Scholl Flight Socks are available in the following packs -

• Scholl Flight Socks Sheer Natural - Size 4-6
• Scholl Flight Socks Sheer Natural - Size 6.5-8
• Scholl Flight Socks Black - Size 3-6
• Scholl Flight Socks Black - Size 6.5-9
• Scholl Flight Socks Black - Size 9.5-12

• Risk of circulatory problems such as Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT (blood clots)
• Swollen ankles
• Tired aching legs

In addition, if used long term:

• Treat and prevent superficial and early varicose veins
• Provide therapeutic relief from mild leg pain
• Look like ordinary socks or stockings

Scholl, the leading name in compression therapy, have used their clinically proven graduated compression system to produce Scholl flight socks with the appropriate amount of support to help blood circulation and to help reduce the build up of excess fluid.

Scholl flight socks are discreet, comfortable and suitable for men and women of all ages.

• Medical compression level 14-17mm mercury

Scholl FlighSocks: Use a clinically proven graduated compression system to improve blood flow and help relieve leg discomfort.

Available in five sizes:

Scholl Flight Socks Black: The black socks are made in a cotton-feel fabric, are thicker, and look like men's socks.

Scholl Flight Socks Sheer: These are flesh coloured and look and feel like lady's stockings.

• Approved by the Aviation Health Institute
• Made to conform to British Standard; BS66 12:1985

Fitting and caring for your Scholl flight socks:

Putting on your Scholl flight socks: Scholl flight socks look like ordinary socks. However, because they incorporate compression to aid your circulation you may find you cannot put them on like normal socks.

If you experience difficulty putting Scholl flight socks on please follow these simple instructions:

1. Place your hand down the inside of the sock as far as the heel pouch. Grasp this firmly between your finger and thumb and then turn the sock inside out, leaving the foot section tucked in.
2. Turn back the foot part approximately 1" (2.5cm).
3. Slip the foot part of the sock onto your foot.
4. Turn back the 1" (2.5cm) fold and ensure the heel pouch is properly in place under the heel.
5. Pull the sock up the leg without forcing it.
6. Your Scholl Flight Socks should always be pulled up to just below the knee.

• Do ensure correct fitting of Scholl flight socks and ensure no wrinkles are present when worn
• Do not wear Scholl flight socks if you have a history of arterial disease or if you are a diabetic. Consult a healthcare professional for further advice
• Do not roll down your Scholl flight socks at any time as this will result in a build up of compression and will be uncomfortable
• Scholl flight socks should always be worn on both legs

If you are at all concerned about your legs or circulation pre or post flight please consult a Healthcare Professional.

Caring for your Scholl flight socks: If cared for correctly, your Scholl flight socks will give you the recommended levels of compression for the equivalent of three months of continual flying.

• Scholl flight socks should be hand washed at 40°C with a mild detergent and dried flat.
• Do not wring, and dry away from direct heat.
• They should never be dry cleaned, bleached, ironed or tumble dried.

There is growing evidence that passengers on flights of more than four hours are at increased risk from developing potentially life-threatening deep vein thrombosis - DVT.

This leaflet provides the recommended preventative measures that you can take as a passenger when going on a long-haul flight.

Everyone is at risk, including those with no previous history of leg swelling: To reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis whilst flying, please consider taking the following precautions as based on recommendations by the House of Lords Select Committee and Air Travel and Health.

Group 1 - Those with no known predisposition to blood clotting:

• Move around in your seat and the cabin as much as practicable
• Exercise your calf muscles whilst seated using half-hourly exercises for a few minuets
• Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks, both before and during flight
• Drink only water or de-caffeinated soft drinks of juices when thirsty or feeling dry
• Pay attention to and follow any advice given on the plane.

Group 2 - Those at minor risk:

Those who meet one or more of the following higher risk conditions: aged over 40, very tall, very short, obese, previous or current leg swelling from any cause, recent minor leg injury or minor body surgery, extensive varicose veins.

Follow the advice for Group 1 PLUS

• Avoid leg discomfort whilst seated (including crossing legs and ankles)
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks, both before and during flight
• Do not take sleeping pills
• Consider wearing compression hosiery.

Group 3 - Those at moderate risk:

Those who meet one or more of the following conditions: recent heart disease, pregnant, or on any hormone medication - particularly the contraceptive pill and HRT, recent major leg injury or leg surgery, family history of DVT.

Follow the advice for Group 1 and 2 PLUS

• Take professional medical advice about the risks involved from your GP or practice nurse
• Take pre-flight low dose aspirin as advised by your doctor unless contra-indicated (eg. history of nose bleeds, stomach ulcers, aspirin sensitive asthmatics, blood thinning medication, pregnancy and breast feeding)
• Take professional advice from your GP or practice nurse about the need to wear compression hosiery.

Group 4 - Those at substantial risk:

Those who meet one or more of the following conditions: previous or current DVT, known clotting tendency, recent major surgery or stroke, current malignant disease or chemotherapy, paralysed lower limb(s).

• Ensure you seek advice from a healthcare professional
• Consider avoiding or postponing flight, taking medical advice if unsure.

For all Groups - Remain vigilant even when your flight is over the risk of DVT doesn't end when the plane lands. Therefore, if any of the following symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately and inform him or her that you were recently on a long-haul flight.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Sever or persistent swelling of the ankles
• Swollen and painful calf or thigh
• An increase in skin temperature
• Local skin discolor

The problems associated with flying

Factors which contribute to the discomfort and risk associated with flying include:

• Cramped conditions that many passengers occupy during long-haul flights with restricted seating space
• Limited exercise opportunity/lack of leg movement
• Low humidity
• Reduced cabin pressure
• Dehydration

It is now well recognised that long periods of inactivity, combined with the cramped conditions and dehydration which can occur on long flights, can cause a number of circulatory problems, ranging from swollen ankles and tired aching legs to more serious medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The value of compression hosiery: One of the recommended measures for reducing the risks associated with long haul-flights is to wear compression hosiery. Legs do tend to swell during air travel due to the low cabin pressure and being in one position for a long period of time. Compression hosiery can aid the movement of blood in the veins because they are designed to provide the extra support leg veins need to ensure correct circulation.

This not only helps your circulation, but you'll also find that compression hosiery will alleviate that heavy aching feeling in your legs.

Scholl, the leading name in compression therapy, have used their clinically proven graduated compression system to produce Scholl flight socks with the appropriate amount of support to help blood circulation and to help reduce the build up of excess fluid. Scholl flight socks are discreet, comfortable and suitable for men and women of all ages.

Do's and Don'ts for healthy flying - based on guidelines from the Aviation Health Institute

Do's:

• Do exercise legs and regularly rotate and flex shoulders, feet and ankles
• Do walk around the cabin as often as possible
• Do breathe deeply at regular intervals to increase oxygen intake
• Do keep well hydrated
• Only use a footrest if it extends your legs and is padded
• Do consult a healthcare professional pre or post flight if you are concerned about your legs or circulation

Don'ts:

• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, tea or coffee
• Do not sleep in an uncomfortable position
• Do not use a footrest if it leaves your calves dangling
• Do not let your calves make prolonged contact with your seat