Author: Anonymous [ Edit | View ]
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Date Posted: 06:45:54 10/17/08 Fri
Although varicose veins certainly lack popularity -- they are right down
there with cellulite for the least desirable bodily attribute -- they are
actually quite "popular" in that a great many people have them.Up to 30
million Americans have these ropey, bulging veins, usually on the legs.
Women age 30 and older are most commonly affected, but no one is immune.
Even Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones "can't get no satisfaction" -- he
reportedly has calves crisscrossed by them.There are things you can do to
reduce them:
Do regular exercise. Walking, running, cycling & swimming keep blood
vessels healthy.
Stick to a high-fibre & low-salt diet. Kick off the high heels. Avoid
tight-fitting clothings or undergarments that restrict blood flow at the
waist, groin & legs (e.g. girdles, stockings & socks). If elastic
stockings are recommended, wear them before getting out of bed in the
morning. Don't leave legs crossed or bent for a long period. If work
requires prolonged standing or sitting, move & stretch those legs, rotate
ankles & wiggle the toes once in a while. Do leg stretching exercises
daily. Raise legs above the level of the heart whenever possible. Rest
those legs on pillows while sleeping. Stop smoking Although varicose veins
aren't usually considered a significant health problem, they can make life
miserable. "Varicose veins shouldn't be viewed as only a cosmetic
concern," said Dr. Alan Hirsch, a specialist in vascular medicine at the
University of Minnesota. Often, the discomfort over the veins' appearance
is equalled by the aching pain they can cause, particularly after a long
day of sitting or standing. In addition, the veins may signal a higher
risk for other more serious blood vessel disorders.
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