Keeping your blood flowing when you are sedentary for long periods of time, such as during travel, is vital to help prevent a dangerous blood clot from forming. The summer travel season is almost here, so make sure to add this important information about travel and blood clots to your itinerary.

More than 300 million people travel on long-distance flights (more than four hours) each year. The formation of a blood clot, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be a serious risk for some travelers. While most of the information about blood clots and travel has been gathered about air travel, anyone who is traveling more than four hours by car, bus, or train can also be at risk for blood clots.

In the course of a normal day, you move. Walking, bending, and turning all involve the muscles in your legs and feet. This muscle activity pumps the blood within your veins and supports active blood flow. When you're confined to your seat in an airplane, this activity is greatly decreased and can allow the blood in the deep veins (veins not visible through the skin) to potentially form a clot. A DVT, which will frequently form in a person's leg or arm, can obstruct blood flow, which can cause causing swelling and pain. A much more serious health problem can result when a DVT breaks free and travels to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and requires immediate medical attention to prevent lung damage or even death. It is extremely important to know and recognize the symptoms of a DVT or PE.  Find them here.

Hydration is very important while traveling, too. Regular intake of fluids (except alcoholic or caffeinated beverages) helps keep your blood volume stable. The water absorbed from these liquids replenishes water loss and keeps your blood vessels full, which may help lessen the risk for a blood clot.