12 Simple Ways to Improve Circulation

12 Simple Ways to Improve Circulation

Jan 18, 2018 | Diet & Exercise, General Health, Vein Health

Your circulatory system is your body’s method of distributing both nutrients and oxygen. It also functions to clean your body, whisking away carbon dioxide and waste products from all areas. It is very important to keep your blood circulating well so that your body gets all the support it needs to survive. Which is why we have compiled a list of the simplest ways to improve circulation and stay healthy.
The symptoms of poor circulation can vary. Some people experience slight tingling in their extremities, while others might develop varicose veins in their legs. Whatever the symptoms, inadequate blood flow is a major risk factor for issues like heart attacks, strokes, and even amputation of limbs.
Proper circulation is vital for one’s health, and can also prevent varicose veins. If you’re worried about your circulation or experience pain or coldness in certain areas, you should contact your doctor immediately, as this may be indicative of poor blood flow. With these tips in mind, it is easier than ever to prevent and improve poor circulation to keep yourself healthy.

Take a Walk

Poor circulation can be a problem for those who stand for extended periods of time at work. In this position, the blood simply is not recirculating adequately in the body, and it can result in extreme pain in the legs and feet. According to this study, the simple act of walking every day can dramatically increase the circulation throughout your body.

If you find yourself standing for too long, or remaining sedentary for any reason, find a friend, go for a walk, and get that blood moving. A simple exercise like walking is enough to stretch your muscles and restore blood flow.

Stop Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes leads to a host of health problems. Not least among them is the fact that cigarettes are extremely damaging to cardiovascular health. Smoking causes swelling of the wrists and ankles. It damages your cells on a molecular level and can increase the risk of blood clots.

Cigarettes kill 140,000 people in America because of their impact on cardiovascular health. Quitting cigarettes is one of the best things you can do to ensure your vital organs receive an increased amount of oxygenated blood.

Try Swedish Massage

A therapeutic Swedish massage, available at most spas, is a luxurious getaway for your body and mind. Though relaxation is tied to healthier blood flow, massage therapy has been shown to increase local blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Trained massage therapists know how to increase your circulation through specialty strokes throughout the session.

Do Some Yoga to Improve Circulation

Regular, gentle yoga is another pleasant alternative therapy for improving circulation. Studies have shown that certain yoga poses have proven beneficial for cardiovascular health, and offer a myriad of other health benefits as well.

The best part about yoga is that simple exercises and stretches can be safely done in the comfort of your own home, without expensive equipment or gym fees.

Put Those Feet Up

Aside from the fact that you deserve a break at the end of a long, exhausting day, there are legitimate health reasons to put your feet up daily. Gravity can cause fluids to build up in your lower limbs if you’re on your feet all day. Laying down with your feet elevated about six inches above your torso is a great way to reduce swelling.

Elevating your feet lets gravity help your blood flow establish a more natural rhythm, especially if you’ve spent a great portion of your day on your feet.

Decrease Stress

When you’re stressed out, your body produces higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which is linked to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure. Studies have shown that stress significantly decreases the amount of oxygenated blood flow to the heart.

If you’re experiencing elevated levels of stress, it’s likely impacting your circulation. Try to focus on mediating that stress in your life. Whether you de-stress through hobby time, meditation, phone calls with friends, listening to music, or journaling, make sure you prioritize your peace of mind.

Losing Weight Will Improve Circulation

Like quitting smoking, losing weight takes a little more of a lifestyle change to implement. Weight gain restricts blood flow due to endothelial dysfunction, blocking circulation to the limbs. It’s been shown that having excess fat, especially belly fat, can make it more difficult for your abdominal arteries to expand. This means less blood flow throughout the rest of your body.

Losing weight can help take pressure off those arteries, and lead to better circulation.

Wear Compression Stockings or Socks

Compression stockings are long, tight socks that hug your lower legs and improve blood circulation. They counteract the tendency of blood to pool in the lower legs.  Compression socks squeeze your vein walls in such a way that the blood returns to the heart from the legs more easily. They help mimic the muscle movement created by walking even when you’re sitting still. This discourages stiffness and swelling, and is very useful for people who work long hours sitting at a desk.

Compression socks can be purchased in a variety of styles, fabrics, colors, and levels of compression. Some are designed for dress, casual, and sports, in open and closed toe. There are four main levels of compression from 8-15 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg. The lower the number, the milder the compression. People in many professions wear compression socks daily to improve circulation, and prevent leg fatigue and swelling.

Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Pomegranates and blueberries are great sources of antioxidants, which are thought to increase blood flow by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage your cells. Some other super foods to include in your diet to increase circulation are grapes, nuts, dark green veggies, sweet potatoes, beans and fish.

Wear the Right Clothes

Tight clothing prevents blood flow by placing pressure on the skin. Loose clothing allows blood to flow freely without restriction. Shoes that are too tight or at an odd angle (like high heels) force your feet into uncomfortable positions, causing swelling in the feet and ankles which restricts blood flow.

Choose clothes and shoes that are comfortable if you know you will be on your feet for long periods of time. Save those more form fitting clothes and high heels for date night or special occasions.

Don’t Cross Your Legs

Crossing your legs while sitting can restrict blood flow. Sitting with both feet flat on the ground helps prevent this. If you typically cross your legs, this can be a difficult habit to break, but it is highly recommended that you give it a try.

Crossing your legs not only hinders circulation but it can also lead to poor posture, back pain and leg stiffness.

