Vein Health

There are uncontrollable and controllable risk factors for venous disorders.  Age, gender, and heredity are all uncontrollable. However, following a few simple recommendations will help improve the health of our legs and circulation.

·         ·         Exercise promotes adequate calf muscle massage to facilitate return of the blood in the legs to the heart.  Walking or light jogging 30 minutes, 5 times a week is best.  A 10 minute warm up and cool down with stretching should start and complete each workout. Additional leg exercises can be found at http://juzousa.com/exercise.html. Please discuss any plans to start a new exercise program with your primary care physician.

·         Wear compression stockings during the day.  Proper application of the stockings can be found at http://www.juzousa.com/application.html

·         While sitting or standing in one location, do not allow blood to pool in the legs veins.  Flex and point your toes to engage the calf muscle pump.

·         Obesity contributes to dysfunctional vein disease. Extra abdominal weight adds to the pressure your veins are already fighting against to return blood to the heart. Remember, there is nothing we can do about gravity. However, we can loose weight to help our veins function better.

·         A well-rounded diet that is low in fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, and high in fresh fruits and vegetables is optimal for vein health.  A multivitamin/multimineral supplement is a good way to insure that all nutritional requirements are met, but eating a proper diet is still the best way to get your nutrients.  Avoid fast food and prepackaged meals.

·         In heat, veins relax.  To keep vein walls and valves stronger avoid prolonged exposure to excessive warmth such as hot tubs, saunas, floor heating, and work outside in the heat.

·         Eight glasses of water a day is recommended, with more in a warm weather and while exercising.