David Bloom’s Daughters Share Memories of their Father
As the 20th anniversary of NBC Correspondent David Bloom’s death approached, his daughters shared fond memories of their father. They were just seven and five years old when he left for Iraq to report on the war. They remember hugging him and praying before he left, unsure if they would ever see him again.
One cherished memory was a phone call from Bloom the day before he died. His daughters spoke to him and told him about their school activities, not realizing it would be the last time they would hear his voice.
Death from DVT
David Bloom died from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while covering the war in Iraq. DVT is a medical condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis. If the clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
Bloom’s job as a war correspondent meant spending extended periods cramped in armored vehicles without much movement or stretching. These conditions significantly increased his risk for developing DVT.
The Coalition to Prevent DVT
Following Bloom’s death, his wife Melanie encouraged The Coalition to Prevent DVT to educate people about this medical condition. Co-founded by Ms. Bloom and several other families who lost loved ones to DVT, the coalition seeks to increase awareness about this silent yet deadly disease in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
The coalition aims to provide education on the signs and symptoms of DVT and promote preventive measures such as regular movement during long periods of sitting, calf exercises, and wearing compression stockings.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT affects up to 900,000 Americans each year and can happen to anyone. Several risk factors increase one’s likelihood of developing DVT, including obesity, older age, family history of DVT, injury to a vein, slow blood flow due to prolonged sitting, increased estrogen due to pregnancy or medication, and chronic illness.
Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, tenderness and skin redness on the affected part of the body. However, around half of people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, lightheadedness and an irregular heartbeat.
Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Moving regularly during long periods of sitting can prevent the development of DVT. Additionally, calf exercises and foot pumps can help enhance the calf muscle pump action. Compression stockings can also be worn to prevent blood clots from developing.
National DVT Awareness Month
David Bloom’s wife Melanie and her co-founders established March as National DVT Awareness Month to spread awareness about DVT. This annual event aims to educate people about the signs and symptoms of DVT and promote preventive measures.
In Conclusion
David Bloom was a highly respected journalist who reported on some of the world’s most significant events. His death from DVT was a reminder that this disease can happen to anyone. Increasing awareness about this condition and spreading knowledge about how to prevent it is crucial in saving lives. As we approach National DVT Awareness Month in March, we encourage everyone to take steps towards staying healthy- including moving regularly during lengthy periods of sitting- to reduce your risk of developing this devastating disease.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
