Economy Class Syndrome - Fact or Fiction?

As Emma Christoffersen from Newport, South Wales died this week after a long haul flight from Australia, a study from the University of Amsterdam claimed that there is no significant link between sufferers from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and the cramped conditions in economy travel.

The researchers studied 788 suspected sufferers and tried to find a link between their condition and travel. One quarter of the subjects had developed DVT, though the researchers claimed to have found no significant link with travel and no other indicators of increased risk.

Even so, the Department of Health in the UK believes between 5 and 10% of DVT cases can be linked to long haul travel.

British Airways is supporting research at the University of Newcastle with also suggests no clear link between flying and DVT. Even so, Cabin Crew do currently draw passengers attention to health information contained within the in-flight magazines and encourage travellers to move around and drink plenty of water during long-haul flights.

A BA spokesman this week said "Prolonged periods of immobility have been recognised as a contributory factor in DVT for many years. This applies whether a person is seated in a train, a bus, a car or even in the theatre".

Poor circulation is a contributory factor in many conditions and is worsened by sedentary lifestyles. The Japanese see the flow of blood and energy around the body as similar to the flow of a mountain stream - a blockage, or 'dam' may lead to ilness and poor health. Reflexology for example aims to break down these blockages to improve circulation and regain health. "Circulation is life, Stagnation is Death".

Friday, 10 November 2000