Tip of the Day - Salt and Travel

Summary

Dr. Mike Kennedy advises that older individuals often experience leg swelling after travel due to prolonged sitting and increased salt intake from eating out. To prevent this, he recommends staying active during travel, drinking plenty of water, and being mindful of salt consumption; persistent swelling should be checked by a doctor as it may indicate kidney or heart issues.

Full Transcript

Hey everybody, it's Dr. Mike Kennedy here for another conversation with the Denny Direct Care Referral Class Network. Today, I want to discuss a common scenario I encounter in my office, particularly with older individuals. Often, they return from a trip with swelling in their legs and wonder what's causing it. The primary reasons are prolonged sitting during travel and dietary changes, especially the increased consumption of salty foods while eating out. Our bodies, especially as we age, struggle more with fluid balance, leading to swelling, particularly in the legs.

To help prevent this, I recommend three things: First, try to move around as much as possible during travel, whether that’s walking in the aisles of a plane or stopping frequently during a car ride. Second, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which also encourages movement due to more frequent restroom visits. Finally, be mindful of your salt intake, especially when consuming commercial food, which is often high in salt. Preparing home-cooked meals or choosing lower-sodium options can help. If you notice persistent swelling, it's important to see your doctor, as it could indicate kidney or heart issues. Thanks for listening, and take care