Your chance of developing a blood clot increases significantly the longer you are sitting down for. This means that when you are travelling long haul by aeroplane, it is important you make a conscious effort to prevent it occurring.
 
Here are the five most effective ways to protect yourself:
 
Move around
Make sure you don’t remain seated for longer than two hours. Get up and move around, and take the kids with you. This will help keep the blood moving and circulating through your body – important to prevent clotting.
 
Drink water
Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will keep you hydrated and will also encourage you to get up and go to the bathroom, ensuring you don’t end up seated for too long.
 
Flight socks
Flight socks are specifically designed to help keep the blood flowing in your legs. They are readily available in pharmacies and can be used time and time again.
 
Avoid tight fitting clothing
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, especially around your waist. Leggings and loose tunics are ideal for flights – they are really comfy too.
 
Exercise
Another great way to help prevent clots is to keep your feet moving. Clench your toes and release. Do this 10 times every hour. Rotating your ankles clockwise and counter clockwise is another alternative if you can’t get up too often.

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