Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/26/2014 -- For those at risk for blood clotting, long-distance travel, particularly by plane, may seem an untenable luxury.

Prolonged immobility increases the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Usually, this primarily concerns hospital and nursing home patients, but it can also apply to healthy adults who remain stationary for a stretch of several hours aboard an airplane. But with appropriate precautions, most people can travel safely even if they have an elevated risk of blood clots.

Greg Grambor is president of Vascular PRN, a distributor of sequential compression therapy devices. He says that even individuals under medical care for compromised circulation have options for long-distance travel.

“Sequential compression therapy enhances blood flow by rhythmically squeezing the legs, thereby reducing the risk of clots and DVT,” Grambor explained. “Recent advances in this technology have led to small, lightweight, portable therapy devices with batteries that can last a full day without charge. Under a doctor's advice, most patients are able to take long flights safely.”

Grambor strongly believes that DVT awareness is important for everyone.

“Compression therapy allows those with elevated risk of blood clots to travel prepared,” he added, “but even healthy adults should be aware of the risks. Blood clots that form in the legs and become dislodged can get caught in the vessels of the heart, brain and lungs, creating life-threatening conditions.”

Mitigating the risk of blood clots in the air is easy if you know what to do, Grambor says.

“First, you need to stay hydrated. The air in airplane cabins is dry, so you need to drink more water than usual. If that means you need to get up and use the restroom, that's great, because movement is key to circulation. Even when in your seat, you can find ways to stretch your arms, legs and back, which helps the circulation in your whole body.”

Learn more at http://www.vascularprn.com/professionals/polygel-dvtcare/