What You Should Know About Blood Clots

Did you know that every year more people die from blood clots than from breast cancer and AIDS combined? In fact, more than two million North Americans are affected by blood clots every year. A blood clot, also known a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), can break loose and travel to the lungs resulting in a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), an often fatal condition.

Risk factors:  Age 40+, pregnant, using birth control, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, smoker.

Your doctor may prescribe compression stockings because they provide a graduated pressure that is more firm at the bottom of the stocking or sock and gradually decreases up the leg. This graduation aids in improved blood flow back to the heart because gravity and pressure make it difficult for the blood to flow in an upward direction.

SIGVARIS, the global leader in medical compression stockings and socks, is working to educate people about DVT prevention… and so are we!

How you can prevent a DVT:

• stop smoking
• exercise
• drink plenty of water
• limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• wear compression socks and stockings every day

And of course, see your Chiropodist/Podiatrist regularly!