Limited leg room in coach class creates cramped and uncomfortable conditions.
Sitting on a plane for eight hours is tough enough, but the ordeal becomes even more difficult if you suffer from poor circulation. In severe cases, patients can suffer from life-threatening pulmonary embolisms during long periods of cramped and sedentary conditions.
Hydrate
Hydrate your body frequently. Increased altitude and consuming salty snacks on board raises your fluid needs. Ideally you should try to consume 8 oz. of water or juice every hour of flying. Avoid alcohol, soda and caffeinated beverages, which deplete, not replenish, your body's fluid supply. Fluid helps your blood pump more efficiently through your body and reduces your risk of blood clots. Drinking lots of fluids will also force you to get up and walk to the lavatory more frequently.
Move Around
In-flight exercise videos that appear every few hours on intercontinental flights offer good ideas for exercising while sitting down. Lift your knee to your chest and move your ankle in circles for 30 seconds. Straighten your leg and tap your heel to toe before bending your leg back to the original position. Jump up and down several times inside the lavatory every time you make use of the facilities. Make use of your layovers. You might not be able to run a marathon during your 45 minute layover, but power walking up and down the gate aisles gives you some mid-travel exercise, boosts your heart-rate, circulation and even burns a few calories. Avoid sitting by the gate until boarding time. If you aren't exiting the plane before the next departure, then get up and walk up and down the aisle.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks work by concentrating the compression around your ankle and forcing the blood back up toward your heart instead of allowing it to pool in your lower legs. Compression socks add an additional layer of circulatory assistance, especially for older passengers and those with difficulty performing basic in-flight exercises. Proper exercise and hydration is still important even with compression socks.
Request Spacious Seating
When you check in, request an aisle or bulk-head seat which offers more leg room for exercise and general movement. Most airlines allow you to select your seat at the ticket counter or the computerized check-in kiosks. You can also select the appropriate seating online during your ticket reservation. If you have a history of poor circulation or blood clots, call the airline after making your reservation to ensure that your request for a more spacious seat will be accommodated. Explain your past medical condition to the flight attendant or ticket agent so they understand the necessity of your requested seating.
Tags: your body, blood clots, Compression socks, during your, poor circulation