There was a recent "ask the doctor" article published in South Coast Today which touched an important issue. That issue is the fact that many people don't really understand what causes varicose veins and what they can do to prevent them. In the article, the question asked included concern that years of dancing had led to varicose veins. As the doctor assured the person who wrote in, this kind of exercises not only doesn't cause varicose veins but can actually be a way to prevent them.
Because many people are confused about what varicose veins are and how they can be prevented from developing, it's always important to get back to the basics and learn (or re-learn) varicose vein prevention techniques. Some of the basic techniques that you should be implementing in your own life include:
- Getting that exercise. As the article pointed out, it's inactivity - not activity like dancing - that is going to cause problems with circulation in the body. Regular exercise, particularly walking and activities that get your legs moving - will help protect your from developing varicose veins.
- Put your feet up. When you're not exercising and you are just sitting at home doing nothing much, put your feet up - literally. You should elevate your legs so that they're up higher than your heart which eases circulation and prevents this problem.
- Lose weight. There's just no nice way to say it. If you're excessively overweight then you increase your chance of developing varicose veins. Get healthy and reduce overall health problems including this one.
There are other things that you can do to prevent varicose vein problems but it's really the basic things that matter most. Stay healthy and active in order to be in tip top shape all around.
Question of the Day: What myths have you heard about varicose veins?
