Leaving on a jet plane.

With the borders opening up many people will be getting excited about the prospect of travelling internationally again. It might have been a few years since you have been on a plane. So what do you need to know..

Limited leg room and immobility is a concern on flights, if you are not moving, your blood isn’t either. People with venous disease or a family history of varicose veins could be more at risk from complications that come with sitting still for prolonged periods such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Fortunately actioning these easy steps can help make a difference:

1.       Put on that tracksuit! Do not wear tight fitting jeans that inhibit movement. Choose loose clothing that allows blood to flow unrestricted. 

2.      Keep moving.  Bend and straighten your legs, massage your calf muscles and wriggle your toes. Once in the air walk up and down the aisles for 5 minutes every hour.

3.      Wear stockings. Compression improves circulation by gently applying pressure and stimulating the flow of blood. Travel socks can be bought easily from chemists however if you are at risk you should consider getting Class 2 stockings with a greater rate of compression.

4.      Drink up. Do drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages that can contribute to dehydration, which is often made worse by the low humidity on planes.

5.      Skip the pill. Taking a sleeping aid might help you sleep, but it will keep you from getting up and moving around. Discuss other choices for staying calm with your GP such as homeopathic treatments or meditation.

Dr Kemp can be found Brisbane Style’s expert column every month.