Men should stand up for their health

Here's yet another reason to hate the people who sit in First Class:

"Coach Class" or "Economy Class" Syndrome is a potentially life threatening blood clot that can develop on long plane trips, especially when sitting in less-than-comfortable seats. Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is the actual medical term for the medical disorder, is often found in people who spend a great deal of time on long plane flights, such as business travelers. But, a 2007 study, published in the Lancet, revealed that there may be some other factors involved with suffering from DVT, one of which being gender.

It seems as though men are twice as likely as women to develop DVT. And, as if gender wasn't enough, there's also evidence to suggest that DVT can run in someone's family. So, add genetics to that list of outside factors, as well.

The good news is that there is a test called a thrombin-generation test -- developed by Austrian researchers -- that can determine if you are at high risk for DVT. If it turns out you are, a prescription blood thinner should help reduce this added risk. And, even if you are not considered to be at-risk for DVT, you may want to try some of the exercises airlines are now suggesting their passengers perform while in flight.