Blood Clot Prevention & Risk Factors

As I explain in the above blood clot prevention video, I developed a blood clot while flying back to Los Angeles. It was a scary, surreal ordeal and I want to help you prevent this from happening to you and your loved ones.

A blood clot can happen to anyone—young or old, in bad health or optimal health and everyone in between. Though we can prevent a blood clot from happening by actively doing specific things.

Watch the video above to hear my story. Some of the knowledge I share includes some great blood clot prevention flight tips for those of you who plan to fly on an airplane. These include:

1. Take a break from sitting and walk up and down the aisle of the airplane once every thirty minutes (or at the very least once an hour). This will help keep your blood flowing properly

2. Bring your own water bottle (fill it up at a water fountain after completing the T.S.A. Security screening). Proper hydration decreases the risk of getting a blood clot. I recommend the following water bottle as it’s large, sturdy, and unlike most water bottles this one doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals:

3. Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings help relieve moderate conditions associated with poor circulation (and poor circulation can cause a blood clot to form).  Here are a few examples of some ultra-effective compression stockings:

-Women’s knee-high compression stockings: JOBST Compression Stockings: Black Knee High, Women, 20-30 mmHg

-Women’s thigh-high compression stockings: JOBST Compression Stockings: Black Thigh High, Women, 20-30 mmHg

-Men’s knee-high compression stockings: JOBST Compression Stockings: Black Knee High, Men, 20-30 mmHg

-Men’s thigh-high compression stockings: JOBST Compression Stockings: Black Thigh High, Men, 20-30 mmHg

4. Take an aspirin prior to the flight (81 MG is ideal).  I recommend: Kirkland Signature Low Dose Coated Aspirin 81 mg

(If you’ve had a blood clot in the past you should consider talking to your doctor about having a Lovenox shot prior to flying (Lovenox is a blood thinner))

General Prevention:

1. Walk at least 30 minutes a day to help keep your cardiovascular system working properly

2. Being overweight increases the risk of a blood clot so eat healthy and exercise

3. Whether you’re on an airplane, sitting at a desk or doing work in bed get up and move around from time to time

4. Stop smoking! Smoking puts you at a heightened risk for a blood clot

Other Risk Factors:

-Genetics (some people are at a higher risk for a blood clot—especially folks who have varicose veins)

-Steroids or Hormones (including birth control)

-Pregnancy

-Surgery (especially hip surgery)

-Cancer or diabetes

-Trauma

I hope you enjoyed learning about blood clots. I created another video and article that offers helpful advice to those who actually have a blood clot. To access this information please click the link below:

www.healthcodeacademy.com/blood-clot-you-have-one-now-what-what-you-need-to-know