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Targets holiday meal deal includes turkey and classic sides, plus new affordable options for shoppers who want to mix things up

• Targets $30 Thanksgiving meal is designed to feed six people, keeping the cost at $5 per person.

• Shoppers can find Good & Gather frozen turkey for 79 cents per pound, along with new appetizers, sides, and desserts.

• Nearly 60 new food and beverage items and affordable seasonal decor give shoppers more ways to personalize their holiday celebrations.

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to mean spending a fortune at the grocery store.

Target is bringing back its budget-friendly holiday offerings for 2026, including a $30 meal package designed to feed six people and a selection of new products for shoppers looking to add something different to their holiday spread.

The retailer is highlighting a mix of traditional Thanksgiving staples, new food options, and seasonal finds for the home. Target also cited a YouGov survey showing that seven in 10 Americans value Thanksgiving food traditions, while nearly half of those celebrating plan to put their own spin on a classic recipe this year.

"Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving are such joyful moments for our guests, and Target is making it easy and budget-friendly for them to plan meals that include plenty of familiar favorites plus some of the latest food trends," John Conlin, senior vice president of merchandising, food and beverage, Target, said in a news release.

"From exciting new flavors, to elevated takes on classics and convenient shortcuts to make meal prep a breeze, we're helping busy families celebrate the season with the fresh finds and value they count on from Target."

What's included in Target's Thanksgiving deals?

Target's $30 Thanksgiving meal includes nine items, starting with a Butterball whole young turkey weighing up to 10 pounds. The package also features russet potatoes, jellied cranberry sauce, canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French-fried onions, turkey stuffing mix, turkey gravy, and two take-and-bake baguettes.

For shoppers who prefer to build their own menu, Good & Gather frozen turkey will return at 79 cents per pound beginning in November. Target is also expanding its selection of $5 sides, pies, appetizers and wine, with limited-time offers running throughout the month.

New food options include mashed sweet potatoes, Parmesan-topped roasted vegetables, and Favorite Day's Apple Caramel Crumb pie. The Good & Gather lineup will also feature more than 10 new frozen appetizers, including blueberry and Brie cheese sticks and feta cheese and honey bites.

Beyond the food, shoppers can browse more than 200 new Threshold kitchen items, seasonal table decorations starting at $5, and cozy apparel, including fleece starting at $10.

What this means for shoppers

Target's Thanksgiving lineup gives shoppers a few different ways to approach holiday meal planning. Those looking for a straightforward dinner can start with the $30 package, while people who prefer homemade dishes or more variety can choose individual ingredients and try some of the new offerings.

The $5-per-person meal price may also help households plan their grocery spending ahead of the holiday. However, shoppers should keep in mind that the package includes specific ingredients rather than every possible part of a Thanksgiving feast, so additional purchases may be necessary depending on their guest list and menu.

The advertised prices are before tax and are valid from November 8 through November 29, 2026. The offer is not available in Alaska or Hawaii. Checking prices and availability before shopping can help consumers decide which options best fit their holiday plans.

Members can score a free Butterball turkey after spending $150 during a limited-time holiday promotion

• BJs Wholesale Club is bringing back its annual free turkey promotion from October 31 through November 9.

• Members who spend at least $150 in a single transaction can qualify for a free fresh or frozen Butterball turkey.

• Shoppers can access their coupon starting November 14, but they must claim their turkey by November 25 while supplies last.

Getting Thanksgiving dinner on the table can involve a long grocery list, so a free turkey could be a welcome addition to the holiday shopping budget.

BJs Wholesale Club is bringing back its annual turkey giveaway, giving eligible members a chance to save on one of the main dishes of the Thanksgiving meal.

The promotion gives BJs members an opportunity to earn a free Butterball turkey by meeting a minimum spending requirement during a limited window. Members can shop in-store or online, making it possible to qualify while picking up groceries and other items for their holiday gatherings.

Our free turkey giveaway is a member favorite. Were excited to help our members save money while feeding family and friends at Thanksgiving, Dave Rajkovich, Senior Vice President, Perishables, BJs Wholesale Club, said in a news release. BJs is a one-stop shop for unbeatable holiday value and convenience, and were proud to be part of our members holiday celebrations.

