"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.
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Friday, July 31, 2009
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Free Screening
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Doctor Henry Childers of Southern Ohio Medical Center Heart and Vascular Associates is offering weekly free varicose vein screenings for anyone who is interested. These screenings are to help patients asses their own vein health and potentially spot a venous issue early. Many patients may not want to make a doctor appointment just to check on their veins. These free screenings allow patients the luxury of getting checked out, without the hassle and possible fees.
"There is nothing to loose at the free screening, if you are a candidate you will gain something. If you are not a candidate we are not going to do something that's not going to help," Dr. Childers said to his local paper The Community Common.
Many other doctors offer free services as well for the benefits it may provide. Physicians that are able to examine a patient may catch the disease early. If spotted, physicians can immediately set up an appointment with these new patients to fix the problem. Instead of waiting until there is a serious problem, patients can begin treatments early to improve their success.
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Thursday, July 30, 2009
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VNUS Makes Removal Quick
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The VNUS closure procedure makes removing harmful and painful varicose veins quicker and easier than ever. Those suffering from varicose veins say they feel heaviness to their legs and perhaps fatigue. Once the procedure is complete, these symptoms usually disappear. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and uses a small incision hole, in comparison to traditional surgical treatments that are more invasive.
"Doctors say think of the vein system as a traffic map. When one freeway is faulty and the bloods not traveling efficiently the answer here is to shut it down" reports ABC News. Surrounding veins will take up the responsibilities of the diseased vein that is removed. The procedure is covered by most insurance companies and is growing in popularity due to the efficiency of treatment.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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Armstrong Stockings
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Compression stockings have been known to help patients with lowering the risk of DVT. One member who is also utilizing these stockings is the world renowned athlete Lance Armstrong. He is using the stockings for recovery after his workouts. The stockings help regulate blood flow to his fatigued muscles.
These stockings are normally worn by those of high risk for varicose veins or DVT, but this new media exposure may bring others into the market. Tests have not been completed to determine if compression stockings really help athletes in performance and recovery. Armstrong also wore the stockings on a plane ride overseas to regulate for the same purposes. The use of these stockings continues to grow, and Armstrong may be the leader in bringing compression stockings into the media. Perhaps more people will consider their use for their own issues, especially those with venous issues.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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Short Flights Lower DVT Risks
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A few posts ago, we discussed how airlines warn passengers about the possibility of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) while on long flights. In recent news, German researchers say that developing a blood clot, or DVT, is very unlikely in healthy travelers. The risk is lessened especially for flights that are under six hours in length.
At the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, research was conducted on DVT and air travel. This included the experiences of millions of air travelers. The results of the study show that about two to five passengers out of every 10,000 passengers (.05%) who took a flight longer than six to eight hours developed DVT. Even the passengers who were at higher risk due to large varicose veins or being overweight were not very likely to develop a blood clot. The study says that only 20 out of 10,000 (0.2%) of these travelers were affected.
Those taking shorter flights should not stress themselves too much in regards to venous health. Flying in coach seats, which are known to restrict leg space, may limit your leg mobility. Travelers should still be aware of their bodies and try to stretch their legs when possible.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
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Dangers in Recovery
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Limited mobility is a major risk factor for developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis). When a person breaks or injures their leg, they are often put into a cast or splint. Although these devices may help heal the damaged bone, a person's risk of developing DVT significantly rises.
"To prevent serious complications, it is important to get back on your feet and move around again as soon as possible. If that is not possible, for example if putting strain on the leg too soon could slow down recovery, there are effective medications that can be used" states the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.
With a cast, the muscle is restricted from movement or contraction. Blood then moves much slower through the veins and can form clots. Anticoagulant medication can be prescribed to keep this from occurring, but should be monitored for reaction with other medications.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
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Pregnancy Veins
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Many women find that their vein problems worsen with pregnancy. It is common for women during pregnancy to develop varicose veins. During pregnancy, the woman's uterus grows and put extra pressure on the large vein down the right side of the body. As a result, added pressure is exerted on the leg veins. In addition, pregnancy increases the amount of blood in a woman's body. Veins have to work twice as hard to pump blood to all extremities. Luckily, it is common to have venous problems lessen dramatically after one gives birth.
Along with all the other changes to the body, varicose veins are an additional worry for many women. To help alleviate worries, there are many things that pregnant women can do to lower their risk of venous complications. Pregnant women are advised to exercise regularly to ensure proper blood flow through the body. Elevating your legs also helps with a pillow or stool when you sit down. Lastly, wearing support hose can help keep circulation flowing in your legs, especially if they swell during the final months of pregnancy.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
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Bad Veins in the Workplace
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You may go to work everyday without realizing that you may be causing damage to your veins. In the corporate world, employees spend eight hours of more sitting at a computer desk. This limits your range of motion and often restricts blood flow to your lower extremities. Although this may keep employees productive, sitting for an extended period of time is harmful to your veins.
In order to combat this problem, make sure to stand up and walk around every few hours. Maybe even take a walk around the office on your break. If you are unable to walk around, try to flex your calves on the hour. Employees should utilize their muscles while at their desk. By contracting your calf muscles, you are allowing blood to freely flow through your veins. Blood that clots in your veins could lead to serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis. Be aware of the signals your body gives you and remember to stretch often.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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Tips for your Veins
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Patients looking to diminish the look of spider and varicose veins may confused with the mass amount of information available. ABC 7 recently released some basic tips on venous disease prevention.
Listening to your body is very important when assessing the need to see a physician. Spider veins may seem like just a cosmetic concern, but a much more serious condition may develop if patients are not aware of the risks. It is important to stay active and to use your legs as much as possible to keep your venous system healthy. Exercise will also help patients maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight leads to unneeded pressure on your leg veins.
Lastly, patients should be aware of pressure exerted on their legs. Compression stockings help maintain equal pressure throughout the leg. This keeps blood flowing and does not limit blood flow to one area. Although not needed every day, compression stockings are helpful on long trips where you may be standing or sitting for a long period of time
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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Risk of SVT to DVT
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Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) is a treatable condition where varicose veins become swollen or painful. However, an Australian study found that a quarter of patients who were diagnosed with SVT also had DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a much more serious condition.
"I think it's a good idea for anybody with superficial vein thrombosis to undergo routine ultrasound screening of the deep veins of their legs to exclude this very, very serious diagnosis" suggested the associate director of surgery of Mount Sinai School of Medicine to AJC News.
SVT can be seen on the skin's surface and is treatable by physicians. An ultrasound can help detect a larger problem that hides in the deeper veins. Without treatment, DVT can result in pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, or even a loss of a leg.
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Monday, July 20, 2009
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Inherited Veins
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People inherit a variety of different traits from their parents and grandparents. Their genes provide part of the genetic code that you are formed with. But what about genetic traits that you do not want to inherit? Varicose veins, unfortunately, have been shown to be an inherited trait that typically develops between ages 30 to 50.
"Heredity plays a huge role in the development of varicose veins. Most people who have varicose veins inherited them from their parents or grandparents" says Dr. Reese, a vascular surgeon who recently answered a Q&A to News-Leader.
If your family has a history of varicose veins, you should be aware of the risk factors. Changes in your lifestyle may decrease your risk for varicose veins and may also help decrease symptoms.
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