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Beware this surprising summer travel danger!

You're in danger of developing blood clots in your legs on long car trips-not just on airplanes-but it's preventable.

We've all heard about "economy class syndrome," the potentially life-threatening condition that can strike passengers on long flights. "Sitting in a cramped area for too long can cause blood to pool in the legs and form clots, which can then lodge in our lungs and stop breathing," says vascular specialist Michael R. Jaff, D.O., at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.  Doctors call the condition deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it's believed to affect millions of airline passengers every year.

But experts say we're more likely to develop DVT from a long car, bus, or train trip than a flight.

Fortunately, studies show you can keep from being a sitting target by:

Wearing loose clothing - "Anything that constricts, like tight-fitting jeans or spandex leggings, can impair circulation, keeping blood pooled in your legs," says Dr. Jaff.

One exception: compression stockings, "which prevent pooling by pushing blood into the larger veins where it's easily pumped back up to the heart," says Dr. Jaff.

But experts say only fitted, prescription elastic stockings do the trick.  Talk to your doctor about them.

Having "one for the road."  A sports drink, that is!  Studies show that eating a snack and drinking beverages containing electrolytes before a long trip boosts circulation and reduces the risk of DVT.

Making frequent pit stops.  "One of the best ways to prevent DVT is to keep the blood circulating in your legs," says physical therapist Marilyn Moffat of the American Physical Therapy Association.  "So stop every couple of hours to walk around and stretch."

Getting a shot, if you're at high risk.  "If you take the Pill or hormone replacement, are pregnant,  have varicose veins, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, consult your doctor about getting a blood-thinning injection two to three hours before taking a long trip," says Dr. Jaff.  In one study, an injection of the drug Lovenox (heparin) prevented DVT in 100% of people at high risk.

SOURCE:  Linda Hamilton, Woman's World, August 5, 2003

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Recent studies have shown DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), or blood clots, can be reduced by wearing support stockings, please click Here to review further.

The information collected here has been developed over searches on the internet.  We are not in any way responsible for, or endorse, information on other web sites, it is here for public information.   Your doctor is the best source of leg health information and treatment.  We hope you find this information helpful.  This article has been provided courtesy of  Ames Walker Hosiery (ameswalker.com) and may be reproduced for personal use provided no part of this article (including the text contents) has been changed. Copyright © 2003  Ames Walker International Inc.