The vascular doctor reveals important tips to prevent vascular problems during long journeys by car, bus or plane
January is the month when many people take advantage of the school holidays travel with the whole family and enjoy a few days of well-deserved rest. But for the trip to go without worries, it is important to take some precautions with your body during the trip, especially on long trips, you know?
This is because, a very common problem in journeys of more than two hours is the leg discomfortwhich tend to become more swollen and with a sense of heaviness due to immobility, as explained by vascular doctor Dr. Gustavo Marcatto.
“Remaining seated for a long time, as in the case of long journeys, hinders the return of blood from the lower limbs to the heart. The consequence is a slowdown in circulation and, consequently, an accumulation of blood in the legs, causing a sensation of discomfort in the lower limbs.”
In addition to the legs, the hands and arms can also suffer from circulatory problems during long journeys. The specialist therefore recommends stretching, even while sitting, raising your arms and opening and closing your hands a few times.
Basic and important care
According to Gustavo, passengers must get up at least every two hours and walk along the aisle of the bus or plane for at least 5 minutes. In the case of cars, the ideal is for the driver to also stop every two hours so that both he and his passengers can move their legs, promoting blood circulation.
“You have to stretch and move. Move your ankles in a circle and up and down. This helps activate the calf muscles, helping pump blood,” he says. The method can also be practiced by children.
Another important point addressed by the specialist is to maintain good hydration throughout the journey, since drinking water at any time helps to make the blood more fluid, facilitating circulation.
She also advises women to leave heels, dress shoes and tight clothing at home and to value comfort while traveling. So, opt for looser clothing and comfortable shoes, like a good pair of sneakers, for example.
Tips for specific cases
For obese people or those who have circulatory problems in the legs, such as varicose veins, thrombosis and thrombophilia, the use of elastic compression stockings to prevent swelling of the legs and feet. Another option is to use anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis. However, it is essential to consult a specialist to receive the best treatment.
The vascular specialist also warns: long plane trips add further aggravation to the blood circulation problem and discomfort in the legs and feet. “The pressurization of the cabins causes an imperceptible, but very significant, loss of water from our body through evaporation. This increases the viscosity of the blood, which becomes thicker, which can favor thrombosis. So, once again, the hydration is always very important”, he underlines.
And after taking all these precautions and finally arriving at your destination, the ideal is lie down and raise your legs for a few minutes. As a result, the feeling of heaviness and bloating should pass quickly. Then enjoy every minute of your holiday with lots of movement, fun and relaxation.
So, did you like the recommendations? So check out this and other information in the video below!
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
