Deadly DVT Can Happen to Anyone

In the last five years, there have been reports about flight passengers, especially in economy class, suffering from DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis. 

 

The link between confining airplane seats and deaths from DVT (formation of deadly blood clots) has been established by the United Nations World Health Organization.  It has nothing to do with gender, risk factors or genetics.  Everyone is at risk in economy class. This should constitute a compelling reason to integrate exercise while high in the sky.

To make exercise possible while traveling, try to schedule your flights so you have some time for exercise when you get to your destination. 

Try to arrive during the late afternoon/early evening, to give you time to shake off the fatigue from the trip, and have at least an hour to do exercises either in your hotel room or in the hotel gym.

Important “to do” things when traveling

ü      Be fully rested before a trip – have the usual “to pack” items ready well in advance so you’re not scampering for them at the last minute, depleting your energy levels.

ü      Time your sleep correctly – as soon as you board, get the local time of your destination and set your watch accordingly.  If it’s already night time in your destination, wear blindfolds and ask for a pillow and try to catch a few winks.

ü      Drink plenty of water – wine and cocktails will only dehydrate you further; note that humidity levels inside aircraft is below 10%, so water is your best bet.

If your job requires you to travel at least four times a month, ask your company’s travel department to book you in hotels with gyms or a swimming pool. 

You must take time out of your travel to schedule a workout into your grinding schedule. 

Here’s a friendly suggestion. Get up earlier in the morning and either before or after breakfast, head over to the gym and do a brisk walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes, or use the rowing machine for 10 minutes.  This session is just to wake you up from your travel stupor.  Also, try walking to your business appointment instead of taking a cab. 

At night, before going to bed, try going to the hotel gym again and lift weights for 20 minutes, to complete your workout for the day.  This way you did your cardio and resistance training, the two most essential components of a fitness program.  

Live Fit Live Strong!!