How BJs free turkey promotion works

The promotion runs from October 31 through November 9. During that period, BJs members who spend $150 or more in a single transaction at a warehouse club, through the BJs mobile app or on BJs.com will qualify for a free fresh or frozen Butterball turkey.

Members won't be able to access their turkey coupon immediately after making a qualifying purchase. Instead, the coupon will become available beginning November 14 through the BJs mobile app or the member's account on BJs.com.

Once the coupon is available, members can redeem it online or in-store. The deadline to claim a turkey is November 25, and supplies are limited. The coupon has a maximum value of $25 and cannot be used for organic turkeys.

BJs also offers several shopping options for members preparing for Thanksgiving, including curbside pickup, same-day delivery in eligible ZIP codes, and shipping. Shoppers visiting a warehouse club can use the ExpressPay feature in the BJs app to scan items as they shop and skip the checkout line.

What this means for shoppers

For BJs members who already plan to spend at least $150 on groceries and holiday supplies, the promotion offers a way to get a turkey without paying its full price, up to the coupon's $25 limit. The key is to make a qualifying purchase during the promotion period and remember to redeem the coupon before the deadline.

Shoppers should keep in mind that the offer is tied to a single $150 transaction, rather than multiple smaller purchases. It also makes sense to plan ahead: qualifying purchases must be made by November 9, and the coupon won't be available until November 14.

The giveaway could help members stretch their Thanksgiving budgets, especially if they're already planning a warehouse-club shopping trip. However, shoppers should focus on items they actually need rather than spending extra just to qualify for the offer.

With limited supplies and a November 25 redemption deadline, members who qualify should also avoid waiting until the last minute to claim their turkey.

Thanksgiving flights are averaging $402 round trip, and Christmas tickets are even higher

• Holiday flights are getting expensive: Domestic round-trip Thanksgiving fares are averaging $402, up $95 from last year, while Christmas flights are averaging $452, up $85.

• October is a critical booking window: Google Flights data suggests Thanksgiving tickets tend to be cheapest in October, with Christmas deals often appearing in late October and early November.

• Your travel dates could make the biggest difference: Avoiding the Sunday after Thanksgiving and other peak travel days could potentially save hundreds of dollars.

If you're planning to fly somewhere for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you might want to sit down before checking ticket prices. Holiday airfare is shaping up to be the most expensive it's been in a decade.

According to a new CBS News report, citing travel booking platform Hopper, the average domestic round-trip Thanksgiving ticket is running about $402. That's $95 more than last year.

Christmas is even worse, with the average domestic round-trip ticket climbing to $452, an $85 increase. Rising jet fuel costs are a major factor, and airlines are passing those higher expenses along to travelers.

But here's the good news. While you can't control airline prices, you can control how you shop for flights. And a few strategic moves could potentially save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you're buying tickets for an entire family.

Here are six ways to fight back against expensive holiday airfare.

1. Book your holiday flights now, not in November

If you've been waiting for prices to drop, the calendar could be working against you. According to Google Flights' latest analysis, the lowest Thanksgiving fares have historically appeared about 34 days before departure.

For Christmas, the sweet spot has been approximately 56 days before departure.

That puts both booking windows right around the end of October.

Google's findings are based on five years of aggregated airfare data, so they're historical averages rather than guarantees about what will happen on your particular route.

If your holiday travel dates are firm, start comparing fares today rather than waiting for Black Friday or Cyber Monday travel promotions. While you might find a promotional fare later, there's no guarantee it'll beat what's available right now.

Pro tip: Use Google Flights to see whether the current price is considered low, typical, or high for your route. If the fare you find is reasonable and the schedule works, booking now could be smarter than trying to predict the absolute lowest price.

2. Avoid the Sunday after Thanksgiving

This might be the single most valuable tip for holiday travelers. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26th this year, which means millions of travelers will be trying to fly home on Sunday, November 29th.

And airlines know it. Hopper economist Hayley Berg told CBS News that travelers could pay roughly $250 more per round-trip ticket to fly home that Sunday compared with less popular return dates.

For a family of four, that could mean spending approximately $1,000 extra. Instead, if at all possible, consider returning on Black Friday, Saturday, Monday, or Tuesday.

