“This year I will take care of my health.” Does this sound like you? At the beginning of the year, many people resolve to exercise regularly, quit smoking, see their doctor, and start a healthy life-style plan. These are all excellent resolutions for 2018, but you should include one more: vein health.
Vein disorders and diseases affect millions of people. These occur when valves in veins of the legs fail to move blood back to the heart. This can cause pain, swelling, varicose veins, or worse. It is a chronic and a progressive problem, and left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications. “Venous disease is a very common health-related disorder among Americans and among populations worldwide”, said Dr. Primepares Pal, a Board–certified vein specialist at Minnesota Vein Center, “ however, most people are not aware that it may be affecting them, or that there are technically advanced minimally invasive treatments available.”
Here are three things that people can do to improve— or prevent— vein problems in the new year:
- Exercise. This can be as simple and effective as walking just 30 minutes a day. Walking causes the regular contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart.
- Quit smoking. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke affects veins, arteries and the entire circulatory system. It can make venous symptoms, like leg aches and pains, even worse.
- See your doctor. Ask your primary care physician about venous issues, especially if ‘varicose veins” are common among family members. Your doctor can refer you to a board certified phlebologist (Vein Specialist) for a screening and evaluation.
March is DVT Awareness Month
DVT is a serious condition in which a clot forms inside a vein located deep inside the body.Deep vein clots can occur throughout the body, however, they are commonly found in the lower leg, thigh, arm or pelvis.
Can sitting at your desk at work put you at risk of DVT?
I’m sure you’ve heard that sitting has been called ‘the new smoking’ – and with good reason.
But, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing a DVT from sitting at work. The most important thing is to simply limit the time you spend sitting. If you must stay at your desk for long periods of time, don’t just sit there. Stand up when possible. Do calf raises at your desk. Move your legs around. Aim to get up from your desk at least once an hour.
Take a Stand! (And do these exercises at your desk)
DD with heel pedals on Smart Mat
Leg Swings side side
Leg Swings front back
Glute Bridge, with Medicine Ball Down and Up
Grok Squat Hold
Single knee hugs, stand
Hip rotations
Standing Glute Stretch (or seated ) ankle over knee
Plane
Stand up. Move around. Stay hydrated. Keep your vein health in-check.
Thank you to Minnesota Vein Center for providing the expert input for this article. For more information visit: Minnesota Vein Center or connect with their specialty clinic here.
