As the cold weather sets in, your veins struggle with additional strain. Add to this the cold and increased darkness tends to lower moods and you can see why most have to fight feeling miserable. But you don’t have to be a victim of winter weather! There are things you can do to support your vein health and avoid making your varicose veins worse.
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How Winter Weather Affects Your Varicose Veins
Winter weather brings multiple changes which impact vein health. Understanding some of these issues may help you avoid them.
Decreased temperature: causes veins to constrict putting more pressure on the veins
Decreased atmospheric pressure: can cause your vascular system to be less efficient
Decreased activity: puts more pressure on the veins
Increased weight: due to holiday feasts and decreased activity, will increase the pressure on the veins
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Ways You Can Fight Back
Varicose veins tend to occur when veins are stressed and fail. In order to avoid new varicose veins and prevent older ones from worsening, here are things you can do to care for your veins in the winter
Exercise: spending just 30 minutes a day focusing on movement can make a big difference. Not only does exercise get your heart rate up and blood flowing, it also release hormones and neurotransmitters to lift your mood. It’s best to aim for working out at least 3-5 times per week.
Drinking enough water: most people tend to drink more water during the summer months, but you also need focus on drinking enough water during the winter. Dehydration can cause veins to constrict, increasing strain. Staying well hydrated will keep your feeling and performing optimally. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day.
Avoid prolonged sitting: being sedentary is not only bad for your veins but also your heart. Blood will tend to pool in your legs, causing the veins to swell and become varicose. Make sure you get up and move at least once every hour.
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Varicose Vein Treatments
Even if you treat your varicose veins with care, they won’t go away. Veins become varicose because they are damaged and malfunction. We at Heritage Veins and Aesthetics can offer you solutions to treat your varicose veins safely and effectively. Schedule a consult today!
