Not everyone who has varicose veins needs
treatment for the condition. If you do not have any symptoms
and your varicose veins are not causing you discomfort, you
may not need to have treatment.
However, there are some instances when it may be necessary.
For example:to ease symptoms, if your varicose veins are
causing you pain or discomfort to treat complications, such
as leg ulcers, swelling or skin discolouration cosmetic
reasons, however this kind of treatment is rarely available
on the NHS so you will usually have to pay for it to be done
privately.
If you require treatment for varicose veins, the type of
treatment you will receive will depend on your general
health and the size, position and severity of your veins.
Some of the treatments that are available for varicose veins
are outlined below. Your GP or vascular specialist (a doctor
who specialises in veins) will be able to advise you about
the most suitable form of treatment for you.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are specially designed to steadily
squeeze your legs to improve your circulation. They are
often tightest at the ankle and get gradually looser as they
go further up your leg. This encourages your blood to flow
upwards towards your heart.
Compression stockings may help to relieve the pain,
discomfort and swelling in your legs that is caused by your
varicose veins. However, it is not known whether the
stockings help prevent your varicose veins getting worse, or
prevent new varicose veins appearing.
One review of a number of different studies looking into
compression stockings found mixed results for their
effectiveness. One reason for this may be that people are
reluctant to wear the stockings. You should make sure that
you are happy with the style and fit of the stockings and
wear them as directed by your GP or pharmacist.
Compression stockings are available in a variety of
different sizes and pressures. Most people with varicose
veins will be prescribed a class 1 (light compression) or
class 2 (medium compression) stocking. They are also
available in:
* different colours
* different lengths: some come up to your knee and some also
cover your thigh
* different foot styles: some cover your whole foot and some
stop before your toes
Compression tights are also available, but not on the NHS.
They can be bought from pharmacies or directly from the
manufacturers.
Wearing compression
stockings
You will usually need to put your compression stockings on
as soon as you get up in the morning and take them off when
you go to bed. Wearing compression stockings can be
uncomfortable, particularly during hot weather, but it is
important to wear your stockings correctly for you to get
the most benefit from them.
Pull them all the way up so that the correct level of
compression is applied to each part of your leg. Don't let
the stocking roll down or it may dig into your skin in a
tight band around your leg. Speak to your GP if the
stockings are uncomfortable or if they do not seem to fit.
It may be possible to get custom-made stockings that will
fit you exactly.
If custom-made compression stockings are recommended, your
legs will need to be measured in several places to ensure
that your stockings will be the correct size. If your legs
are often swollen, they should be measured in the morning,
when any swelling is likely to be minimal.
You may find that wearing compression stockings can cause
the skin on your legs to become dry and flake off. When you
take your stockings off before bed, try applying a
moisturising cream (emollient) to keep your skin supple and
moist. Speak to your GP if the skin on your legs feels dry
after wearing compression stockings.
Caring for compression
stockings
Compression stockings usually have to be replaced every
three to six months. If your stockings become damaged, speak
to your GP because they may no longer be effective.
You should also be prescribed two stockings, (or two sets of
stockings if you are wearing one on each leg) so that one
stocking can be worn while the other is being washed and
dried. Compression stockings should be hand-washed in warm
water and dried away from direct heat.
Surgery
Large varicose veins may sometimes need to be surgically
removed. Varicose vein surgery is usually carried out under
general anaesthetic, which means that you will be
unconscious during the procedure. You will usually be able
to go home the same day. However, in some cases an overnight
stay in hospital may be necessary, particularly if you are
having surgery on both legs.
Ligation and stripping
Most surgeons use a technique called ligation and stripping,
which involves tying off the vein in the affected leg and
then removing it.
Two small cuts (incisions) will be made, approximately 5cm
(2in) in diameter. The first cut is made near your groin, at
the top of the varicose vein. The second cut is made further
down your leg, usually around your knee or ankle. The top of
the vein (near your groin) is tied up and sealed.
A thin flexible wire is passed through the bottom of the
vein and then carefully pulled out and removed through the
lower cut in your leg.
The blood flow in your legs will not be affected by the
surgery. This is because the veins that are situated deep
within your legs will take over the role of the damaged
veins.
Ligation and stripping can cause:
* pain
* bruising
* bleeding
More serious complications are rare, but could include nerve
damage or deep vein thrombosis, which is where a blood clot
forms in one of the deep veins of the body.
Following the procedure, you may need between one and three
weeks to recover before returning to work, although this
will depend on your general health and the type of work that
you do. You may need to wear compression stockings for up to
two weeks after surgery.
