In case you missed the November 5th article in the New York Times (Compression Socks and Hose Are No Longer for Grandma), here is an update on a fashion trend for those of us on the other side of 50. It’s a fashion statement you really can’t afford not to make. According to PRiME’s contributing OB/GYN, Dr. Kathryn Waldrep, compression stockings are something all of us need to consider when traveling any distances, immobilized for any length of time, or even if you are just on your feet a lot. It seems as we age (aren’t you sick of hearing that term???), we are more prone to blood clots and stroke. She says compression wear can significantly reduce the chances of clots because it applies external pressure to the veins, increasing circulation.
In addition to compression socks or hose, Dr. Waldrep advises her patients who are on hormone replacement therapy to stop taking their medication the day before they travel and skip it the day of travel. The drugs increase your susceptibility to blood clots and strokes. Compression wear and stopping hormone replacement therapy are super critical for anyone at risk for deep-vein thrombosis or blood clots.
Thankfully, there are other options besides those ugly, thick compression stockings of yesteryear. While Dr. Waldrep advises that you might still want to get a prescription for your compression stockings, where you are measured for an exact fit, there are now other excellent options available online. Item m6 is a maker of high-end compression wear that is very fashionable and they ask you to measure yourself and compare to their sizing chart for a good fit.
Any travel where you are confined for a period of time such as flying overseas, compression socks or hose really shouldn’t be optional anymore, not for you or your husband or male traveling companion. Below are some of our favorites for compression wear at varying prices.