Money-saving tip: Before buying, compare return flights on November 27, 28, 30, and December 1 against November 29. Even if you need to take an additional vacation day, the airfare savings might make it worthwhile.

3. Leave a day or two earlier than everyone else

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is another notoriously expensive travel day. This year, that's November 25. If your schedule allows, try flying Monday, November 23, or Tuesday, November 24, instead.

Both dates may offer lower fares and a less stressful airport experience. And if you're willing to travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, you might find an even better deal on certain routes.

The same principle applies to Christmas.

CBS News reports that December 18, 19, and 20 could be particularly expensive departure dates, while December 27 is another day worth avoiding.

Money-saving tip: Use the date grid or price graph in Google Flights to compare the cost of leaving one or two days earlier or later. Don't assume the most convenient travel day is worth the premium until you've seen the actual difference.

4. Check nearby airports before booking

One of the easiest ways to overpay for airfare is to search only for the airport that you typically fly out of. Depending on where you live, another airport an hour or two away might offer substantially cheaper flights and be worth the extra drive.

For example, someone flying out of Sacramento might also compare fares from San Francisco or Oakland. Travelers in Southern California could compare Los Angeles, Burbank, Ontario, and Long Beach.

And its also smart for families heading to major metro areas to check alternate arrival airports as well.

Money-saving tip: Use Google Flights' airport selection tool to include multiple nearby airports in the same search. But don't forget to factor in parking, gas, tolls, and transportation to your final destination.

Saving $100 on airfare isn't much of a deal if it costs you $150 more to reach the alternate airport.

5. Book a flight you can reprice later

Here's a strategy that many travelers overlook. Just because you book a flight today doesn't necessarily mean you're stuck paying that price if fares drop later.

Many major U.S. airlines have eliminated change fees on eligible tickets. That means you may be able to change your reservation to the same flight at a lower fare and receive the difference as a travel credit, depending on the airline and ticket rules.

But there's an important catch: Basic economy tickets often have stricter restrictions, and a travel credit isn't the same as getting cash back.

Money-saving tip: Before purchasing, check whether your ticket can be changed without a fee and whether you'll receive a credit if the price drops. After booking, keep tracking the fare and if it drops, check the airline's change-flight options before assuming you've missed out on the savings.

6. Compare the total ticket price, not just the advertised fare

That $199 holiday flight might look like a fantastic deal until you discover it doesn't include the baggage or seat-selection options your family needs.

For example, a family of four paying $35 each way for one checked bag per person could add $280 to the round-trip cost.

Money-saving tip: Before checking out, always calculate the full cost of the trip, including checked bags, carry-on restrictions, seat selection, and other optional charges.

If you're traveling with family, compare whether a slightly more expensive fare includes benefits you'd otherwise have to purchase separately.

One more trick: Set a price alert, even after you book

If you're not quite ready to purchase, price alerts can help you avoid constantly checking fares. Google Flights lets you track specific routes and travel dates, notifying you when prices change.

You can also use services such as Hopper or Going to watch for airfare deals.

But price alerts aren't just useful before booking. They can also help you spot opportunities to reprice eligible tickets if fares drop.

Pro tip: Set an alert for your exact holiday itinerary, then another for dates one or two days earlier or later. This is an easy way to quickly find the itinerary that saves you the most money, especially if you have some flexibility in your travel dates.

Power washers, furniture, and squish toys are part of this week's recall roundup

Recall Roundup: New safety alerts on children's products, appliances and food

This roundup covers newly announced recalls and safety warnings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Food and Drug Administration and USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Costway high chairs pose entrapment and fall hazards

Parents are being urged to stop using certain Costway convertible high chairs because the products can let a child slip through and become trapped or fall.

• The high chairs lack a passive restraint system, creating entrapment and fall hazards that can lead to serious injury or death.
• About 3,332 units were sold at Walmart and Target stores nationwide and online at Costway.com from May 2023 through July 2026 for $84 to $100.
• Consumers should stop using the high chairs immediately and contact Costway for a free replacement.

