Preventing DVT for a Lifetime
Preventing DVT for a LifetimeTranscriptDeep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a serious condition that can occur when you are notmoving around a lot, like during a hospital stay.Once you are fully recovered from illness, injury or surgery, and back to enjoying anactive life, your risk of developing DVT should decrease. But there are things you cando daily, even after you have fully recovered, that will help you further reduce yourrisk of deep vein thrombosis and the serious complications a blood clot can cause.Do not smoke. Smoking, in fact any tobacco use, damages your blood vessels, leadsto the build-up of plaque, and increases your risk of developing blood clots. Evenbreathing second-hand smoke may increase your risk, so stay away from tobacco.Develop a daily exercise routine. Regular exercise gets the blood moving, reducesblood vessel damage and prevents long-term complications. If you find exercisedifficult or don’t know how to start, ask your healthcare provider if you need a physicaltherapist to help you stay safe while you work on increasing your activity.Walking is something most people can do. It doesn’t cost anything and can be donealmost anywhere. Gradually build up to 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.In any case, avoid inactivity. Sitting for long periods of time can cause your blood tocollect deep inside your legs and cause you to develop a blood clot.Get up from your work desk and walk around the office often. During a long road trip,stop, get out of the car and stretch, or walk around for a few minutes. On long flights,walk the aisles.Stay well hydrated, but choose liquids without extra calories, alcohol or caffeine.If you are overweight, losing even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can helpreduce your risk of DVT, and benefit your overall health in the future. Work with yourhealthcare provider to lose weight safely, if needed.20% gradient meshAnyone can be at risk for deep vein thrombosis and the complications can be serious.Take steps each day to prevent a blood clot and at the same time improve youroverallhealthclipshealth, for a lifetime.healthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_gn_10135_98_en_t00002.pdf © Milner-Fenwick, Inc.healthclips5% gradient mesh
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