Health Warning To Travelling Public

Health Warning To Travelling Public

NEWS RELEASE

10 DECEMBER 2003

HEALTH WARNING TO TRAVELLING PUBLIC

Physiotherapists are warning people travelling for long distances during the holiday period - as well as Lord of the Rings watchers - to take precautions against potentially fatal blood clots.

Movement is the key to avoiding blood clots (DVTs), states the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists (NZSP).

Physiotherapists advise those travelling for more than two hours in planes and trains to get up and move around from time to time if they can. Car drivers should stop often to stretch their legs and allow anyone with them to do the same. Bus passengers should move their legs around.

"The critical factor is getting the blood pumping around your body," says Kirsten Davie, NZSP President. Her suggestions for anybody stuck in a confined space are:

* Make some good strong ankle movements by pulling the foot up and pointing it away from you.

* Lift one leg up and down, straightening the knee.

* Repeat with the other leg.

* Do all this 8 to 10 times every half hour or so.

Lord of the Rings fans should remember this advice too, says Ms Davie. "Your eyes may be riveted on the screen, but move those legs from time to time."

ENDS

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