How healthy is flying really?

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">Flying, especially long distance, can take an unexpected toll on the body and cause health problems: Thrombosis being one of the most common. Some people are particularly sensitive to the changed circumstances in the air, especially those experiencing heightened physical stress. This can be in cases of pregnancy, cardiac insufficiency or even regular alcohol and nicotine use.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">However, there are ways to keep fit while onboard and prevent health issues. &nbsp;We have summarized the most important facts.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/2016/2/flying-people-sitting-public-transportation-large.jpg" style="width: 690px; height: 458px;" /></p><h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">What is Thrombosis?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;">Thrombosis occurs when the blood flow through the veins is hampered, causing clots to form. This can be caused by Chronic Venous Disease, an overall slow blood flow, or regular coagulation of the blood. The long and often cramped sitting position in planes can also promote thrombosis and can cause the veins of, otherwise healthy people, to clog. The legs and pelvic region are particularly affected by Thrombosis.</span></h1><h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">Recognizing Thrombosis</span><br /> <span style="line-height: 1.645; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The earlier one recognizes Thrombosis, the quicker once can fight it. It is therefore very important to listen to one&rsquo;s body. Thrombosis manifests itself first in the legs, through pressure pain in the calf and may also cause pain when moving the toes. Should your lower legs begin to swell up and produce a feeling of tension, please see a doctor immediately.&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.645; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Untreated Thrombosis may, among other things, lead to a lung embolism, when clots in the leg make their way to the respiratory passages.</span></h1><h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">How do I prevent Thrombosis?</span></h1><ul dir="ltr"> <li> <h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;">Regular movement of the arms and legs</span></h1> </li> <li> <h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">Drink a lot (estimated 0.25 l per flight hour)</span></span></h1> </li> <li> <h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">​<span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;"><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">Avoid alcohol</span></span></span></h1> </li> </ul><h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;"><span><span>​​​<span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.645; color: inherit;"><span><span><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b331e9f-fa0f-4471-2644-40c862221283">People with increased risk of Thrombosis are also recommended to use:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><ul dir="ltr"> <li> <h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1.645; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Compression socks</span></h1> </li> <li> <h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1.645; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Blood thinning medication</span></h1> </li> </ul><h1 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1.645; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Prevention is therefore extremely important, particularly for those prone to health issues.</span></h1>