I was really drawn to the new advert by Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity. I saw it on the London tube yesterday.

It is really simple, but also really clear what the message is – too much sitting in front of your computer is bad for you.  The colouring is striking and the retro avatar is great.

It occurred to me the link between thrombosis and and our increasingly desk and computer bound life is rarely made. I think it is great that this charity, which is really modest in size has somehow managed to negotiate an advertising campaign that will reach part of its key audience – many of whom will be travelling to work to sit in front of a computer. A couple of million people travel on the tube each day.

I guess the only thing I might have added was a call to action. Like the sort of thing you are encouraged to do on planes, move around, rotate your ankles but that would detract from the simplicity of the message.

If you don’t know why we should care about Thrombosis these are the facts from Lifeblood’s website:

Some facts about thrombosis:

• Up to one in every 1,000 are affected by venous thrombosis in the UK each year
• Up to one in ten people who suffer a pulmonary embolism will die if not treated
• Around one in every 1,000 women develops thrombosis during pregnancy, which can lead to related long-term health problems
• One in three surgical patients can develop a DVT if no preventative measures are given
• Venous thromboembolism – or VTE – is the most common cause of hospital deaths in the UK that can be prevented

I am guessing the poster campaign is to support National Thrombosis Week which takes place 7 – 12 May. Hope it goes well for Lifeblood, I am sure the tube adverts will help them raise the profile of the issue and what they are trying to achieve.

Picture curteousy of @DrHamHock. I tried to take a picture on the tube yesterday, but it was so busy I couldn’t get near enough!