"The Know" is an informational resource concerning vein treatment options. It contains valuable information for prospective patients, physicians as well as those in the vein treatment industry. We will be regularly posting educational articles, video logs and other pertinent information. We encourage your feedback and welcome any suggestions that you feel may improve the blog.
February 2009 Blog Archive
Friday, February 27, 2009
SIGVARIS Educating the Public on Venous Disease
Once again SIGVARIS, the company that makes and distributes compression socks, is educating the public and physicians about vein health and compression socks. They have partnered with Medtrade to teach physicians how to properly use compression socks for prevention and treatment of venous disease. SIGVARIS has taken an active role in educating the public about the dangers, risks, symptoms, and treatments of varicose veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
The SIGVARIS press release said, "SIGVARIS is pleased to present our all-day accredited Fitter Seminar at Medtrade Spring. We realize in these economic times that traveling to attend a seminar is difficult, so we are bringing the course to Medtrade, the biggest medical retailer event in the country! Participants will receive valuable information on vein anatomy and the progression of vascular disease, as well as an understanding of the SIGVARIS unique Precise Fit Sizingâ„¢ system and high quality stockings and socks. Hints and tips of applying and removing compression therapy garments will also be shared,' said Judith Brannan, SIGVARIS US Education Manager."
Friday, February 27, 2009
Varicose Vein Increase Among Youth
The Gulf Times, a Middle Eastern publication based in Qatar has reported that varicose vein cases among the young have increased. More teenagers and individuals in their twenties are falling victim to ropy, painful, and unwanted veins. The numbers are so significantly on the rise that vascular surgeons and vein health practitioners are holding a conference to address the issues. The physicians are hoping that young adults will attend the conference and learn about the risks, symptoms, and treatments available to better their vein health.
The Gulf Times article said, "According to the doctor, self-care such as exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating the legs, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can ease pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse."
Numbers are still not as high as they are in the US or Europe, but increased cases of youth lacking proper vein health is definitely a concern for doctors. Awareness and education are key for prevention and treatment.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Minimally Invasive Removal Treatments Gaining Ground
With over 20 million Americans suffering from varicose veins, no wonder physicians have been developing and promoting (in a frenzy) easy, cost-efficient, and less painful treatments to remove the unwanted ropy veins. Often times varicose veins are linked to more serious ailments like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is why removing them is essential to better health. After living with them for years many patients finally take the plunge and go through fairly painful and time consuming treatments like vein stripping. However in recent year's radio frequency removal and laser removal have become much more popular and effective in removing the unattractive painful veins.
The minimally invasive procedures are gaining ground globally. ABC News affiliate KSPR reported, "Patients need little recovery time. The beauty of microwave technique is those patients have almost no pain. We don't give anyone any pain medicine. They go back to work the next day, normal activities the next day. No down time at all, Dr. Dunn said."
Many minimally invasive procedures are covered by health insurance, but even if they are not the cost is affordable and considerably less painful than invasive stripping techniques.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Baby Boomer Vein Surgeries Booming
A popular trend in the baby boomer demographic at the moment is varicose vein and venous disease related surgeries. As our baby boomer population begins to age, their health begins to deteriorate. One common ailment is varicose veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). After years of standing, sitting at work for long hours and traveling in the air, many of these people are vulnerable and susceptible to such vein health issues.
Luckily treatments like VNUS ClosureFast and Radio Frequency Occlusion have been easier, more cost efficient and less painful as opposed to former painful stripping techniques. Traditional techniques involved long recovery times, high costs and required anaesthesia. These new and improved removal procedures are booming among ailing baby-boomers.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Aisle Please
Next time you are asked if you'd like an aisle or window seat, you should probably say 'aisle take that one please.' We all know traveling overseas or even domestically in cattle class can be quite strenuous and uncomfortable on our legs and our veins. Recent studies are showing that window seats are known to have damaging and adverse side effects on vein health if you sit for prolonged periods of time. The aisle seat allows you to stretch your legs and increase the blood flow throughout your body, limiting the chances of developing varicose veins, spider veins or even worse Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
The Sydney Morning Herald reported, "Author Mark Gendreau, of the Lahey Medical Center in the United States, said immobilization had been linked to 75 per cent of of DVT cases, which occurred mostly in people in non-aisle seats and those who traveled for more than eight hours."
