WHO: travelers flying should exercise leg

World Health Organization (WHO) on June 29 recommends that passengers traveling on long flights should exercise their feet and avoid sleeping pills to reduce the risk of death from blood clots.

WHO recommendations are based on research by scientists in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands after the death of a British woman after a long flight from Australia.

Emma Christofferson, 28, died of pulmonary embolism - occurs when a blood clot forms in the leg that escapes and goes to the lungs. This disease can be treated if detected early. People who travel long-distance planes are more likely to suffer from this disease because they do not have enough space to comfortably stretch their legs. Some people may have a genetic disease or a lifestyle.

According to the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association, about 2.2 billion trips are made by plane every year. Association spokesman Anthony Council said many airlines have informed passengers about the risk of blood clots.'Our advice for passengers is that if they are at risk of blood clots, consult their doctor before going on a plane,' he said.

WHO recommends that passengers traveling on long flights exercise their feet to reduce the risk of death from blood clots - (Artwork: Hobotraveler)

T.VY