According to some therapists, simple exercises and staying hydrated are the best ways to prevent vein thrombosis.

To decrease the increasing number of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism cases in the US, a “Call to Action” has been recently released by acting U.S Surgeon General Dr. Steven K. Galson.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) says that it would support the initiative and offer tips to avoid these dangerous conditions during air travel.

Susan Scherer, who is an associate professor of physical therapy at Regis University, Denver as well as a member of the APTA, says: “a blood clot that is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur because of long period of immobility like on long plane flights.”If a DVT occurs and the clot travels to the lungs after getting dislodge, this condition is known as pulmonary embolus.

Swelling in one or both legs and calf tenderness are some symptoms of leg DVT and people who suffer pulmonary embolus may experience increased heart rate and shortness of breath.

According to Scherer, people must wear compression stockings as they keep excess blood from remaining in the legs and thus decrease the risks of DVT in flight. She also advised seated exercises to keep the blood flow going, and muscle relaxed.

APTA President Marilyn Moffat said in the news release: “Some simple exercises can be very helpful to avoid typical symptoms that flier experience during flights such as toe cramping, leg cramping and other body aches.”