Next time that stewardess lets you have an upgrade to business class, or you are asked which seat, always opt for aisle. There are already so many discomforts in long distance air travel, don't allow vein health issues to worsen your flight experience. If you bring compression socks on that long-haul flight that too will impede the development of varicose veins and increase blood flow. Travel safe and choose the aisle.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Unfriendly Skies
Increased number of baby boomers and aging travelers on airlines has meant more health problems mid-air and post flight. Though most people are savvy and aware enough to know that our veins are negatively affected by prolonged periods of sitting and standing (overseas air travel) so we take caution and wear compression socks and walk around a lot. But many are worried that the elderly are considerably less immobile whilst on planes, and others are simply unaware of the dangers in extended periods of plane travel.
BBC News reported, "An ageing population means passengers are boarding planes with existing health problems, researchers warn. Extended flight times could also increase the risk to health, they say. The review of the many studies into the health risks of flying found an overall association between air travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which occurs when a blood clot in a leg vein travels through the body to the lung."
Many younger aged fliers use preventative techniques to limit their chances of developing varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There may be loads of inflight entertainment, but take a bit of time investigating vital information about your vein health.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Technology and Popularity
As technology begins to improve in the vein industry so too does the popularity and awareness of venous disease. From news stations to newspapers, media organizations, physicians and people are becoming savvy and knowledgeable about the methods available to treat and prevent varicose veins and spider veins. From SIVGARIS vein health conventions to gabbing about the unsightly ailments with friends, more people are learning how to keep their legs and veins healthy.
Laser removal and stripping techniques have become so advanced and efficient that they too are making headlines. From VNUS Closure Fast to Radio Frequency Occlusion, their are a large number of ways to remove varicose veins. The traditional method of invasive stripping has become completly obselete whilst there remain to be many industry ubiquitous hype surrounding some prevention methods and removal techniques. Stick to the few main treatments highlighted on veindirectory.org and read the papers for new updates in the sector.
Monday, February 16, 2009
History in the Making
A medical milestone has been achieved in Australia, more specifically in the field of vein health. A Sydney based hospital is one of the first in Australia to pioneer a machine that lets physicians see the veins mapped out on the surface of the skin. The VeinViewer uses infra-red images on the skin of underlying veins. According to the Sun-Herald, "The light shows up the hemoglobin in red blood cells and the image is captured by video camera. The images are processed by a computer and projected onto the patients skin using a green light."
The benefits of such a machine are endless; patients may be able to detect venous disease at earlier stages and prevent the discomfort, gnarled and unattractive veins. This is because the machine allows doctors to see veins six millimeters below the skins surface. This screening treatment will be so beneficial for people to prevent spider and varicose veins.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Radio Frequency Occlusion Gaining Popularity
Many people suffering from the pains, aches, and unsightliness of varicose veins often seek out very painful and time consuming vein stripping treatments. Though in recent months the procedure called radio frequency occlusion has become a popular tactic to remove those ropy veins. In fact, people are such fans that the procedure is making headlines on many new stations and organizations nationwide.
WDEF news has reported, "Radio Frequency Closure involves sticking a tiny, special catheter into the diseased vein. Using RF, a small portion of the catheter heats up, causing the vein to collapse. Like other physicians, Dr. Coates says he used to tell patients to elevate their feet, wear support stockings, or exercise more to treat the symptoms of varicose veins. That changed, when he had the procedure done himself. "You dont feel like walking when your legs feel like your carrying 10lbs of ankle weights by 4pm in the afternoon you dont feel like getting out and doing it."
As vein health and varicose vein treatments begin to gain popularity, the 40 million Americans nationwide will hopefully have the pain of venous disease more easily stripped from their bodies. Hopefully vein health awareness gains as much popularity as other diseases.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
You're so Vain
Often times I read articles criticizing the work of vein experts, claiming that they like their beauty counterparts - dermatologists - are reaping the benefits of elective cosmetic procedures. However what these so called pundits fail to realize is that venous disease - varicose veins, spider veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis - are not only very serious health issues they are definitely not cosmetic based. You're so vain for thinking vein health issues are cosmetic related. Many patients unlucky enough to be plagued with ropy and painful varicose veins knows they seek out treatment not for cosmetic purposes but rather to ease and remedy their pain.
