That's Fit

With all the talk these days about airlines hiking up rates and charging passengers extra for each bag they check, flying the friendly skies seems to be somewhat of an outdated and grossly inaccurate tag line. This is especially true when you consider that, because of rising fuel costs, many planes will now be flying at slower speeds. This, in turn, will cause two things to happen: 1) Flights may take longer than they did in the past, and 2) The risk for airliner-related health issues increase.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is of particular concern, for a growing body of evidence -- including a recent study from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands -- suggests that long plane rides are a common cause of this potentially fatal health problem. A second issue related to spending more time on a plane is the increased risk of catching a cold, which, according to the Journal of Environmental Health, is 100 times more likely to occur in this enclosed environment.

Since Airborne proved to be no help whatsoever in staving off colds, your best bet for a long plane ride is to go into them as healthy as possible -- which can be achieved with most success with proper diet and regular exercise. As for DVT, many experts suggest taking occasional walks around the cabin and doing some basic stretches during flights.

Things have been crazy busy lately. After just getting back from a cross-country trip, I just found out I have to make the same trip again next week. Great. Nothing says comfy like being stuck in an airplane seat for six hours. On top of that, with all this time spent sitting in a cramped chair, there's always concern for DVT -- deep vein thrombosis.

Sometimes referred to as coach class syndrome, this is a formation of a blood clot that commonly occurs in the veins of the legs after people spend an extended period of time seated. Bigger problems can also arise if the clot embolizes; that is, if it separates and travels into the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism.

Many airlines, aware of the threat of DVT, are now suggesting that you get up and take a little stroll once and a while if you're aboard a long flight. This is easier to do on some flights than others, just as finding comfort in a seat can vary greatly depending on .... well, about eight thousand different factors. That's why you may want to check out SeatGuru.com (www.seatguru.com) before you book your next flight. It gives a great breakdown of each seat on the plane on which you are about to travel -- comfort, leg room, ability to recline the seat or not, if it has power port, etc. Knowing this information in advance may help protect against DVT (as well as major frustration), as it will provide you with the chance to fly as comfortably as possible.

Just as many foods, when combined, produce greater health benefits than each component does on its own, there are certain things that do not mix quite as well. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, two of these substances that refuse to get along are spinach and blood-thinning medication Warfarin.

The high levels of vitamin K found in spinach (as well as many other leafy green vegetables) has a clotting effect on on blood, rendering the drug far less effective. This blood thinner is usually prescribed to prevent clots typically associated with DVT (deep-vein thrombosis) -- also sometimes referred to as coach or business class syndrome, named for the section of an airplane that is often used by frequent air travelers.

If you happen to be taking a blood thinner of any kind, you may want to discuss any dietary restrictions with your doctor if you have not done so already.

Here's something that's probably the last thing you want to read right now, considering that you're likely sitting down at this very moment: Researchers from the University of Missouri claim that sitting down shuts down your body's natural fat burning properties.

To arrive at these findings, the researchers took a close look at a particular enzyme that prevents fat storage. They discovered that it was far less functional in people who were inactive, which may be a contributing factor to weight gain. The enzyme is found in the muscles used when a person is standing, something that does not bode well for people who spend most of their day on their butts.

To help keep this enzyme active and functioning properly, be sure to get out of your seat and take a short walk (around your office or wherever else) every so often. Not only will it help keep the fat burning switch on, but it will also help prevent against such circulatory issues as DVT.

Why is that if our cars does something even slightly out of the ordinary, we are on the phone withe mechanic almost right away; yet, when we feel a pain in our bodies and something doesn't feel right, we are hesitant to call the doctor? I know I am guilty of having followed this backward logic myself on a number of occasions, which is why an article I just read on WebMD gave me pause.

Highlighting The 7 Pains You Shouldn't Ignore, the article takes a look at what exactly a pain in your abdomen, an excruciating headache, and five other physical maladies could potentially be. True, in some cases these pains may turn out to be nothing worth great concern. But, you don't want to be taken by surprise the one time it turns out to be something serious.

To read the full WebMD article, click HERE.

Want to get a leg up on healthier airplane travel? It's not a bad idea, given the threat of dangerous blood clots -- also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- that comes from extended periods of time spent sitting.

The longer you're airborne and the more you fly in short time frames, the greater your risk for DVT. Fortunately, there's something you can do to prevent this serious condition from striking: Exercise.

Exercising right in your airplane seat will keep your blood circulating properly. Northwest Airlines recommends a whole list of exercises -- ankle turns, knee lifts, shoulder circles, knee bends and more -- and you can access them right here. Take a peek, jot them down, and pack them in your carry-on bag. They'll surely come in handy next time you fly the friendly skies.

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.

I love technology -- when it works in my favor. Give me a locked up computer or an automated telephone voice recording that buries me deep in unwanted options and I get pretty frustrated. When technology makes my life easier, though -- like when it allowed me to print my airline boarding pass at home so I could avoid long airport lines this past weekend -- I'm all for it. I'm also a fan of the health-related information that popped up on my computer screen while printing that glorious boarding pass.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the topic listed in bold print at the bottom of my pass. A blood clot condition caused by prolonged sitting and occurring primarily in the lower legs, DVT has become an issue of concern for travelers packed like sardines on airplanes. Jammed tight with other passengers with barely enough leg room to wiggle a foot and with luggage, food, and beverage carts blocking the aisles, it's critical we find a way to move around. If we don't, we risk the formation of a blood clot that can break away and become a pulmonary embolism.

