7th Annual Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month

Filed in archive Consumer Alert , Miscellany on March 14, 2010

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You know the importance of healthy life choices and passing them along to those you care for. But sometimes those you love don't have the time to think about silent risks they could be facing on a regular basis. In fact, people may be putting themselves at risk by simply sitting at a desk or even relaxing on a plane ride during a family vacation. March is the seventh annual Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness, and the Coalition to Prevent DVT is urging everyone to put DVT Awareness In Motion!

This year's program goes beyond building traditional awareness of the signs and symptoms of DVT and emphasizes the importance of preventative care in everyday settings such as:

• Office setting


• In a bed, whether hospital or at home


• Assisted-Living or Rehabilitation facilities


• During travel

You may already know that DVT occurs when muscles of the legs are inactive, allowing blood to collect in the lower extremities? Working with Mary Ann Wilson, RN, founder and host of PBS program "Sit and Be Fit," the Coalition has developed an educational video that features simple, low impact movements to increase blood circulation. Visit www.preventdvt.org to take a look.

The video also features stories from those touched personally by DVT. One of the stories comes from Coalition to Prevent DVT National Spokesperson, Melanie Bloom. Bloom shares her story about learning the news of the loss of her husband, NBC News correspondent David Bloom from complications of DVT while covering the war in Iraq. Watch this special iPSA from Melanie Bloom, speaking of the importance of DVT Awareness.

So in honor of DVT Awareness Month, get out there during March to encourage those you love to put DVT Awareness In Motion!