Have you heard about blood clots? Do you know that this is a serious medical condition? I have an elderly friend who had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. It’s a good thing that she immediately called her doctor when she noticed a warm spot along with soreness on her leg because, as it happens, blood clots can be dangerous. My friend currently receives medication, a blood thinner, to treat her condition.
If you do not move around a lot, you are at a high risk of having blood clots. Same is true if you just had a surgery recently, have heart trouble or varicose veins, are older than 64, or are paralyzed or have had a stroke. You can also read more about blood clot to see other factors that can put you in a high risk of having blood clots.
To prevent blood clots, stay active and move around. Do not wear tight-fitting garments or socks (or stockings). When possible, change your position often during trips that lasts more than an hour in a car, airplane, bus, or train. Avoid crossing your legs and try to raise them 6 inches above your heart from time to time.
Source: “Healthcare 411.” Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots. Web. 21 Jan. 2015. http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/prevention/disease/bloodclots.html#symptoms.