Goplus Corporation, doing business as Costway, is recalling convertible high chairs that can also be turned into a table-and-chair set. The chairs were sold in several color combinations, including purple and white, red and white, blue and white, and brown and white. Federal regulators said the products violate the mandatory safety standard for high chairs.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the chairs do not contain a passive restraint system. That means a child can slip through the opening between the feeding tray and the seat and become entrapped or fall, creating a risk of serious injury or death. No incidents or injuries had been reported at the time of the recall.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Costway for a free replacement high chair. The company said consumers will be asked to provide a receipt or a photo of the product and will receive a prepaid label to return the recalled chair. Once Costway receives the recalled product, it will ship a replacement free of charge.

Company contact

Costway can be reached toll-free at 844-242-1885 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at recall@costway.com, or online at www.costway.com by clicking Recall at the bottom of the page.

Source

CIYTI princess costumes expose children to button batteries

A small recall of light-up princess costumes carries an outsized danger because children can easily access the button batteries inside the accessories and remote.

• The crowns, wands and remote controls can expose button cell batteries, creating a deadly ingestion hazard.
• About 94 costumes were sold on Amazon from February 2025 through June 2025 for $21 to $35.
• Consumers should take the costumes away from children immediately, dispose of the items as directed and request a full refund.

FoShanShiNanHaiQuNuoAiTongZhuangShangHang, of China, is recalling CIYTI Light-Up Princess Costumes sold on Amazon. The set includes a blue dress, a crown and wand that light up, and a remote control. Regulators said the toys violate the mandatory safety standard because children can get to the batteries.

The hazard

The CPSC said the button cell batteries in the crown, scepter and remote control are easily accessible to children. If swallowed, button batteries can cause internal chemical burns, other serious injuries and death. No incidents or injuries had been reported when the recall was announced.

What to do

Consumers should take the princess costumes away from children immediately and stop using them. To receive a full refund, the company said consumers should write RECALLED with permanent marker on the dress, crown, wand and remote, throw away the toys, and submit a photo of the disposed items by email.

Company contact

Consumers can contact the firm by email at Norakid2026@outlook.com.

Source

PowRyte pressure washers pose serious electrocution hazards

The CPSC is warning consumers to stop using PowRyte pressure washers because the machines lack a key electrical safety device designed to prevent shock.

• The pressure washers do not have an integrated GFCI on or near the plug, creating shock and electrocution hazards.
• The products were sold on Amazon.com and eBay.com for between $92 and $320.
• Consumers should stop using the pressure washers immediately, cut the power cord and dispose of the units.

The CPSC issued a safety warning covering PowRyte pressure washers sold online. Regulators said the machines lack an integrated immersion protection device on or near the power plug, also known as a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter, or GFCI. That missing component can leave users exposed to dangerous electrical faults.

The hazard

Without a GFCI, the pressure washer may not shut off power quickly enough if an electrical fault occurs in a wet environment. The CPSC said that creates a risk of serious injury or death from electric shock or electrocution. The agency framed the warning as an urgent stop-use notice.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the pressure washers immediately. The CPSC said consumers should unplug the units, cut the power cord, and dispose of them so they cannot be used again. The agency also said consumers should not sell or give away the hazardous products.

Company contact

No company contact information was listed in the CPSC warning. Consumers can review the CPSC notice for additional details.

Source

Reliancer bed rails create deadly entrapment hazards

Consumers are being told to stop using certain Reliancer adult portable bed rails because the products can trap users and also fail basic stability and labeling requirements.

• The bed rails can create entrapment and asphyxiation hazards and also may fail structurally, creating a fall hazard.
• The rails were sold on Amazon.com from August 2023 through September 2026 for about $45.
• Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately and dispose of them.

The CPSC warning covers Reliancer-branded adult portable bed rails with white tubing, black foam handle grips and a black storage pocket. The rails measure about 26.4 inches wide by 38.6 inches tall and weigh about 5 pounds, with Reliancer printed on the storage pocket. Regulators said the product violates the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the rail and the side of a mattress after installation, creating a serious risk of asphyxiation and death. The agency also said the rails do not meet structural stability or retention strap requirements, which adds a fall hazard. Required hazard warning labels were also missing.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the bed rails immediately and dispose of them. The CPSC said the products should not be sold, donated or given away because they remain hazardous even after resale or transfer.

