Flying Health Program for Pilots
Pre-flight
Go through our pre-flight check list below.
Things you can do
Order your T.E.D.™ compression stockings, to your door, before you fly
Clinically proven to reduce DVT and increase blood flow velocity. Reduces foot and ankle swelling. Our online calculator helps you select your ideal size, which is important for functionality.
Order natural Fruit Flow®
Is the first ingredient to be granted an EC Article 13.5 health claim; natural blood thinner supplement, proven to help maintain normal platelet aggregation which contributes to healthy blood flow and helps prevent blood clots.
Pre-flight exercise
Exercise for at least 30 minutes the day of your flight and/or the day before your flight (walking, swimming, running, gym work).
Hydrate well prior to flying
Average fluid intake is 1.5-3L/day. If possible, refrain from taking dehydration products such as drinking alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks.
Wear loose clothing, loosefitting shoes
and do not place bags beneath legs as this further limits your space
High risk individuals
May require anticoagulation, blood thinners (heparin, oral, anticoagulants). See your doctor.
Pre-flight exercise
Exercise for at least 30 minutes the day of your flight and/or the day before your flight (walking, swimming, running, gym work).
Hydrate well prior to flying
Average fluid intake is 1.5-3L/day. If possible, refrain from taking dehydration products such as drinking alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks.
Wear loose clothing, loosefitting shoes
and do not place bags beneath legs as this further limits your space
High risk individuals
May require anticoagulation, blood thinners (heparin, oral, anticoagulants). See your doctor.
In-flight
Put your T.E.D.™ stockings on before take off
Adequate Hydration
Drink at least 125mL, every hour whilst flying.
Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine & Sedatives
Refrain from drinking alcohol, caffeinated, sugary drinks and sedatives during your flight.
Cockpit Workout
We have created a series of videos for pilots. You can do these exercises in your seat or in the galley of your cockpit. Remember to move as much as possible.
Foot Pump
Improves lower leg blood circulation – repeat 10 times
Toes Point Up & Down
Improves lower leg blood circulation repeat 10 times
Buttock Stretch
Improves circulation around the hip – repeat 3 times each leg
Trunk Rotation
Stretches the trunk – repeat 2 times each direction
Arm Stretch
Relaxes tight shoulders – repeat 2 times and hold stretch for 5-10 seconds
Shoulder Stretch
Relaxes tight shoulders – repeat 2 times and hold stretch for 5-10 seconds
Shoulder rolls
Relaxes tight shoulders – repeat 10 times
Chest Stretch
Stretches the pectoral chest muscle – repeat 3 times
'W' exercise
Improves posture by strengthening the lower shoulder blade muscles (lower trapezius muscle) – repeat 10 times
Heel raises
Repeat 5-10 times
Calf stretch
Repeat 2 times and hold stretch for 10 seconds
March on Spot
Repeat 10 times
Lumbar Extension
Lumbar Flexion
Hamstring Stretch
Quad Stretch
Pec Stretch
Squats
Repeat 5-10 times
Special thanks to Airlink for using their aircraft for filming and Guy Bester – International Airline Transport Pilot and Helicopter ATP Test Pilot
Post-flight
Remove your T.E.D.™ stockings after landing
Early movement
Helps blood circulation after flying
Look out and be aware
for possible symptoms & signs blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and or pulmonary embolism (PE) after your flight.
The risk of developing a blood clots is greatest in the first 2 weeks after your long-haul flight, but remains elevated for up to 8 weeks. The risk increases with longer flight durations and with multiple flights over a short period of time.
DVT signs and symptoms
DVT Signs and Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness with no history of injury of the affected limb.
- Swelling.
- Skin warm to touch.
- Discolouration of the skin: Redness or discolouration or blue colouration of the skin
DVT may be clinically silent in up to 50% of cases. Unfortunately, clinical features are very variable and clinical diagnosis is notoriously unreliable.
Any suspicion, seek medical attention immediately!
PE signs and symptoms
PE Signs and Symptoms
- Shortness of breath.
- Low grade temperature.
- Coughing, coughing up bloody mucous.
- Chest pain made worse by deep breathing
- Heart rate can be increased and or irregular.
Any suspicion, seek medical attention immediately, PE can be life threatening!
Look out and be aware
for possible symptoms & signs blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and or pulmonary embolism (PE) after your flight.
The risk of developing a blood clots is greatest in the first 2 weeks after your long-haul flight, but remains elevated for up to 8 weeks. The risk increases with longer flight durations and with multiple flights over a short period of time.
DVT signs and symptoms
DVT Signs and Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness with no history of injury of the affected limb.
- Swelling.
- Skin warm to touch.
- Discolouration of the skin: Redness or discolouration or blue colouration of the skin
DVT may be clinically silent in up to 50% of cases. Unfortunately, clinical features are very variable and clinical diagnosis is notoriously unreliable.
Any suspicion, seek medical attention immediately!
PE signs and symptoms
PE Signs and Symptoms
- Shortness of breath.
- Low grade temperature.
- Coughing, coughing up bloody mucous.
- Chest pain made worse by deep breathing
- Heart rate can be increased and or irregular.
Any suspicion, seek medical attention immediately, PE can be life threatening!
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