The cosmetic surgery and anti-aging dermatology industries may be taking a hit during the downturn, but vein health clinics still remain booming, because 40 million Americans have varicose veins and must treat their ailing legs promplty.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Bikram Yoga and Varicose Veins
It has long been known that yoga has many benefits for preventing varicose veins and maintaining vein health. However, some yogi's are saying that Bikram Yoga may be the new hit craze for people looking to increase activity with the hopes of preventing gnarled and ropy varicose veins. Bikram Yoga is done in a hot sauna-like room. The Bikram lovers are saying that it is a great protocol for prevention.
So the next time you are doing that headstand or downward dog, keep in mind that you are helping your veins. Yoga and the heat are said to increase the blood flow through your veins. We develop venous disease when our blood flow is restricted and limited. So go to LuLu Lemon grab some yoga clothes, enroll in the best Bikram class and channel your inner yogi – all the while keep in mind you're taking care of legs and veins.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
DVT and Strokes
Patients who have formerly suffered from a stroke are said to be at greater risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is when a blood clot forms in your veins and typically they target legs. The reason stroke patients may be at greater risk is because they are far less mobile than active healthy people. Strokes make it harder for you to move and exercise, two key factors in preventing DVT and other forms of venous disease.
The UK Guardian reported on strokes and DVT saying, "Studies suggest that about 5 percent of people who've had a stroke get a deep vein thrombosis that causes symptoms, but another 45 percent may have one without knowing it."
The article suggests that if you are recently recovering from a stroke, that you use compression stockings, walk around often and regularly drink fluids for it helps the blood flow properly through your body. Good hospital treatment post-stroke also helps your chances of preventing DVT.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Vein Health Conferences
SIGVARIS and Simply You Boutique, the leading creators of compression stockings for varicose veins are trying to increase awareness about the dangers of venous disease and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The company will be holding an awareness conference in Delaware this coming month.
The SIGVARIS press release says, "The Healthy Leg Day is being held to help men and women prevent or treat leg health issues such as swelling, varicose veins, lymphedema, DVTs or other venous disease symptoms that may appear during cancer treatment, pregnancy or other medical conditions.This Healthy Leg Day is designed to: Raise awareness of the causes of leg health issues such as swelling, varicose veins, lymphedema, or DVT [deep vein thrombosis]"
This call to action will hopefully serve Americans very well since millions are plagued with unattractive and painful varicose veins that may possible lead to DVT a more serious ailment. Attending conferences like this will not only facilitate people to get educated, but also be wary and aware of the available treatments and the symptoms of venous disease.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Men's Compression Socks
SIGVARIS the world's leaders in compression socks for varicose veins – prevention and therapy – has released a new design for their popular men's ribbed sock. The classic ribbed sock will now feature a new top band and Microban antimicrobial protection to help prevent odor and bacterial issues. SIGVARIS socks are used by thousands worldwide for better vein and leg health.
Compression socks which are typically considered and dubbed as unattractive are now designed to look fit and resemble contemporary dress socks. For those of you frequent flier businessmen, these compression socks can aid in preventing ropy and unattractive varicose veins – which are typically induced from prolonged periods of standing and sitting – like on airplanes.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Frequent Flier
Frequent flier miles may be great, but for those of you jet-setters you may be paying for more than you asked for. A few tips for those of you in long distance relationships or for those of you blessed enough to be traveling in the midst of this financial meltdown.
For the bicontinental lovers, it is important to travel right and bring compression socks. As goofy as they may be, clocking in long hours in cattle class will start dwindling your leg health and inciting varicose veins. Many frequent fliers find years later their minor varicose vein issues formulated into serious health risks like Deep Vein Thrombsis (DVT). Don't let your DVT get out of control. Also prior to departing on long voyages one should try yoga. Yoga is known to be a home remedy cure for venous disease.
