The 2026 Spring Festival travel rush has officially begun, and countless passengers have embarked on the road back home. During the winter and Spring Festival holidays, many tourists also take long-distance buses, high-speed trains, and airplanes for travel. During the journey, staying in one position for too long on a narrow means of transportation is likely to affect health, and many details that may affect health should not be taken lightly. Zhang Haobo's grandfather is almost 80 years old and has cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems. He takes antihypertensive drugs all year round. My grandfather has been living here in Xinjiang since he was young. This year, during the Chinese New Year, he suddenly wanted to go back to his hometown in Henan to visit. He has to take a 6-hour car ride from home to Urumqi, and then a 4-hour plane ride to Zhengzhou. "Zhang Haobo is very worried and is asking doctors and friends what preparations they need to make on the way. The heating on the plane and in the car is usually fully turned on, and the outside temperature is very low, which is a dangerous factor. Later on, we decided to take a sleeper train to Urumqi. At least on this journey, Grandpa could lie down, sit down, and walk around at any time. I just don't know how to ensure the safety of the elderly as much as possible when flying, so I prepared slippers, brought antihypertensive medication and an electronic blood pressure monitor, and wanted to book first class. ”Zhang Haobo said. Zhang Haobo told reporters that his friends studying in the UK reminded him to pay attention to the possibility of blood clots in the elderly during long-distance travel. Sitting with bent legs on a plane for a long time can easily cause blood clots to form in the legs. After getting off the plane, immediately or one or two days later, the blood clots may suddenly fall off, which can be particularly dangerous. This is a risk that international students will pay close attention to in their social circle. Zhang Haobo has a relatively overweight body and high blood lipids. His friends remind him to also pay attention to blood clots, saying that "it is not only the elderly or those with a history of blood clots that will occur". Wei Wangjiang, Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Cardiology of Beijing Ditan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, said in an interview with the reporter of Zhongqing Daily, Zhongqing. com, that venous thromboembolism and varicose veins are prone to occur in the scene of taking a long flight or bus (for example, more than 4 hours). The high-risk groups include: people who have a history of venous thrombosis or family history, patients with chronic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, malignant tumors), people who have recently undergone surgery or trauma (especially hip and knee joint surgery, abdominal surgery), pregnant women, postpartum women and women taking oral contraceptives, the elderly (>60 years old), obese, smoking people, and people with congenital coagulation abnormalities. During the Spring Festival holiday, a high oil and high salt diet can increase blood viscosity. Heavy clothing in winter may limit physical activity, and prolonged sitting and lying down can further exacerbate poor blood circulation. Young office workers or students who remain inactive for several hours or lack sufficient water during long-distance travel are at an increased risk of developing lower limb thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and varicose veins. Attention should be paid to asymptomatic risks, especially when combined with fatigue, dehydration, alcohol consumption, and other conditions. For those with a history of thrombosis and a high incidence of thromboembolism, it is necessary to consult a doctor before traveling on how to use medication or adjust their usual medication. Chen Yutong's mother, who is 45 years old this year, suffered from acute pulmonary embolism during her self driving trip last Chinese New Year. At that time, Chen Yutong experienced a severe traffic jam - she didn't get off the car for 8 hours. Although she also stopped to rest later, due to the cold weather, Chen Yutong's mother didn't have the awareness of "having to get off the car for activities". When she got off the car at the service area to go to the restroom and was about to squat down, she felt severe pain in her legs, chest tightness, and blackness in front of her eyes. Chen Yutong thought her mother had low blood sugar, so she gave her a drink, but her mother vomited. Chen Yutong temporarily changed her route and went to the nearest hospital overnight. "After getting checked at the hospital, the doctor told us that thrombolysis was needed. Fortunately, we arrived at the hospital relatively quickly, and thrombolysis was timely and not life-threatening. Everyone should exercise their lower limbs more when taking long rides in the future," Chen Yutong said. Wei Wangjiang suggests that before embarking on a long journey, everyone should be prepared in terms of clothing selection, carrying items, and dietary adjustments. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, avoiding wearing tight pants and socks; Medical gradient pressure socks (elastic socks) can be used, which have a positive effect on improving circulation and reducing edema in sedentary individuals. It is recommended to choose elastic socks with a pressure of 15-20mmHg (for prevention) or 20-30mmHg (for patients with existing varicose veins), covering above the knee. It is best to consult a doctor before using elastic socks for the first time. Portable ankle activity pedals and water bottles (reminder to drink water) can be carried. Chronic disease patients should prepare daily medication, avoid high-fat meals before departure, and consume foods rich in Omega-3 (such as fish) in moderation. In the narrow space of airplanes or long-distance buses, there are also some lower limb movements that can be completed without getting up. Wei Wangjiang suggests that everyone can try ankle pump exercise: repeatedly hook and stretch the toes, every 15-20 times as a group, doing 2-3 groups per hour; Activating the thigh muscles can alternately tighten the front thigh muscles and maintain relaxation for 10 seconds; If there is more space, you can stretch your knee joints alternately and straighten your calf, then hook your toes and hold for 5 seconds; And lifting knees and legs: Hold one knee close to the chest with both hands, hold for 15 seconds, and then switch legs. In addition to active activities, attention should also be paid to drinking water, diet, and daily routines during the journey. In winter, the cabin and interior heating are open and relatively dry. It is recommended to drink 100-150ml of water per hour to avoid alcohol and excessive coffee consumption (which can lead to dehydration); At the same time, when dining in the car or service area, you should avoid high salt snacks (such as potato chips, ham). High salt can cause retention of water and sodium, increase blood pressure, and high oil diet is easy to increase blood viscosity; If conditions permit, take a short break from your seat every 1-2 hours. Ordinary people should also take regular measures to prevent the formation of blood clots. Long term transportation and sitting for long periods of time have the same harm. Continuous sitting for more than two hours should be avoided, and it is recommended to get up and walk every hour. It is recommended to engage in moderate daily exercise, such as walking, jogging, and cycling, to enhance the pumping function of lower limb muscles. Drinking 1.5-2 liters of water daily (for those with normal heart and kidney function), controlling weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and choosing a low salt and low-fat diet are also very important. (New Society)