Why keeping your veins healthy isn’t on your radar. And why it should be.
Every year, many of us resolve to “be healthier” and look after our bodies better.
So we…
Go to yoga to stretch and stay limber
Watch what we eat to avoid extra pounds or shed extra pounds
Spin, swim, dance, bike, run, walk to keep our hearts healthy
Drag ourselves to 5 a.m. boot camps to get stronger
That’s all super, but you know what you don’t hear people say?
“This year, I’m going to work on getting my veins healthier. I want to be more vein healthy.”
There are probably a few good reasons for this, such as:
1. We don’t think about our veins.
Maybe it’s because our veins are a lot like household utilities. You just expect them to work. And you don’t pay any attention to them until they turn off or start giving you troubles
2. Most of us don’t know what vein disease is. (Read “What is vein disease exactly?” from our blog)
3. You don’t realize vein disease (also referred to as venous reflux or venous insufficiency) is a medical condition. So it’s not on your radar.
4. You aren’t aware vein disease is genetic. Very genetic. 94% of vein disease sufferers inherit it. Just ask HVC patient, Diane Madura.
5. Vein disease is often misdiagnosed; not considered at all; not treated properly; so if your doctor isn’t catching it, considering it or treating it properly, you don’t know to be proactive about it
6. Many healthcare professionals don’t consider vein disease as a possible cause or aggravator in many medical conditions, such as leg wounds, restless legs, edema, and skin conditions. So you’re not considering it either.
7. You aren’t aware that vein disease can be easily treated. Maybe grandma has mentioned her painful vein stripping of treatments past, so you have opted to just “deal with” your leg vein pain and discomfort.
8. You think hurting legs are just part of getting older. You just “deal with” this as well.
We could go on and on here, but you get the idea.
In a nutshell, veins and vein disease are not on most people’s or many doctors’ radars. So thinking about keeping your veins healthy probably isn’t either.
So let’s put it there.
And the best way to put it there is to point out why you should think about your vein health – and be proactive about it:
- Vein disease is progressive. Left untreated, vein disease symptoms can go from annoying (achy, tired) to very uncomfortable (stabbing pain, bulging veins) to debilitating (unable to walk, open leg wounds, discoloration).
- Vein disease is treatable – at any stage. Hamilton Vein Center vein treatments are gentle and convenient, performed on an outpatient basis.
- Certain herbal supplements, like horse chestnut, may strengthen vein walls
- Adding “vein-healthy” foods & drinks to your diet can help keep your circulatory system and veins happier.
- Shedding excess weight & exercising on a regular basis help prevent vein wall breakdown.
- Know your family’s medical history. Most vein disease is genetic.
- Get a vein screening at Hamilton Vein Center.
- If you have been treated for vein disease, schedule a yearly check-up with your vein specialist, just as you do with your general practitioner for a yearly physical.
Creating vein awareness and educating people about the signs of vein disease and ways to treat it has been part of our mission since we opened our doors nearly five years ago. Hopefully by reading this, vein disease is now on your radar. And remember, it’s never too late to say, “I’m going to be more vein healthy this year.”
Visit hamiltonvein.com for detailed information on the symptoms of vein disease, available treatments, and FAQs. While you’re there, check out “Recent News” where you’ll find a library of articles on various vein-related issues and preventative measures you can adapt for a more healthier, happier you. Most importantly, come in and see us. We want to help you feel better and look better as a result.
