DVT because of inactivity?

Terry's Tidbits: My Wake Up Call

Possibly my week of watching college basketball was not very good for me, although I am on my feet all day while at work. I am not the most active person when away from work and I will be the first to admit that I am overweight. I don’t recall injuring my leg; however I am always bumping it against something at home or at work. My dad also has a history of blood clots that started when he was about my age. I suppose the cause for my blood clot could be any combination of these.

The blood clot should dissolve on its own. There are things I can do to lessen my chances or to prevent another blood clot. Now, I will probably wearing support stockings or compression socks for the rest of my life. I will also be taking blood thinners such as coumadin or warfarin. My other big lifestyle change will include walking regularly to get exercise and stimulate circulation.

Vital Signs - Risks - Study Ties Dirty Air to Blood Clots in Legs - NYTimes.com

Vital Signs - Risks - Study Ties Dirty Air to Blood Clots in Legs - NYTimes.com: "Exposure to air pollution increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis, the blood clots that commonly occur in the leg veins. And the worse the air pollution, the higher the risk."

Driving you to Danger - Preventing Blood Clots (DVT) During Long Trips

This short online video shows the effects of long travel trips and causes of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots. See LegHealth.com for more details. Prevention of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and Blood Clots During Long Trips

Online Interactive Tool for Support Hose - What Level of Compression is Right for You?

What Level of Compression is Right for You?

New - from Healthy Legs.  We can help you determine the correct level of
gradient compression for your support hose.

Nurses track their mileage in Support Hose

Nurses track their mileage in Support Hose(HometownAnnapolis.com)

A few times a week, Irine Devroude slips on her sneakers and prepares for a long bout of stretching and cardio.
But Ms. Devroude isn't going to the gym, she's heading to her shift at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. The nurse spends her 12-hour shifts navigating the 46-bed unit on the second floor of the main building. The task requires daily treks to the pharmacy and lab, and assisting patients on other floors.
So it came as no surprise to the Crofton resident when she wore a pedometer and noticed that she walked about 4 to 6 miles each shift. On a particularly brutal day, she walked 9 miles, the most she's ever done.

"Unfortunately, our floors are concrete," Ms. Devroude said. "The first thing I've been doing from day one is wearing support hose. For that reason, it keeps my legs from being that much more tired."

Ms. Devroude and other nurses at BWMC wore pedometers for a 2-week period this year to see how much walking they get in. Many nurses logged 3 to 6 miles in an eight-hour shift. Nurses who work 12-hour shifts walk even more. Anne Arundel Medical Center did a similar effort with its nurses last year.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended walking as a good form of exercise, along with common chores such as gardening and washing cars.

For a month in 2003, researchers surveyed the walking habits of nearly 150 nurses working 12-hour shifts. It found that the nurses walked 4 to 5 miles per 12-hour shift, and 1/3 to 1/2 of a mile per hour worked, according to results published in the August 2006 issue of MedSurg Nursing, the Journal of Adult Health.

The article also cited an ongoing study on nurses' health and found that those who are ages 40 to 65 experienced reduced diabetes and stroke. Yet the constant walking could also accelerate fatigue and exacerbate underlying muscle injuries, according to the study.

At AAMC's emergency room, the movement is constant and the brands of shoes are abundant. The nurses wore Birkenstocks, Danskos, sneakers or whatever makes them the most comfortable. Nurse Sally Grimm opts for Danskos.

"A typical (registered nurse) in this department would walk from one end to the other at least multiple times every day," said Ms. Grimm, a clinical educator. "It's what we do and we try to develop a system that will make us efficient about where we walk. The bottom line is, you have to get to point A and point B and you have to do it a lot."

The work of BWMC nurse Debbie Russell takes her around the campus, sometimes to four buildings. She works in the hospital's breast program and aids patients who are being treated for breast cancer, from diagnosis to surgery and radiology. She averages 4 miles per shift, but her most has been 7 miles.

Ms. Russell takes her own precautions for walking. She opts for sneakers and usually replaces them every 6 months.

She also wears sunscreen and a hat when she has to go outside during warmer weather. As if the constant walking wasn't enough, Ms. Russell also does yoga when she isn't working.

"I make sure that when I can sit down, I do sit down," said Ms. Russell, of Odenton. "(But) my calves are in good shape."

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The Sheboygan Press - Ask the Trainer: Type II diabetic needs advice on exercise program

The Sheboygan Press - Ask the Trainer: Type II diabetic needs advice on exercise
program:

"Before putting on the shoes, check for pebbles or other small objects inside
that could cause problems.
Smooth
socks should be worn during exercise and changed after a workout to prevent
health issues. Sweaty socks increase the chance of getting athlete's foot. Feet
are to be checked daily for scratches, cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, corns,
and calluses. Immediately contact a doctor for ingrown toenails, athlete's foot,
and cuts or sores that are not healing."

Pregnancy and Work Can Work - washingtonpost.com

Pregnancy and Work Can Work - washingtonpost.com:


"If sitting for a long time during travel, try to get up for a walk at least once an hour to decrease your risk of forming blood clots in your legs. Also, consider wearing support or pressure stockings."

Foot Pain As A Result Of Gardening, By Board-Certified Podiatrist | Bones Health

Foot Pain As A Result Of Gardening, By Board-Certified Podiatrist | Bones Health

Many gardeners will experience foot pain this season as a result of overlooking the needs of their feet. But a few minutes of preparation and good common sense can keep gardeners comfortable all season.


“Gardening is an exertive weight-bearing activity and should be considered a sport rather than a passive hobby,” said Dr. Paul R. Kasdan, a board-certified podiatrist and medical director for OurHealthNetwork.com. “As with any sport, one should make sure to wear appropriate foot gear, and to properly stretch before engaging in the activity.”


During weight-bearing activities or sports, the feet play an important role in supporting weight, balancing stance to reduce falls, and movement. They also act as shock absorbers. Foot problems commonly associated with weight-bearing activities like gardening are usually due to wearing inappropriate footgear, or the lack of proper warm-up exercises.


“To always be pain-free, the feet must be encased in the proper shoes and socks. If the shoes do not provide proper support and cushioning, then the feet lose efficiency and problems eventually occur,” Dr. Kasdan said.