Drink Water

Your body needs water to move nutrients and waste throughout the blood. It helps keep both your blood and skin cells hydrated so they can repair themselves efficiently. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.

Keep water on hand and drink it regularly throughout the day. Drinking water will improve circulation, brain function and heart problems.

Poor circulation is a serious health threat that afflicts many Americans, but there are plenty of interventions to consider. If you have been giving extra thought to improving your circulation, the professionals at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center can help answer questions about vascular health, blood flow, and varicose veins.
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Dec 19, 2017 | News

Varicose vein treatment is on the rise across the United States. New research indicates that this growth is likely to continue at a rate of 6.9% by the year 2021. If you are one of the millions of people who are planning to seek vein treatment, you might be wondering when you should schedule your treatment.

Below are five reasons why winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. 

1) Compression Stockings are Easier to Tolerate in the Winter

Compression stockings play an instrumental role in optimizing vein care treatment. However, some people find them a bit hot and confining – especially in warmer weather.

By scheduling your treatment in the winter, these sensations are not as pronounced because the weather is cooler.

Wearing pants over compression stockings will be much more tolerable in cooler weather than in the summer months.

2) Your Legs Will Have Time to Respond to Treatment Before Spring and Summer

People who receive vein treatments sometimes do not notice positive results for weeks or months.

If you want to show off your treated legs during spring or summer, winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. This will allow plenty of time for healing.

3) Your Treated Legs Will Likely be Hidden from View

In the days following sclerotherapy, your legs may show signs of bruising and discoloration. Additionally, you will likely be asked to wear compression stockings after treatment.

If treatment is completed during the winter months, people will not even notice that you have undergone a procedure to eliminate spider and varicose veins.

4) Patients are Less likely to Engage in Strenuous Activity

Rigorous exercise and weight lifting are both discouraged in the weeks following sclerotherapy or other vein care procedures. This can prove to be difficult for some people who are accustomed to regularly exerting themselves.

Because most people tend to exercise less in the winter months, it is a bit easier to adjust their exercise routines.

If you love the summer sun and swimming, take note that avoiding sun exposure and public swimming pools for a time after vein treatment is recommended.

5) Varicose Veins are Often at Their Worst During the Winter

A more sedentary lifestyle during the winter months can exacerbate varicose veins and highlight the need for treatment.

Lack of exercise can cause more pooling of blood in the legs.

It’s common for people to put a little weight on in the winter which doesn’t help either.

Failure to seek treatment for your varicose and spider veins can cause pain and other symptoms to worsen.

Winter really is the best time for varicose vein treatment. But if you are suffering and don’t want your condition to get worse, you should seek treatment right away regardless of the time of year.

Winter is the perfect time to visit The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to change the look and feel of your legs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you escape the escalated discomfort of varicose veins during the winter and become more confident in the look of your legs for Spring 2018.
Why Sclerotherapy is the Most Common Spider Vein Treatment

Why Sclerotherapy is the Most Common Spider Vein Treatment

Nov 30, 2017 | News

Sclerotherapy is the most effective and common spider vein treatment option. It has been called the Gold Standard by a multitude of patients and providers around the country. Are unsightly spider veins keeping you from being your most confident self?

If so, you’re not alone.

It’s estimated that one in five Americans, ages 18-60+, are burdened by the trademark of blue, knotted veins on their calves and inner legs.

Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins and are visible on the surface of the skin.

They are known for their thin, tangled, web-like appearance and are mainly seen as a cosmetic nuisance.

As do most vein doctors, Dr. Stuart Miller at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center (NJVVC) considers sclerotherapy the most effective treatment for small varicose veins and spider veins available today.
Why? Well, let’s take a look at the other options.

Alternative Treatment Options

One popular treatment is Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment. With IPL, a local anesthetic is administered, and the use of heat energy destroys the abnormal veins. The vein is then absorbed into the body over a short period of time. Another option is surface lasers. They are similar to IPL treatments in that the heat from a laser destroys the diseased vein.
Saline injection, classified as the older alternative, is rarely used anymore due to the risk of skin necrosis.  However, some clinics still offer this treatment.

Doctors inject a hypertonic saline solution into the veins to irritate the lining, causing it to collapse and stick together.

How These Other Procedures Fall Short

IPL and laser treatments are often painful and can result in blistering of the skin. The average cost for these treatments is high and the effects of this procedure are rarely desired. They are not long-lasting, and the patient will need to return every four weeks to see continued results.
Saline solution injection often results in an extreme burning sensation and possible skin alteration at the injection site. The results are minimal and continued treatment is advised. Sclerotherapy has graduated beyond this painful treatment and has exceeded the expectations of many clinics and patients.

Sclerotherapy is the Gold Standard for Spider Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider veins available today.

The treatment takes 15 minutes to an hour to complete and doesn’t require anesthetics.

It’s important to understand that no treatment for spider veins will prevent new veins from forming.

The sclerosant solution is administered by a thin needle that fills the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear before your eyes. A band-aid is then applied to the injection area and recommended compression stockings are applied.

The procedure is minimally invasive and will reduce up to 80% of spider veins within the first treatment.

Additional medical advancement of this treatment includes ultrasound assistance and foam solutions for those deeper, more damaged veins.

Let New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center help you step out in confidence. Contact us today and see for yourself what sclerotherapy can do for you!

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Oct 31, 2017 | News

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!
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