Shelia Lewis: Smith County Extension

Planning to be on the move? Travel can bring with it both issues of movement and lack of movement – being on the go and sitting for hours on end.

Keeping your blood properly circulating, your sinus and ear pressure balanced, and your stomach calm can be the ticket to comfortable travels.

Blood clots can develop when people sit for a long period of time during air, rail, bus, or car travel.

When blood clots develop in the legs or pelvic veins, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can result in a clot dislodging and traveling to the lungs (a condition known as pulmonary embolism [PE]), which can result in sudden death. Symptoms of DVT may include cramping, swelling, and color changes of the calves and feet.

PE may first develop as a sensation of not feeling well, followed by shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting.

To maintain healthy blood circulation, get up and walk every 1 to 2 hours. Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Change positions frequently; straighten and move your legs and arms; contract and release your calf muscles every half hour; keep your legs in an uncrossed position.

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, sedatives, and smoking. Make sure your luggage is not restricting your leg/foot space.

Talk with your doctor about wearing special elastic support stockings, which improve circulation. If swelling occurs, try elevating your feet, rotating your ankles while seated, and getting up and walking. Seek medical help if you are not feeling well or have worsening symptoms or concerns.

Lack of movement isn’t the only problem with motion. Sometimes too much movement can result in motion sickness.

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about movement and results in symptoms of nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.

Motion sickness can be triggered by turbulence and vibration, and made worse by warmth, anxiety, hunger, and overeating. To help avoid or reduce motion sickness, focus on the horizon or a distant object. Keep your head still and against a seat rest. Don’t read. Eat in moderation, and avoid spicy and greasy foods, alcohol, and smoking. Eat dry crackers.

Try lying down and closing your eyes when possible. Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine 30 to 60 minutes before travel, but expect drowsiness. Talk with your doctor about other possible medications for motion sickness. You can also help reduce motion sickness by reserving or selecting a seat where motion is felt least:

Shelia Lewis
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