March is DVT Awareness Month

Monday, March 01, 2010

The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a group of more than 50 healthcare organizations, has designated March as DVT Awareness Month. Since its inception in 2003, the Coalition’s mission has been to: reduce the immediate and long-term dangers of DVT/PE; educate the public, the healthcare community and policy makers; and identify viable measures for preventing these conditions.

Helping to prevent DVT is the American Venous Forum (AVF) national screening program. The national screening program is designed to test patients for DVT. The AVF screening process consists of four steps:

  • Brief demographic questionnaire
  • Venous thromboembolism risk and venous-specific quality of life assessment
  • Abbreviated venous ultrasound exam
  • Lower extremity inspection for signs of chronic venous insufficiency

After the screening, participants receive a report card and disease-specific educational materials; they are also encouraged to share their results with their primary care provider.

As a Charter member of this event, Juzo works with the American Venous Forum to across the country to hold free screenings. To find a screening location and dateclick here.

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower leg or thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. In the most serious cases, deep vein thrombosis can lead to a pulmonary embolism — when part of the blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs where it can block a lung artery, causing damage to the lungs or other organs from lack of oxygen.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism affect an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 Americans each year, and the numbers are expected to increase as the U.S. population ages. Together, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism contribute to at least 100,000 deaths each year. Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., in 2009 issued a Call to Action to reduce the number of cases in the United States.

"Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms are often 'silent' conditions — they can occur suddenly and without symptoms," Galson said. "But we have made a lot of progress in understanding how these disorders develop and how to prevent, diagnose, and treat them. It's time to put this knowledge into action."

Galson went on to say that being hospitalized or confined to bed rest, having major surgery, or suffering a trauma could increase a person’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. People who sit for long periods of time, such as travelers and “deskbound” office workers, also are at risk.


To help prevent the onset of DVT, it is important for people in these situations to do the following:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Stretch legs and change position frequently
  • Breathe deeply frequently
  • Be careful about leg rests that compress the calf or behind the knee
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake
  • Wear compression or support socks & stockings

Click here for more information about venous disease.



Since 1912, Julius Zorn, Inc. has been a pioneer of new technologies, whether it’s designing a more comfortable garment or incorporating other technological advances such as our FiberSoft™ technology. Our philosophy has always been that medical garments should not inhibit a person’s lifestyle. We have led the compression therapy garment industry in creating a high quality product that offers its customers freedom in motion and, in turn, the freedom to maintain their active lifestyle.