Combat DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis / Economy Class Syndrome with the clinically proven Airogym DVT Cushion.

WHAT CAN AND SHOULD AIRLINES BE DOING TO PREVENT FUTURE DVT TRAGEDIES?

Emma Christoffersen brought DVT to our thoughts in 2000 when she collapsed at Heathrow Airport after a DVT caused by a long-haul flight. Her mother Ruth Christoffersen is now at the centre of a landmark action against over 30 airlines for not properly warning passengers about the risks of Deep Vein Thrombosis and long haul flying.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is caused by lack of movement of the muscle pump in the calf of the legs. The blood pools in the lower legs, becoming sticky and more likely to clot. Sitting for long periods in any situation may be causal, however it is during long haul flights that this issue has come to prominence.

One airline has taken bold steps to introduce the Airogym DVT Cushion to all its long haul passengers.

The health and welfare of our customers is our top priority." Comments Dr Alistair Beatton, Head of Medical Services for Emirates Airline. He continues, Airogym is a significant product because it is a simple and fun way of exercising whilst seated. Airogym will encourage people to exercise on board -- something we urge passengers to do through our video and audio-channels during flights and in our in-flight magazine. Although there is much to learn about the causes of DVT, which appears to affect specific groups of people who sit without exercise for long periods of time -- even when sitting at home -- Airogym has proven to improve blood flow. This is why Emirates is becoming the first airline to give its support to this product and is taking the lead role by making it available to our customers."

Passengers on other airlines can purchase the Airogym for themselves from www.airogym.com at a very reasonable price, but should they have to? Should all airlines be making this proven solution to inflight exercise available to their passengers? An aircraft is hardly a suitable gym, with narrow aisles, window seats, and cabin crew carrying out their duties. It is also potentially dangerous to be out of your seat on an aircraft -- you are at risk of injury, perhaps even fatal, if the aircraft hits unexpected turbulence. Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries. There are countless reports of occupants who were seriously injured while moving about the passenger cabin when clear air turbulence is encountered. Airlines should be recommending seated exercise. But, as Dr. Ian Perry who represents IAOPA as a Consultant in Aviation Medicine on the Medical Subcommittee of the Joint Aviation Authority comments, It is physically more beneficial to use the Airogym than simply wiggling your feet as you have the resistance of the inflated chambers to work against and exercise your muscles, stimulating an increase in blood flow."

The Airogym is a portable, pocketsized inflatable dual chambered footpad with a restriction between the two compartments. The user simply treads the air from one side to the other as described on the packaging. The Airogym has been clinically tested by leading vascular surgeon Mr John Scurr and has has been proven to increase the flow of blood through the deep veins by up to five times. Mr. Scurr, consultant vascular surgeon at the Middlesex and University College Hospitals, London comments that This increased blood flow certainly prohibits venous stasis and in turn should reduce the risk of development of potentially dangerous blood clots."

Mark Whitely MS FRCS Consultant Vascular Surgeon has also tested the Airogym and states that the key to reducing the risks of economy-class syndrome is to keep the blood flowing through the veins in the legs. Travel stockings do this PASSIVELY - ie: when you are sitting still. However, more effective than this is using the foot and calf muscle pumps. The Airogym emulates the process of walking - the resistance of the flow of air makes the foot pump work and the movement of the foot down, makes the calf pump work. It is the combination of these pumps that makes it so effective and is why we recommend it at our clinic."

The Airogym DVT Cushion was designed by a BA Captain of 33 years, who better to understand the safety and logistics of inflight exercise. His concern was raised when a passenger on his flight collapsed with a pulmonary embolism -- when part of the DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking the inflow of oxygen. His daughter Amanda Richards is the Managing Director of Airogym.com and comments that The beauty of the Airogym is that its simple, discreet and allows you to effectively exercise your leg muscles in the safety and comfort of your own seat." Says Miss Richards. We all know how difficult it can be to get out of your seat if you are in the window or middle seat, it also disturbs sleeping passengers. With this ingenious device the problems are solved, and you can exercise whilst eating or watching the film. The added bonus is that leg and ankle swelling are also reduced as the active exercises are also responsible for pumping fluid from the legs."

Available at www.airogym.com

Please contact info@airogym.com for further information.