Many flight attendants spend most of their weeks up in the air. Some may work as many as three short flights on a typical day. This means their bodies must endure three take-offs and three landings. During flights, it’s common for some people’s feet and lower legs to experience swelling. During take-off and landing, there are pressure changes that affect the body’s circulatory system. This change in blood flow pattern can cause an increased risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. On flights it is also common for flight attendants to spend a lot of time on their feet. They must assist passengers, aid in stowing luggage properly, and tend to other matters requiring them to be up and moving around. Prolonged time on the feet can cause blood to pool, which leads to swelling and discomfort. There are many reasons why flight attendants should wear compression gear. Check out these key ones.
They improve circulation
Compression socks help to improve the body’s blood flow. By gently squeezing the legs, they encourage the blood that often pools in the feet to move up and back to the heart. The body’s circulation improves as the blood flow is encouraged to continue moving normally. Improved circulation can decrease the risk for developing blood clots and deep vein thrombosis while preventing and reducing existing swelling of the feet and legs.
They lower risk of blood clots
Compression gear can lower the risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, a severe condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, which are typically located in the legs. Wearing compression gear may reduce the risk of these conditions. They promote healthy blood flow and keep legs from pooling with blood and fluid, which may decrease risk of blood clots forming.
They reduce swelling
Compression socks improve the body’s circulation, which leads to blood flowing correctly from the heart, down to the legs, and back up to the heart again. Blood that is flowing normally through the veins is less likely to pool in feet and ankles, which prevents swelling. Compression gear reduces swelling by applying a gentle pressure to the legs, helping the pooled blood start to flow again and, in turn, reducing the amount of swelling present in the feet and legs.
Many flight attendants choose to wear compression gear to help keep their circulation healthy and their legs comfortable. A popular choice among women is compression stockings while men may prefer a compression leotard to keep their circulatory systems healthy during flight.
