Blood Clot Awareness in Lakeville and Shakopee, MN

Did you know that we lose over 100,000 Americans to blood clots every year?

March has been designated as Blood Clot Awareness Month to raise awareness around risk factors, impacts, and prevention. Originally known as Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month, the awareness month started in honor of a journalist who died from a blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lungs. With someone dying from a blood clot every 6 minutes, we want to provide you with information and resources to help you understand the risk and take the steps to lower it.

What Is a Blood Clot?

Blood clots are semi-solid masses of platelets and fibrin that form in blood vessels in different areas of the body. They help the body from bleeding too much, but they can also be dangerous. Blood clots that form because of certain medical conditions, or immobility, can be life-threatening. Blood clots in different areas of the body may have different impacts. These can include:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): When blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or arms, it can cause swelling, leg pain, and skin discoloration.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): If a blood clot in a deep vein from DVT breaks off and makes its way to the lungs, it can cause PE. Signs of PE to watch for are shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing. If you experience these symptoms, you should get help immediately.
• Stroke: This can be caused by blood clots blocking blood from flowing to the brain.
• Heart attack: When blood clots form in the heart, they can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.

Who Is At Risk for Blood Clots?

Some common factors that can increase the risk of blood clots include hospitalization and major surgeries, cancer, pregnancy, a family history of blood clots, and smoking and vaping. The risk of blood clots also increased for those 55 and older. The National Blood Clot Alliance recommends these strategies to prevent blood clots from forming:

• Familiarize yourself with your family history in case there is a history of blood clots.
• If you’re able to, move around every two to three hours. This can include a short walk or stretching your legs.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking and vaping.

Are There Resources Around Lakeville and Shakopee?

If you’re looking for methods to prevent blood clots here in Minnesota, we’ve got you covered. Here are some organizations that can help you with screening, nutrition planning, and getting active:

The M Health Fairview Clinic in Prior Lake offers preventative care services, including age- and risk factor-based screenings for conditions such as different types of cancer. They also provide counseling and education services on topics like nutrition and substance abuse.

• Location: 4151 Willowwood St. SE, Prior Lake, MN, 55372
• Hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Fridays from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Club Prior Recreation and Resource Center For Adults 55+ offers a calendar of events and activities to help get you and your loved ones moving around. Check out their calendar for details about their weekly morning stretch and stroll, yoga, fitness classes, and more.

• Location: 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. SE #101, Prior Lake, MN, 55372
• Hours: Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

How Can Griswold Help?

At Griswold Home Care for Lakeville & Shakopee, we provide non-medical in-home care services for those with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. We offer companionship, personal care, and homemaking, as well as respite care for family caregivers in need of relief. Whether you or a loved one is looking for a companion to an activity class, a short walk, or for range-of-motion exercises in your own home, we’re here to help you Live Assured. Give us a call to learn more.