastest way to travel from one point in the world to another, long journeys are at some risk to human health. This risk is particularly high for older travelers.
According to Mail Online, experts advise older passengers in no way sitting in the crossing of their foot flight. However, this advice is also relevant to younger people. According to Lee Cartwright, an older people’s care professional from the company’s mobility solutations, although this situation may seem innocent, it is one of the most harmful ways to sit during the trip.
According to the specialist, the crossing of the leg can limit the blood flow, which increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (GVT). It is a dangerous condition where a blood clot is formed in the deep vein of the legs. If such thrombus moves and reaches the lungs, the pulmonary embolism may develop, which is life -threatening.
As the human body ages, the blood flow is naturally slowed down, muscle strength decreases, and valves in the veins are less effective. In addition, diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders further increase the risk of thrombosis.
The first symptoms of GVT usually occur in one leg – swelling, especially around the calf or thigh. This place can be rigid, sensitive or even painful when touching. Occasionally, muscle tension, spasms, skin may be red, warm or darkened.
In more severe cases, the thrombus moves towards the lungs, sudden chest pain and shortness of breath may occur. In such cases, medical attention should be sought immediately – a dangerous condition requiring emergency care.
How to Protect: Doctor’s Advice in Flight
It is important to follow a few simple but important recommendations to avoid deep vein thrombosis in flight.
First of all, it is necessary to try to move – expert Lee Cartwright advises you to stand up at least once a hour, change your body position, stretch, or at least a few minutes to walk through the airplane cabin.
Another important aspect is the proper seating. Instead of sitting crossed your feet, it is recommended to keep them outstretched, the knees should be slightly bent. This choice of position helps maintain blood circulation and reduces the load on the lower back.
It is also very important to maintain a proper fluid balance in the body. It is necessary to drink more water during the trip because the humidity in the airplane is very low and the lack of fluids thickens the blood, causing an additional risk of thrombosis. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine – they, on the contrary, promote dehydration.
Another preventive method is compression socks. They help reduce leg swelling and maintain circulatory activity, especially if a person has a tendency to vein problems.
In addition, even when sitting, light leg exercises can be performed: foot bending up and down, turning ankle movements, knee lifting – all of which promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of thrombus formation.
Even short but regular such movements during travel can have a major impact on general well -being and help prevent serious health problems. Experts recall – even the smallest change in behavior, such as seeking to sit properly and conscious support of the body can protect life, especially in long flights.
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I am Barbora, the author of the fun column. There are so many different fun in the world that it would certainly be obscene to share them with readers. In this section, I try to fulfill my mission to share interesting news with readers of all ages.
