Travel and Vascular Health: Exercises and Tips for Vein Care While On-The-Go

Travel and Vascular Health: Exercises and Tips for Vein Care While On-The-Go

The holidays are fast approaching and for many of us that means cold temperatures and traveling to visit with family and loved ones while spending hours in confined spaces to get there. If you have ever gone on a plane or long car ride and taken your shoes off and found it difficult to put them back on upon arrival, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Being crammed into a tight plane seat for several hours can do more than just cramp your style. Hours of immobility can be extremely dangerous to vascular health.

Economy class syndrome, otherwise called DVT or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot that can develop in the legs, especially on flights longer than 8-10 hours.

The best way to prevent DVTs is to stay mobile and active during your journey. Here are some tips for vein care and exercises you can do to maintain vascular health while traveling.

Take a stroll.

The key to vascular health is staying active. One of the easiest ways to keep the blood flowing is by walking.

A quick stroll around the plane every hour or so, especially on flights longer than 4 hours, will go a long way in keeping your leg veins healthy.

If you are stuck in a cramped hotel room, walk around the building or make use of the hotel gym and pool.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

The more comfortable you are, the better. Loose-fitting clothing will less likely
impede blood flow in the legs and make it easier to get around and move.

Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol.

Dehydration can slow circulation, contributing to the occurrence of blood clots. Alcohol can be a contributing factor to dehydration, as well as making you
feel sluggish.
Skip that in-flight beer and fill up on water to keep hydrated and motivated to move while traveling.

Do some sitting exercises.

If you find that you cannot get up often enough, there are some exercises you can do while sitting in your plane seat.

 

  • While pointing your foot towards the ceiling, squeeze your toes and hold for 3 seconds. You can repeat this exercise 10 times with both feet every half hour.

 

  • While in your seat, stretch your feet up and down, rolling your ankles.
These small exercises can be enough to keep your blood flowing.

Wear compression stockings.

If you are at risk for vein issues, compression stockings can aid in preventing DVTs while traveling.
Compression stockings prevent leg swelling and allowing blood to flow properly throughout your feet and legs.

The last thing anyone wants is to end up ill after traveling to be with loved ones for the holidays, so keep these exercises and tips for vein care in mind. For more information about vascular health, contact NJVVC today!

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Seeking healthcare treatment at one of New Jersey’s top-level outpatient centers can have several different perks, including the treatment of a wide variety of venous conditions you may have. Complex illnesses and conditions can be treated on site with a family-like health care program that will provide you with many other quality opportunities including the following:

Avoiding the Hospital

The opportunity to get the treatment done without requiring you to go to the hospital, where stays and wait times can oftentimes be much lengthier, is always a major positive.

Not having to go to a hospital to complete a procedure will keep you away from being exposed to unnecessary germs, the possibility of sharing a room and allows you to recuperate in the comfort of your own home.

No Anesthesia 

The procedures that are done in an outpatient environment can treat a wide variety of different symptoms, however, none of the procedures require anesthesia which means a quicker recovery time for patients.

No anesthesia also means that you will be able to witness your procedure and be informed immediately about the outcome and aftercare responsibilities.

Quick Recovery & Return to Daily Activities

Procedures that are done at an outpatient care center generally don’t require long recoveries or much downtime from daily activities.

 

Typically, you can return to your normal routine the very next day which alleviates any stress associated with being out of work, fulfilling household responsibilities or feeling ‘stuck’ in bed.

State-of-the-Art Treatment Plans

Many outpatient medical facilities are where the newest and best technologies are being used. To find quick, precise and non-invasive care look for medical practices that offer “family-like” care and a deep regard for every patient. Finding a facility that focuses on the concerns of each patient and has an open line of communication between patient and staff will allow you and your physician to create a treatment plan that is based upon your specific needs.
The ultimate goal of any treatment should always be better health, freedom from pain and as little interruption to your daily activities as possible. For more information about our outpatient procedures, doctor, and staff, contact us today!
Varicose & Spider Veins: Does My Insurance Cover It?

Varicose & Spider Veins: Does My Insurance Cover It?

