IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What you need to know:

This condition is very unlikely in young children, but teenage girls on the Pill are at risk - particularly if there’s a family history of the condition. They’d be well advised to choose alternative methods of contraception.

Although there has been an increased interest in DVT recently because of the risk of it developing on long-haul air flights, this isn’t a new condition. It has been well known by specialists in aviation medicine for many years and ANY teenager with a family history of DVT should take extra precautions on long journeys. That also includes travelling by car, coach and train. In fact, any activity which involves sitting for more than about four hours without movement increases the risk of thrombosis, although pressurisation and dehydration make the risks greater when flying.

These simple tips will greatly decrease your chances of getting DVT:
  • Drink a glass of water every 30 minutes throughout the flight
  • Don’t drink alcohol, coffee or cola drinks
  • Walk about as much as possible
  • Bend and stretch your legs. Contract and relax the calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and clench and relax your toes and buttock muscles. Repeat these exercises every 15 minutes
  • If you have a family history of thrombosis or any condition which increases your risk, wear support stockings or tights on the plane

The most useful Herbs and Supplements:

  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Gingko biloba
  • White willow
  • Anti-oxidants
  • Bioflanoids
  • Vitamins A, C and E
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.