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Tom Russell

WHO report highlights importance of exercises on long flights

Given the amount of time furniture industry officials spend on planes traveling to Asia and other parts of the world, they may want to read up on a new study released on the World Health Organization Web site.

The study, found at www.who.int/en, discusses the dangers of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This occurs when blood clots in the veins, particularly in the lower leg, during long periods of sitting on a plane, bus, train or automobile. It becomes even more of a concern when the blood clot breaks off and lodges in the lungs, blocking blood flow. If not treated, it can be fatal.

The chances of this happening is indeed low. According to the report, only one in 6,000 are susceptible on flights longer than four hours.

However, it also notes that travelers can minimize the risk by walking about the cabin and doing simple foot, leg and arm stretching exercises when seated. Many airlines even show examples of these exercises on in-flight entertainment screens.

The report also advises travelers to avoid alcohol or sedatives such as sleeping pills that might make them more lethargic and less inclined to move about the cabin. It also urges travelers to avoid tight clothing that otherwise restricts the blood flow.

Unfortunately, not enough of us heed these simple suggestions, particularly relating to the exercises and the need to move about the cabin. For instance, on many international flights, other than a trip or two to the restroom, it’s not uncommon to see people stay in their seats for most if not all of a 12 or 13 hour flight. For some, it’s just too simple to sleep the whole thing off with the help of a drink or sleeping pill.

For business people who travel to Asia four six, eight or more times a year, this is just too risky.

But don’t take my word for it. Read the report and learn about the risks, the symptoms and the solutions. You’ll find that taking simple preventive steps will help you avoid more serious problems than you may have thought possible on one of these lengthy trips.