You may need to wear compression stockings for the rest of
your life if you have deep venous incompetence. Deep venous
incompetence is where you have problems with the valves, or
blockages, in the deep veins in your legs. In these
circumstances, you will need to wear compression stockings
even if you have had surgery to treat some varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is usually suitable for people who have small
to medium-sized varicose veins. The treatment involves
injecting a chemical into your veins. The chemical scars the
veins, which seals them closed.
Larger veins may require foam sclerotherapy. Instead of the
liquid chemical, a special type of foam is injected into the
affected vein. This type of treatment may not be suitable if
you have previously had deep vein thrombosis.
Body Maintenance
Laughter Really Is The
Best Medicine!
MyHealthTips.com – a NEW fun, online resource for
managing your health.
There’s no denying it – looking after your health
can often be both a chore and a bore. That’s why
MyHealthTips.com – an engaging, online personal
health management programme with experts in the
medical and healthcare field – has enlisted the help
of British comedy legend and Monty Python star
Terry Jones to help people suffering with long
term conditions manage their health… whilst at the
same time making them smile!
Currently in the UK 30% of people have high blood
pressure; nearly 40% are overweight and we are
facing a serious rise in type 2 diabetes which can
often be prevented with gradual lifestyle changes.
In addition, 20% of people smoke in the UK whilst a
significant number of people suffer with chronic and
life threatening respiratory conditions. And since
2012 is the year of the London Olympics, there has
never been a more apt time for people to take steps
to improve their health!
MyHealthTips.com is a unique approach to
self-care that augments existing health services and
encourages engagement through the use of comedy and
rewards-based programmes.
The online service makes it easier and more
enjoyable for people to take the action required to
live their best life possible whilst managing their
health issues. It provides an equal dose of health
information, lifestyle tips and humour for those
looking to take more control of their health in
2012.
MyHealthTips.com helps individuals make
informed decisions about how to support specific
long term health conditions such as High Blood
Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes and Respiratory
Conditions or to support them with
lifestyle goals such as Smoking Cessation and
Weight Loss.
The programme includes videos that reflect the
distinct Monty Python flavour – the
unforgettable quirkiness, engaging performances and
ability to transcend generations that made it an
institution of cultural influence.
“Studies have shown that humour makes learning
easier, as it increases the likelihood of
remembering long-term. It has the potential to hook
people who would be otherwise easily distracted and
not engaged while learning – it always works for
me!” says Terry Jones.
Dr Hubert Bland,Chief Medical Officer at the
University of Surrey Clinical Research Centre and
spokesperson for MyHealthTips.com says: “Many people
don’t feel motivated to make even the smallest
lifestyle changes that are necessary. This website
is unique in healthcare because it uses humour to
engage and inform people with long-term health
conditions, or those wanting to make important
lifestyle changes. I think it’s a brilliant idea.”
Watch the Video about Type2 Diabetes:
In addition to fun and entertaining educational
videos, membership to MyHealthtips.com also includes:
* 12 months of access to video and evidence-based
tips
* Points and rewards to promote participation
* Encouragement from experts, celebrity and
other patients
* Online tools such as a healthy meal planner
and
shopping guide
* Exercise guidance and support
* News and downloadable resources
* 52 weeks of email support
* Contact with people with the same health
issue and
lifestyle pressures
* Regular support and reminders on how to
manage long-
term health issues
MyHealthTips.com programmes are available to the
public now. Each programme costs as little as £7.99
for a year’s subscription.
We all want to lose some weight, get more sculpted,
get a flaunt-worthy physique: like smaller thighs,
flat stomach and that firm and tempting tushy. These
are not that hard to achieve if you know what type
of workout plan you need to get the body you want.
Gait and Posture
Did you knew that working out in the gym, besides
making you stay fit it also improves your posture?
As a matter of fact, when you stand up straight,
your abdominal and back muscles are contracting and
you also will appear a few inches taller.
Sculpted Arms
If you want to tone those arms up, you need to lose
the fat that's on your arm that make them look
flabby. Thirty minutes of moderate intensity
exercise at least three times a week can do.
With your knees slightly bent, tummy tucked, back
straight, and elbows kept close to your sides, raise
and weights at a moderate pace. Remember to progress
slowly, because you don't want to stress your joints
or injure your muscles.
Flexibility
According to a recent study, 8 weeks of regular yoga
can get you 35% more supple and flexible. If you do
some aerobics or stretching you can get the same
results.
Supple Thighs
Jump rope just like when you were a kid. Begin with
just 5 minutes a day. This may sound little, but
it's the equivalent of 15 minutes of running or
spinning. Also, you can lie flat on your back and
raise your legs. Perform a cycling motion.
Firm and Round Butt
Stand with your feet together. Keep your chest out
and your midsection firmly. Place your hands on your
hips or by your sides. Step forward with a large
step. Bend both your knees. Your front shin should
remain in a straight line with your ankle. Your back
knee should be nearly touching the floor.
