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The day before traveling:
� Make sure you walk throughout the day. This should not be difficult
since you likely have many errands to run before your trip.
� Do not forget to take the medications you usually take.
� If you regularly use a diuretic, ask your doctor if you can skip it just for
this day before travel in order to avoid dehydration.
� Take a lot of fluids 24 hours before the trip.
� The use of anti-clotting agents (anticoagulants) or anti-platelet agents
must only be used as indicated by the treating physician.
The day of travel:
� Make sure you use comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is not tight
around the waist.
� Avoid using high-heeled shoes to prevent swollen feet.
� Make sure you take liquids throughout the day so your bloodstream can
become thinner, forcing you to get up and walk to the bathroom during the
flight.
� Avoid postures that obstruct blood flow back from your legs such as
sitting with your legs bent or crossed.
� Make sure that you walk frequently along the aisle at least every 3-4
hours.
� If your legs are prone to swelling, elastic socks are recommended (avoid
bandages, since it is difficult to measure the pressure being applied).
Socks pulled up to your knees should have a tension between 15 to 20
mm and may be purchased at any pharmacy.
� Stretching exercises are recommended, such as standing on your heels or
toes.
� If you have suffered previously from leg thrombosis, ask your doctor if
you should take any additional precautions.
And remember, if you want to enjoy your stay after a long trip, make sure you follow
these simple tips and avoid unnecessary pain. Taking shorter flights or connecting
flights might well be worth your while.
Illegal Practices in Australia
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the New South Wales Medical
Board is trying to crack down on medical tourism companies that are
performing illegal practices of paying Malaysian and Thai doctors to come
to Australia to provide consultations in hotels. Thus far, the only report of
such events comes against Gorgeous Getaways which advertised on its
website for free consultations in Australia with overseas doctors before
surgery. The Medical Practice Act, Section 105, states that “It is an offense
for a person who is not a registered medical practitioner to advertise or hold
themselves out to be qualified…or to give surgical advice and service.”
Therefore the surgeons flying to Australia and giving consultations to
patients in New South Wales are in violation of the Medical Practice Act.
The NSW Medical Board threatened action against Gorgeous Getaways,
but they are still promoting the service. What is the experience of some of
these medical tourism companies? In some cases, none. One company is
run by a former carpet cleaner, and many have no medical background or
experience. It is very important to research the medical tourism operator
and assure that you are not being misled by false promises.
DECEMBER 2007 33