Do you have insurance concerns regarding varicose and spider veins? We’re here to help. Varicose veins are typically covered by many insurance companies, while spider veins are not. However, this depends on what type of insurance you have and the circumstances based on your individual condition. Let’s take a closer look.

Vein disease (varicose and spider veins) is a very real ailment. The common misconception that they are both only cosmetic issues, leads many patients to ignore the signs and symptoms associated with vein disease which includes pain, leg restlessness, and protruding discomfort. A patient’s experience of these symptoms is a sign that corrective procedures must to be done to alleviate the problem. These indicators are also significant to insurance companies regarding coverage.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins result from damage to the tiny valves within the vein walls. Once they’re damaged, blood can no longer flow efficiently from the foot back to the heart. Blood moving in opposite directions results in stagnating blood and causes varicose vein disease.

Since most varicose veins are a medical necessity, insurance companies will cover it.

Medical necessities include:

  • Venous Insufficiency
  • Pain and Leg Cramps
  • Ulcers on the Legs
  • Bleeding from Varicose Veins
  • Presence of Reflux on Ultrasound
Some insurance carriers will require three months of conservative therapy before they will consider treatment a covered medical expense.
Conservative therapy includes:

  • wearing compression stockings everyday
  • leg elevation
  • weight loss

Spider Veins

60% of adults have spider veins, which are caused by pressure of body weight along with gravity, struggling to get blood to the heart.

These thin blue, red, and purple lines are generally harmless and pose no medical threats.

Spider veins are rarely covered by insurance companies as it’s typically considered a “cosmetic” treatment.
Ways to reduce the formation of spider veins:

  • quitting smoking
  • losing weight
  • exercising
It’s important to note, that 1 in 4 people with clusters of spider veins actually have vein disease which can be painful like varicose veins.
That’s why it’s important for people with spider veins to have a full diagnostic exam done using an ultrasound to determine the diagnosis.
Treatment for spider veins may be covered by insurance based on exam results.
Each patient’s needs are unique. Contact New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center for more information on varicose and spider veins or to schedule a free screening and consultation.
Are You at Risk for Varicose Veins?

Are You at Risk for Varicose Veins?

Are you more susceptible to developing varicose veins? Are you at risk for varicose veins? There are many factors that may be putting you at risk for the development of these sometimes large and tunnel-like blood vessels.

Are you overweight?

Excess weight not only poses health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, it can make you more prone to developing varicose veins.

The added weight on your legs also means more pressure on your veins.

How old are you? Is there a family history?

While varicose veins do not always discriminate on the basis of age, getting older can put you at risk for varicose veins because of the natural wear and tear of vessels.

 

Genes also can play a significant role in the susceptibility of developing varicose veins. Just around half of people with varicose veins admit to family members also having them.

Is your job cramping your style? Are you experiencing hormonal changes?

Jobs that require you to stand or sit for long periods of time can put you at risk for varicose veins.

Staying in the same position for hours can put a lot of pressure on the veins of your legs, making you more prone to varicose veins.

The hormonal changes that accompany both pregnancy and menopause can lead to relaxation of vein walls, in turn weakening the veins and making them more susceptible to swelling.

Are you doomed to have varicose veins? 

Not necessarily. There are many ways to reduce your risk.

  • Stay active whenever possible. Going for a quick walk during a lunch break can go a long way in reducing your chances of developing varicose veins.
  • Compression is your friend. Compression socks, stockings or bandages can help to alleviate some of the stress on your legs and keep blood from pooling.
  • Rest! While staying active is vital in maintaining vascular health, resting and elevation are just as important, especially if you work a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time.
For more information about varicose veins and their treatment, contact NJVVC today!
The Anatomy of a Vein

The Anatomy of a Vein

Varicose and spider veins are the consequences of deteriorating and clogged veins. These side effects of improper vein care are often discussed, but how they relate to your venous health is typically overlooked. Understanding the makeup of our circulatory system and the anatomy of a vein is an essential part of staying healthy.

Arteries

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, taking the oxygenated blood throughout the body to tissue and organs.

The largest artery in the human body is the aorta which is attached to the left ventricle of the heart muscle.

As oxygenated blood flows through the aorta it begins to move into a network of smaller arteries called arterioles and capillaries.

