Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/205938
Exercise is good Exercise does not cause or aggravate varicose veins. In fact, exercise is great for your vein health. It improves circulation in the legs, causing the blood to flow smoothly and reducing the likelihood of blood pooling in the veins. Exercise also reduces blood pressure, putting less pressure on the valves in the veins and reducing the chance of them becoming damaged. faulty varicose veins, the procedure is quick and painless. Once the problem veins are closed off, blood re-routes through the normal veins and flows more efficiently. Visit www.brighamandwomens.org/veincenter to learn more about the BWH Vascular and Vein Care Center. To schedule a consultation, please call one of our three convenient locations: Genetics: a risk factor that you can't control Genetics are the biggest contributing factor to the development of varicose veins. If your parents or grandparents suffered from varicose veins, there is a far greater chance that you also will. Newton Corner: 617-796-7181 Foxborough: 508-718-4010 West Bridgewater: 857-307-0761 Obesity increases your risk Obesity and weight gain can increase your chances of developing varicose veins. Excessive weight gain puts extra pressure on veins and valves, causing them to stretch and weaken. The valves eventually lose their ability to fully seal the vein, and blood that should be heading toward the heart instead flows back toward the legs. This leads to blood pooling and enlargement of the veins. Pregnancy can play a role Pregnancy increases your chances of developing varicose veins. However, contrary to popular belief, the weight of the baby has very little impact on the development of varicose veins. It is more likely that hormonal changes during pregnancy loosen the valves in the veins, which causes them to swell and bulge. Pelvic varicose veins also can develop and exacerbate the varicose veins in the legs. Don't count on over-the-counter remedies There is no reliable evidence that herbal remedies, varicose vein supplements, or other over-the-counter products can cure varicose veins. Where can you get help? At the BWH Vascular and Vein Care Center, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for symptomatic varicose veins, including the latest advances in minimally invasive treatment. All of these treatments are covered by most forms of health insurance. Doing Everything Possible for Your Vein Health The Brigham and Women's Hospital Vascular and Vein Care Center is a leading choice for the treatment of varicose veins. Up to 40 percent of women and 25 percent of men suffer from varicose veins. With the right care and the latest treatment options, including Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®), varicose veins can be eliminated without surgery – quickly, comfortably and safely. The board-certified physicians at Brigham and Women's Hospital Vascular and Vein Care Center provide a comprehensive range of services to eliminate unsightly varicose veins without surgery, with minimal-to-no scarring, without a lengthy recovery, and with minimal-tono side effects. Varicose vein treatment is covered by most health insurance plans. To learn more about the Vascular and Vein Care Center, visit www.brighamandwomens.org/veincenter or to schedule your consultation, please call one of our three convenient locations: Newton Corner: (617) 796-7181 Foxborough: (508) 718-4010 West Bridgewater: (857) 307-0761 For patients who qualify, Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®) is one of the most effective treatments currently available for the treatment of varicose veins. EVLT is a safe, effective, non-surgical laser procedure that eliminates varicose veins at the source. Using laser energy to close the indian summer ~2013 41