Company contact

No company contact information was provided in the CPSC warning. Consumers can use the agencys notice for more information.

Source

Squishy toys contain hazardous water beads

The CPSC is warning families to throw away certain squishy toys because they contain water beads that can be deadly if swallowed.

• The toys violate the federal toy safety standard for water beads and pose ingestion, choking and intestinal obstruction hazards.
• The Rainbow Mystery Squishy Buns were sold at Easy Wholesale in San Jose, California, and the Squeezy Dumpling Toys were sold at a flea market in Galt, California.
• Consumers should stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them so children cannot access them.

The warning involves Kaizou Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys and Squeezy Dumpling Toys distributed by Kaizou Group. The translucent toys contain glitter or multicolor water beads and are packaged in tan plastic containers shaped like bamboo steamers, with cartoon faces on the toys themselves. Federal regulators said the products do not comply with the mandatory toy safety standard.

The hazard

The CPSC said the water beads pose deadly ingestion, choking and obstruction hazards. Water beads can expand inside the body after being swallowed, which can lead to severe internal injury and may require emergency medical treatment. Because the products are toy-like and appealing to children, the agency is urging immediate disposal.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the squishy toys right away and throw them away. The CPSC also warned people not to resell, donate or give away the products, since the hazard remains with the item.

Company contact

No company contact information was listed in the CPSC warning. Consumers can consult the agencys warning notice for more details.

Source

Organic mung beans may contain glass fragments

Natural Grocers has recalled a batch of its store-brand organic mung beans after finding a potential foreign material hazard.

• The recalled beans may be contaminated with glass, which can injure the mouth, throat, teeth or intestine if consumed.
• The recall covers Natural Grocers Brand Organic 2-Pound Mung Beans with UPC 000080112600 and specific pack dates sold in stores across 22 states.
• Consumers should stop using the product immediately and either discard it or return it for a full refund or credit.

Natural Grocers is recalling Natural Grocers Brand Organic 2-Pound Mung Beans because of possible glass contamination. The affected product carries UPC 000080112600 and pack dates 26-160, 26-173, 26-196, 26-224 and 26-258. The beans were distributed to Natural Grocers stores in states stretching from Arizona and Colorado to Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

The hazard

The FDA notice said the concern is possible foreign material contamination with glass. Ingesting glass fragments can cause injuries including chipped or damaged teeth, cuts to the mouth and throat, and even intestinal perforation. Consumers should treat the product as unsafe to eat.

What to do

Anyone who bought the affected mung beans should stop using them immediately. Natural Grocers said consumers can throw the product away or return it to a store for a full refund or store credit.

Company contact

Natural Grocers can be reached at 303-226-1434 or by email at media@naturalgrocers.com.

Source

Lidl gelato recalled over listeria risk

Lidl US is recalling a coffee-and-vanilla gelato product because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

• The recalled frozen dessert may contain Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious or fatal infections in vulnerable people and pregnancy complications.
• The recall affects Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces with UPC 4 0564897 22458, Lot 085261 and Best By MAR/26/2028, distributed to Lidl stores in 10 jurisdictions.
• Customers should discard the product immediately or return it to a Lidl store for a full refund without needing a receipt.

Lidl US has issued a voluntary recall for Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces. The affected product was distributed from July 19, 2026, through Oct. 15, 2026, to Lidl retail stores in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. The company said the reason is a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The hazard

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Even healthy people can develop short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

What to do

Customers should not eat the recalled gelato. Lidl said consumers should either throw the product away or return it to the nearest Lidl store for a full refund, and a receipt is not required.

Company contact

Consumers and media can contact Lidl at (844) 747-5435. The company also listed media@lidl.us for email inquiries.

Source

Smoked salmon recall warns of listeria

Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. is recalling a cold-smoked Norwegian salmon product because of possible Listeria contamination.

