October 13th is World Thrombosis Day and this year we celebrate its 10-year anniversary. To acknowledge the importance and significance of moving and stretching your legs regularly, the theme for this year is:

Move against thrombosis!

World Thrombosis Day (WTD) was created by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). The day was established in response to ISTH members requesting there be a targeted focus of global support for this often misunderstood and overlooked life-threatening condition.

The date was specifically chosen as it is the birthday of Rudolf Virchow who was a physician, pathologist, biologist and anthropologist. Rudolf founded the pathophysiology of thrombosis. He suggested that thrombosis was the result of [among others] the stasis of blood flow.

WTD is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of blood clots and increase knowledge and information about the seriousness of this health issue. For each additional hour seated, without getting up and moving around, the risk of VTE increases by 20%. People who have their own desk at work and regularly ate their lunch at their desk have a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism.

World Thrombosis Day brings together organisations and health professionals from around the world to support the event. Visit the WTD website for further information about this significant day and the activities offered.

Perth Blood Institute (PBI) provides information and up-to-date research associated with thrombosis via the Thrombosis Australia (TA) and Thrombosis Australia Professionals (TAP) websites. These websites offer platforms for both the general community and health professionals to access an assortment of news and thrombosis-related material, all in one central place.

Thrombosis can affect anyone at different ages and the TA website presents personal stories from diverse individuals who have experienced thrombosis. We encourage you to visit Thrombosis Australia where we provide some tools and resources to help impart lifestyle tips to help reduce the risk of developing thrombosis. We have also added a webpage describing the rare occasions and circumstances when exercise may be the cause a thromboembolic event. Thrombosis and exercise.

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Reference

Prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility and risk of venous thromboembolism