Is “the foot pump” a new dance all the kids are doing? No, it
has something to do with veins, of course! Namely, making sure the circulation
in your legs is working properly.
As summer draws to a close, many people are returning from
vacation, driving in their cars, or hopping a long flight home. In order to
prevent deep vein thrombosis (known as DVT), try the foot pump, in the car or
on the plane.
It’s a simple toe-tap
exercise: tap your feet for a minute or two, going back and forth between heels
and toes. This squeezes the deep veins in the legs and forces the blood to
circulate through the leg. It also feels good after sitting for a long period
of time. Do the foot pump (on each foot) every half-hour or so.
Also, don’t forget to
stay hydrated, preferably with water. And try to take a brief walk in the airplane aisles (or at the
rest stop) occasionally to keep the blood flowing.
