If you’re traveling this summer, no doubt you’re eager to get to your destination. But you want to make sure you stay healthy in the process.

One of the more serious issues that can develop during travel is Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is essentially a blood clot. Symptoms include leg swelling or pain, redness in the leg, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and anxiety.

Dr. Mina Guerges, a vascular surgeon at Jamaica Hospital, joined “News All Day” on Wellness Monday to explain the biggest risk factors.

He said, “sitting for prolonged periods of time is the biggest risk factor. Immobility is the biggest risk factor because you’re not circulating the blood out of your legs. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, pregnancy. Some people they’re genetically pre-disposed to developing blood clots, so they have a family history of that.”

To reduce your risk, the doctor recommends that you get up and move around every couple of hours, pump your calf muscles to circulate the blood in your legs, and wear compression socks.

For more information, go to JamaicaHospital.org.