Traveling This Summer? Prevent DVT

Summer often means long road trips or airplane travel. Being stationary for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing a painful clot called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can be fatal. Here are some tips to help prevent DVT:

• Drink plenty of water, especially before and during air flights.
• Avoid alcohol during air flights.
• Flex and stretch your leg muscles while seated.
• With your legs stretched in front of you, point your toes for a few seconds. Then pull your toes up and back as hard as you can for a few seconds. You should feel your calf muscle stretching. Repeat this four more times. Try to do this series of stretches and flexions at least once every hour.
• Walk and move about every hour or so when possible.
• Use graduated compression stockings.

It's Summer
Vacations, family gatherings, reunions, golf. Lots of activities mark summer. Unfortunately, they also mark a time when donations to charities often drop. Yet the need to provide information to those suffering from vascular disease does not go on vacation! Please don't forget that the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) needs your contributions over the summer. Contact us for information about the different ways you can help the VDF increase awareness about vascular disease. Every dollar helps! Send in your contribution today.