Flat Stomach
The best training for a toned, supple and perfectly
flat stomach are yoga and pilates.
The Benefits of a
Home Gym
A home gym can be a great solution for your fitness
training routine. If you have the space for a few
pieces of equipment, a home gym offers you the
freedom to exercise when you want without the hassle
of having to venture out of the house.
The really good news is home gyms can also be
cost-effective. They don’t have to be huge – you
could use part of a spare room or a garage, for
example.
And you don’t need to deck them out exactly like a
gym. You can simply select your favourite machines
such as a treadmill and an exercise bike, along with
a few weights to get you started.
As you enjoy your home training, you can always add
extra machines or weights and expand your home gym
over time.
Gym
equipment
Although machines can be expensive, if you search
online or buy during a sale, you can get a lot for a
relative little. Plus, whatever you spend, you are
making an investment. You have something to show for
your money and should you ever decide to join a real
gym in the future, you can sell off your equipment.
Having the gym equipment in your own house means you
are far more likely to exercise, even when you are
feeling a little tired, as you won’t have to trek to
the gym or worry about the state of your hair or gym
clothing.
Gym rules
Your gym means your rules – you can wear what you
like, listen to the music you find motivating or
perhaps catch up on your favourite soap while
exercising. You can set your own pace without the
pressure of what those around you are doing.
You can also combine having a home gym with other
forms of exercise such as a personal trainer. With a
personal trainer, you can create the perfect
schedule for you, based on your current fitness
levels and goals.
You can enjoy personal training in the comfort of
your own home – for example, warming up in the
garden and then using the exercise machines and
weights alongside other routines, with your personal
training encouraging you at every step.
So whether it’s because you dislike the gym
environment or because you want the freedom to
exercise how you want and when you want, a home gym
could provide the ideal solution for you.
How to Maintain
Cardiovascular Health
Do you want to know what
cardiovascular fitness is?
Cardio refers to the heart and Vascular refers to
the blood vessels.
So, cardiovascular fitness can be defined simply as
the health of the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular fitness is most essential because the
heart and blood vessels supply blood to the
important organs and muscles of the body. Moreover,
blood contains oxygen and oxygen is most important
for us to stay alive.
Heart and
blood vessels
So, maintaining cardiovascular fitness helps
increase the capacity of the heart and blood vessels
to transport oxygen-rich blood to the organs and
muscles of the body. Even it improves the ability of
the muscles to utilize oxygen to produce energy for
functioning.
As the heart and blood vessels are the most integral
part of the body, cardiovascular exercises are best
for maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Practicing
cardiovascular exercises regularly provides you with
several benefits that go beyond the improvement of
heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular exercises can not only helps keep
cardiovascular fitness, but also reduce heart
diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the major cause
of death in the Western World. The main reason for
this death rate is lack of regular exercise. Without
exercise, people become less active and are at
greater risk of developing hypertension (high blood
pressure).
Burn
calories
Cardiovascular exercises can burn a lot of calories,
decreases LDL cholesterol levels and stress, improve
stamina, and increases the metabolic activity rate.
It is also good for athletic performance and an
enhanced quality of life.
Aerobics exercises are the best cardiovascular
exercises for cardiovascular fitness, as these
exercises involve the larger muscles and provide
enduring results that strengthens the cardiovascular
system and enhances the body’s need for oxygen.
The right
exercises
The right forms of cardiovascular exercises are
running, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, jogging
and some other aerobics.
The key to performing these cardiovascular exercises
actively is to choose exercises that you enjoy the
most. The more enjoyable the exercise is, the more
likely you wish to continue practicing.
On the other hand, cardiovascular exercises are
categorized based on three important components:
frequency, duration, and intensity. These are the
basic components that need to be considered while
starting exercise routine.
Frequency of the cardiovascular exercises refers to
the number of exercise sessions per week. To
maintain cardiovascular fitness and to reduce body
fat, it is recommended to exercise at least three
times a week.
Warming Up
and Stretching
Cold muscles should be never stretched. First, warm
up for 5-10 minutes at low intensity. To prevent
injury and give better performance, warming up must
be done before the workout.
Aerobic
Exercise
Aerobic means oxygen producing and such an exercise
includes the production of oxygen. It includes
running, biking and swimming etc. that increase the
heart rate.
When the heart rate increases, it means that blood
circulation is taking place, providing oxygen to
body. It should be regularly continued to maintain
heart health.
Anaerobic
Exercise
It comprises of short-lived, intense bursts such as
sprints and weight lifting. It is good for improving
muscle strength and flexibility as it helps in
maintaining a healthy heart and avoiding injury.
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