• The salmon may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe illness and pregnancy complications.
• The recall covers STARFISH SEAFOOD PREMIUM COLD SMOKED NORWEGIAN SALMON SLICED with UPC 4751048940099 and lot D080-148, distributed in six states.
• Consumers should not eat the salmon and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. is recalling STARFISH SEAFOOD PREMIUM COLD SMOKED NORWEGIAN SALMON SLICED in 227-gram, or 8-ounce, packages. The affected product carries UPC code 4751048940099 and best-before date 27.11.2027, lot D080-148. It was distributed in New York, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The hazard

The FDA said the salmon has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. That organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may experience fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, while pregnant women face the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

What to do

Consumers are urged not to consume the recalled salmon. The company said the product should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Krasnyi Oktyabr Inc. can be reached at (718) 858-6720 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Source

Kayem meats recalled after temperature abuse

Kayem Foods is recalling ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after the items may have been exposed to unsafe temperatures during storage.

• The products may have experienced temperature abuse, raising a high-risk food safety concern classified by FSIS as Class I.
• The recall affects ready-to-eat meat and poultry products bearing establishment numbers EST. M/P 7839, EST. P 20935A and EST. M 9520 that were shipped nationwide and to Hong Kong.
• Consumers should not eat the products and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Kayem Foods Inc. is recalling certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products because they may have experienced temperature abuse during storage. The USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service classified the event as a high-risk, Class I recall. The products were shipped to retail and foodservice locations nationwide and to Hong Kong.

The hazard

FSIS said the concern is that temperature abuse during storage can allow harmful bacteria to grow in ready-to-eat foods that may be consumed without additional cooking. The agency said some of the products may still be in consumers refrigerators. No confirmed reports of illness had been linked to the products at the time of the notice.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the recalled meat or poultry products should not consume them. FSIS said the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Company contact

Kayem Foods Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-426-6100 or info@kayem.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Kraig Naasz at 703-628-3669 or media@kayem.com.

Source

Fit, active people can develop dangerous clots, making it important to recognize warning signs and know when to seek care.

• Sports injuries, long periods of sitting, and limited movement during recovery can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Blood clots can cause leg or arm pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and other symptoms, but some people have no warning signs.

• Staying active during travel, following medical advice after an injury, and getting prompt care for possible symptoms can help protect your health.

Blood clots might seem like a concern primarily for older adults or people with certain medical conditions, but younger, otherwise healthy people can develop them, too. Athletes are no exception, particularly when injuries or other circumstances interfere with normal blood flow.

A recent example is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose 2026 season ended after he developed DVT and blood clots in his lungs. According to UT Southwestern Medical Center vascular medicine specialist Rafael Cires-Drouet, M.D., recognizing the risks and symptoms is important even for people who appear to be in excellent health.

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg. If the clot grows or blocks blood flow, it can cause serious complications. In some cases, part of the clot travels to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

What increases the risk, and what should you watch for?

Regular exercise generally helps reduce the risk of blood clots. However, sports-related circumstances can introduce additional risks, including direct blows to a limb, prolonged travel, and limited mobility while recovering from an injury or surgery.

Repetitive overhead movements in sports such as basketball, baseball, swimming, and rowing can also compress veins near the collarbone, potentially causing a type of clot known as effort thrombosis.

Other contributing factors include smoking, certain medical conditions, a personal or family history of blood clots, and estrogen exposure from some contraceptives. Dehydration may also play a role.

Symptoms can include limb swelling, warmth, tenderness, aching, tightness, discoloration, or a feeling of heaviness. However, about half of people with DVT experience no symptoms.

Doctors can use ultrasound to identify clots, with additional imaging sometimes needed. Treatment commonly involves blood-thinning medication, often for three to six months, although some patients require longer treatment.

What this means for consumers

You don't have to be a professional athlete to benefit from understanding blood clot risks. During long car rides or flights, get up and walk when possible, move your ankles and calf muscles while seated, and stay hydrated.

If an injury or surgery limits your movement, follow your doctor's recovery instructions and ask whether additional clot-prevention measures are appropriate. Be sure to mention any personal or family history of blood clots to your healthcare provider.

Most importantly, don't ignore symptoms that could indicate a clot. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice concerning changes in an arm or leg. Chest pain or shortness of breath can signal a pulmonary embolism and require emergency medical care.

Recognizing the warning signs early can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're training for a competition or simply going about your daily routine, knowing when to get help is an important part of protecting your health.