lifestyle

Vein Health: Taking Care of the Veins in Your Legs

lifestylehealth-wellness

Summer is at its end, and the cold weather is quickly approaching. It’s important to consider the role that circulation plays in staying healthy when temperatures drop. Pregnancy and then being on your feet all day with your baby can contribute to painful varicose veins forming, due to a lack of circulation in the legs. The cold weather causes even more circulation issues because the body reduces blood flow to the extremities as a way to keep the blood in the main arteries of the body. This may cause cold hands and feet, making the fall season even more difficult for you and your newborn.

vein health

Tips to Improve Your Vein Health and Circulatory System

Some tips for optimizing the circulatory system include:

  • Get Regular Exercise—Any type of exercise that strengthens the "second heart"the muscles of the calf and footis beneficial. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week.
  • Wear Graduated Compression StockingsCompression stockings act like an added layer of muscle, aiding the performance of the "second heart" and venous circulation.
  • Monitor Hormone IntakeBirth control pills and hormone replacement therapy constrict blood vessels and can weaken vein valves and vein walls.
  • Avoid Prolonged Periods of Sitting and StandingRotate your ankles and feet whenever possible, walk for at least 10 minutes every hour, and point and flex your toes to promote leg vein circulation.
  • Elevate Your FeetRaise your feet 6 to 12 inches above your heart whenever possible to assist circulation.
  • Eat a High Fiber and Low Salt DietSalt retains water and constipation puts pressure on the venous system.

As the cooler temperatures creep in on us, consider trying some of these tips to make sure your circulatory system is working properly and you have optimum vein health at any stage in life.

What are you doing to take care of the veins in your legs?

Dr. Luis Navarro is the Director of The Vein Treatment Center which offers easy and effective ways to optimize blood circulation with tips that cater to new moms.

Image courtesy of Flickr

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