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Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

My family and I are about to travel to Europe for a vacation.  I am on coumadin to prevent blood clots, and I am concerned about the 6 hour flight.  Should I notify my physician?  How will the flight affect me?  Is there anything I should do while on the flight to prevent a clot? 

Thanks,

Paul B.

Dear Paul,

The bad news is this:  there are many health risks associated with flying.  Individuals on coumadin or other blood thinners are at a high risk for developing blood clots.  Women on birth control or estrogen hormone therapy are at a higher risk as well.  People who have had recent injuries or surgery also fall into the high risk category.   If you are a frequent flyer, more than five times a month, you run a higher risk of developing a blood clot while flying.

Now the good news, most of these risks can easily be avoided if you take the time to plan ahead.  First, contact your physician and tell him/her of your travel plans including the number of flights and their duration.  Your physician might suggest that you purchase special support hose that increase circulation and lower the risk of developing a blood clot.  You might be instructed to drink more water and move around the cabin when possible.

There are exercises you can do while in your seat.  Simply stretching your legs and extending your foot and toes forward and then back again every 30-45 minutes is another good thing to do as you might not be free to move about the cabin depending upon your seat and the flying conditions.

You can also go online and see what your particular airline suggests.  For example, if you go the Northwest Airlines Website,  www.nwa.com/travel/tips , you will find many helpful suggestions including a series of diagrams instructing individuals on how to perform simple exercises while in their seats.  

Good luck and bring a couple credit cards as the US Dollar is losing ground against Pound Sterling and the Euro. 

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