Walking and Blood Clots

  Do you work in an office? There are many factors that you should consider. You will note that most people normally work when they are seated down. This can be detrimental. You might gain more weight over time. You might even get a blood clot in your body. This means that blood will not be able to reach all the vital organs in your body. Some of the parts that need more blood supply include the brain, kidneys, liver and so on. Sitting in the office for long periods can lead to this problem.

However, what is a blood clot? It basically refers to a clump of blood that forms in a blood vessel. It can form in your vein or even in your artery. If this clot gets stuck in a blood vessel, it can actually lead to serious problems such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or even stroke. Some of these conditions can lead to death. Mitigating them can help avoid future complications.

The following are tips on how to prevent the formation of a blood clot

1. Take breaks.

  Sometimes, you might have a lot of work in the office. However, this should not hinder you from taking breaks. You will note that working for several hours can make you get tired. You might not be very effective. You should give your mind a break and do something else. In this case, you should take breaks and flex your muscles. 

2. Do leg exercises when you are seated down 

 You can move your legs even when you are seated down. You can pump your feet up and down by pulling your toes towards your knees and the pointing them down. If you have shoes, you can remove them and allow your toes to move freely. Swinging your legs can still help prevent this problem. This has worked well for many people out there.

3. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

 Some people normally like wearing fitting clothes. This might seem to be a good idea but these clothes might hinder the smooth circulation of blood in your body. In this case, you should consider wearing loose-fitting clothes. If you choose to wear stockings, you should ensure that you wear loose stocking. You should also avoid wearing tight socks. This can play a major role in preventing the formation of a blood clot.

4. Get a standing desk for your office.

  Sitting down for many hours can lead to serious health problems. You should, therefore, consider getting a stand-up desk for your office. You can trust that you will be working when you are standing. This can help blood to flow smoothly from your head to the toes. You can be alternating and work on this desk for some time. This can help you to remain healthy and enhance the smooth circulation of blood.  You can even get an electric standing desk. You will note that this desk basically sits on top of the standard desk and can expand to a maximum height of about 19 inches. You will realize that most standing desk normally has a single seated height and a single stand height. This can actually limit you. The good news is that an electric standing desk is more flexible. It actually allows anyone who is 5-6 feet tall to use the standing desk more comfortably. This can help prevent the formation of a blood clot in your body.

5. Change your position often.

 Some people can sit in one position for many hours. This can make some parts of your body to become numb. This also happens when one is traveling for several kilometers. It is advisable that you change your position from time to time. You can alternate your sitting positions and chose the one that suits you. This can enhance the smooth flow of blood in your body.

6. Avoid crossing your legs when you are sitting down.

  You will note that some people normally like crossing their legs when they are sitting down. This can lead to the formation of a blood clot in your body. You should allow your legs to remain apart and even try to flex each leg at a time. Crossing your legs for several hours can make your legs to become number and can increase the chances of blood clot formation.

7. Use compression stockings or socks

 There are instances when your doctor might prescribe that you use compression stockings. These stockings can actually help prevent blood clots in the long run. You can use these stockings if you are prone to this problem.

8. Reduce your weight.

  If you know that you will be working for many hours in your office, you should be ready to reduce your weight. You will note that excessive weight and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the chances of blood clot formation. In this case, you can change your diet and take healthy foods. If you normally like taking junk foods, you can reduce the intake of such foods. This is because these foods normally contribute to weight gain in the long run. You should also consider taking healthy snacks when you are in the workplace. If you have cooked some healthy food at home, you can carry some to the office instead of buying junk food during the lunch break. You can also do several exercises when you are at home so that you can burn more calories and lose more weight. This can help prevent blood clot formation.

9. Take more water.

 You will note that water is very essential to your body. It is normally used in the various process of the body. You should, therefore, consider taking at least 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. This can help you to speed up your body's metabolism and thereby enable you to reduce your body weight. Once you reduce your body weight, you can be sure that the chances of blood clot formation will be low. 

10. Walking is still the best. 

You can walk around during your breaks so that blood can circulate well in your body. This can help prevent the chances of blood clot circulation. You can use your break time to walk, get some fresh air and at the same time, you're getting exercise. If you have a break in the morning and afternoon that's a total of three times daily walk. Even 10 minutes is a big difference rather than nothing.

Consider these ideas today and you will avoid blood clot formation. This is more important if you normally work in the office for many hours. You should move from time to time when you are working in the office. Being immobile in the office can lead to blood clot formation among other complications. These ideas have helped many people in the past. Consider them today and you will not be frustrated.

11. When driving long distance.

Be sure to stop frequently when driving long distance. Walk and stretch.  Flex your legs while driving and wear anti-embolic socks or stockings. 

Please comment if you have other advice or question.

Disclaimer: This is not professional advice, if you have any pain in your legs, arms or anywhere consult your doctor.