For a mini education on the DVT topic, check out this website. And take a look at a few of our previous That's Fit posts that address this scary health issue.

Top 6 hospital risks
Take a walk, pal
Taking a long flight this Christmas? Stretch your legs
Some tips for avoiding blood clots
Stand up and stretch -- it's good for the veins

According to WebMD, hospitals are a great place for healing, but they can sometimes be places where harm can inadvertently be done. Unfortunate situations of this kind are a very real possibility, making it critical for patients to be informed of these potential risks.

The WebMD website lists the 6 most common hospital risks. A brief listing of each is as follows, including links to more detailed descriptions:

1. Hospital Medication Errors.

2. MRSA: Hospital Infections

3. Post-Op Pneumonia

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

5. Bleeding After Surgery

6. Complications of Anesthesia

Having just returned from a cross-continental flight, the thought of sitting in one place for hours at a time is still very fresh in my mind. You shift, you squirm, and you stretch -- all in efforts to reduce the stress on your legs, though in most cases these measures are done in vain. With this discomfort being the more obvious problem, a more quiet and serious issue could also arise from staying seated for very long periods of time. Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a form of potentially fatal blood clots that people sometimes suffer from after spending a great deal of time seated on a plane or, as New Zealand researchers also found, in their office.

Doctors found that among patients with dangerous clots, 34 percent developed this condition from sitting too long at work, while 21 percent were air travelers (the remaining percentage was comprised of a variety of potential causes, including heredity). In some cases, desk workers sometimes spent as much as 4 hours sitting before they stood up even once. By doing so, the circulation in these workers' legs can be restricted, leading to clots and the potential threat of said clots traveling to the lungs.

The simple solution, be you on a plane or simply at your desk at work, is to stand up once and a while and take a short walk. Even this small break will greatly reduce the chances that you will suffer from DVT.

Flying or driving long distances this holiday season? Many of you are, and some are even heading a long-haul trips that can not only leave you uncomfortable, but can put your health at risk too if you develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT.) So what can you do you make your travels more comfortable? Here are some tips:

• Wear loose clothing and avoid tight socks or leggings
• Extend your feet as much as possible to increase your circulation
• If you're driving, stop every two hours and get out of the car. If you're flying, stand up at least as often and change your position whenever possible.
  
• Drink lots of water. This will keep your blood flowing and it will keep you moving -- to the bathroom!

My travel tip? Do yoga before and after the journey -- you'll feel much better.

Blood clots are an uncomfortable and potentially fatal condition. And unfortunately, in our society where we're often expected to sit for long periods of time--on planes, at our desks--they're an all-too-common occurrence. If you're planning on taking a long-haul flight this holiday season, make sure you take steps to prevent a blood clot -- you're life could depend on it. Here are some tips:

• Talk to your doctor beforehand to determine if you have any risk factors for DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or pulmonary embolisms.
  
• If you're at risk, make sure you're not taking any medications that can lead to clots. Birth control pills and patches are a common medication that have been shown to lead to blood clots.
  
• Drink lots of water before, during and after long flights.
• Avoid lying down for long stretches of time

For many people, flying can be really nerve-wracking. Getting to the airport on time, putting all liquids in clear, resealable bags, remembering important travel documents, the threat of lost luggage, making connections and much more, make airplane journey's stressful.

With all of these things to think about, you definitely don't want to also have to worry about getting sick or feeling ill on-board. In order to stay as healthy and happy as possible on your next flight, get prepared ahead of time with these 10 tips from AOL Body .

Suggestions include everything from making sure to get up and move around in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) , washing hands or using antibacterial wipes to avoid picking up germs from your seatmates and swallowing, chewing gum and yawning to pop blocked ears. For more information on these as well as additional tips, such as staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol, check out the entire piece here on AOL Body.

Corsets were the height of fashion in the late-19th and early-20th century. Used as a device to help create a desirable hour glass shape by squeezing in the waist and making the bust and hips appear larger, the garment was often worn so tightly that it cut off oxygen and often made the wearer faint.

These fashion torture devices were replaced by free-flowing flapper dresses in the 1920s and should have been banished forever in my opinion. But in recently years, the garment has made a comeback (often as outerwear) and as this piece points out, they're just as bad for your body now as they were a century ago.

Wearing a constricting corset for too long can lead to gastric reflux, fluid retention and even the potentially deadly Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), the same condition that those on long-haul airplane flights are at risk of developing. So before you fall for this fad, decide whether conforming to what fashion dictates is the norm by squeezing yourself into the smallest size possible is really worth it.

Are you heading out on a vacation overseas? The CDC wants to make sure you stay healthy while you're out adventuring, and they have recently released a revised version of their traveler's health guidebook. Called Yellow Book, the guide contains suggestions such as wearing your seat belt while in a foreign country and how to avoid the notorious norovirus while on a cruise ship (and how to get over that seasickness as well). It also has a newly added section on deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the legs. Airplane travelers may be at a higher risk for the condition on long flights.

Yellow Book is available online, and travelers can look up specific information by country.