(HealthDay News) -- A disorder called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the body's deep veins, most often in the legs.
Your risk increases when you're confined to sitting for a long period without the benefit of exercise, such as on a long plane flight.
The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions to help reduce the risk of DVT while you're on a long flight:
- If your flight takes three hours or longer, get up and walk around at least once every 30 minutes.
- While you're sitting, perform some simple leg, foot and ankle stretches and exercises.
- Don't wear constricting clothing.
- Nap in short bursts of no more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol and caffeine.
- Take a brisk walk around the airport terminal if you have a layover.