Tuesday, July 29, 2014

10 Tips for Healthy Travel After 50

BY DR. LUIS NAVARRO

A top specialist in venous disorders (varicose and spider veins) advises how to avoid problems.

Some tips for optimizing the circulatory system while traveling would include:

1. AVOID PROLONGED PERIODS OF SITTING AND STANDING: Walk up and down the plane/train every 1-2 hours, when possible, for 5-10 minutes

2. GET EXERCISE: Ankle and lower leg exercises, such as ankle rotations

3. WEAR GRADUATED COMPRESSION STOCKINGS: Wear stockings, preferably knee highs with open toe, 15-25mm/hg or 20-30mm/hg

4. STAY HYDRATED: Double your water intake when traveling

5. AVOID ALCOHOL: Alcohol dehydrates so avoiding alcohol a few days before taking a long trip would be a good idea

6. AVOID CAFFEINE: Avoid caffeine while traveling to help prevent poor circulation.

7. AVOID CROSSING YOUR LEGS. Leg crossing constricts veins and increases venous pressure.

8. WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING. Tight garments can restrict the flow of blood to and from the legs.

9. ELEVATE YOUR FEET. Raise your feet 6 to 12 inches above your heart whenever possible to assist circulation.

10. CONSIDER DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, which are good for circulation. Flavonoids, butcher's broom, and Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (HCE50) improve venous circulation and decrease symptoms of venous disease.

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