Veins

Veins are responsible for carrying the de-oxygenated blood back to the heart. This is a vital task to keep your body healthy and functioning. Veins lie closer to the surface of the skin than arteries and can often be seen on various parts of the body that contain a lot of muscle mass such as your arms, legs and chest area.

 

Veins are constantly working against gravity and therefore have a difficult job to perform. There are little flaps, called valves, to act like gates up and down the veins. The flexing of our muscles keeps blood moving by opening and closing the valves in our veins forcing the de-oxygenated blood to make its way back to the heart.

 

To fully comprehend the functions of veins and the importance of their care and well-being, it is crucial to understand what veins are made of.

Veins are composed of three main layers:

  • The tunica adventitia: The outermost layer of a vein is the tunica adventitia, or adventitia for short. This layer is the thickest layer of a vein’s lining and is made of loose connective tissues and an external elastic membrane. The adventitia fuses with surrounding tissue in the body.
  • The tunica media: The tunica media, or media, is the middle layer of a vein’s wall. This layer is built of collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle fibers.
  • The tunica intima: The tunica intima, or intima, is the innermost layer of a vein’s lining. This is the thinnest layer of the vein’s wall and is composed of an internal elastic membrane and connective tissue.
The intima also includes endothelium, a layer that is directly exposed to blood flow within the vein.  This layer of the vein is first to experience consequences of venous insufficiency.

Vein Weakness and Insufficiency

Many contributors, mostly age, heredity, having children, and standing all day can cause the veins to become a bit weakened. As a result, swelling of the thin walls in veins causes the valves to become farther away from each other and rendered ineffective. The seal or “damming” effect needed for continuous, even blood flow back to the heart, is lost.  Pooling of the blood occurs and unsightly, painful and degenerative Varicose Vein Disease begins.
Taking good care of your veins is extremely important for overall health and well-being. When problems occur within a vein, blood may begin pooling and can lead to varicose veins or other serious conditions.
Exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting intake of sugars, sodium, and saturated fats are all great ways to maintain healthy veins.
The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center is a state-of-the-art vein center committed to personalized patient care and exceptional vein health. Visit us today to discuss your venous and vascular health!
Improving the Health of Your Skin

Improving the Health of Your Skin

With so many factors that contribute to skin damage and various ways to improve on the health of your skin, it is important to know what you are up against and what can be done about it.
 

 

Free radicals

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules found in certain foods, tobacco and alcohol products, and pesticides. They can also be the result of environmental factors such as pollution and sun exposure. Free radicals can be destructive to living cells and have been linked to diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Free radicals harm skin through volume loss and dehydration, which are the main culprits behind the tissue damage that cause lines and premature aging.
 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants work to combat free radicals by stabilizing them. While our bodies can produce antioxidants, the amount needed to repair the skin is insufficient and requires supplemental antioxidants, usually in the form of topical skincare. Additionally, antioxidants can also work to reduce inflammation, increase elasticity and collagen in the skin, and even diminish the effects of sun damage. There are many skincare products on the market that promise to improve the appearance of your skin, but when choosing a skincare regimen, it is a good idea to look for a line rich in antioxidants that improves the actual health of your skin while also improving the overall appearance. SkinCeuticals is one such company that provides products for this.

 

Lifestyle changes

In addition to a good skincare regimen, there are many lifestyle changes that can go a long way in improving the health and appearance of your skin.
  • Lessen the stress in your life. Stress can actually trigger an immune response in the body, causing it to literally manifest itself on your skin. Learning methods to reduce or control stress can have a positive effect on the health of your skin.
  • Improve your diet. It is no secret that eating healthy has many benefits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low in unhealthy fats and over-processed foods can actually help to heal and protect your skin.
  • Wear sunscreen! Protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential in reducing your skin cancer risk, as well as the appearance of spots, lines, and aging. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15, particularly during peak hours. If you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, it is important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if sweating or swimming.
  • Quit smoking now! Aside from the known cancer risks, smoking can have a very real effect on skin by reducing blood flow, skin’s collagen and elasticity which results in wrinkles and premature aging.
For more information on improving the health of your skin and integrated skincare with SkinCeuticals, contact NJVVC today!
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