Though we’re deep in winter’s icy clutches, weather in the Midwest can flip a 180 on a moment’s notice. You could be bundled up in your winter duds one day and sporting your spring capris or skirts the next. You may not have thought much about warmer weather yet, but most Midwesterners are ready to get outside and soak up some necessary vitamin D by early spring.
Self-care can reduce symptoms of varicose and spider veins and keep new ones from cropping up throughout the winter. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to welcome the sunshine with confidence, healthy legs and the proper attire.
Get moving
Regular exercise is not only important for heart health, but it also increases blood flow to your legs. The surgeon general recommends Americans walk 10,000 steps a day. Hit the gym or go on regular walks on your lunch break. Make an exercise goal with a friend or walk the dog — a built-in workout buddy. To ratchet up those steps, take the stairs and park in the back of a lot. Low impact exercises can help reduce pain of throbbing varicose veins.
Avoid sitting or standing for too long
Any movement is good movement. The longer you sit or stand without moving, the more difficult it is for blood to circulate. Go on a five-minute walk after every few hours of sitting at a desk or in a vehicle. Use a standing desk at work or take your laptop to a counter for an hour. Stretching also is another great way to limber up.
Watch what you eat
Maintaining a healthy weight keeps stress off your legs. Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Also, do your best to steer clear of processed and overly salty foods. Salt promotes water retention in the body, which can put more pressure on veins. A regular diet heavy on fiber and a variety of fruits and vegetables will help to keep your vascular system in good shape.
Massage and relax
This advice is what you’ve been waiting for: get a massage and take a load off! If you don’t want to pay for a massage, give your legs a good rub down at the end of the day to increase circulation and relax muscles before bed. Also, elevate your legs above heart level allows for better blood flow, according to the Mayo Clinic. Take a break a few times a day to lay back, prop your legs on a few pillows or on a chair and relax.
Moisturize
Cold snaps and drastic temperature changes can dry out skin, requiring you to lather up with lotion. Moisturizing also helps your strengthen cell walls, preventing varicose veins. Use a moisturizer high in SPF. A collagen cream can also help support skin elasticity.
Am I a Candidate?
Determine if you are at risk for developing or already have symptoms for venous disease.