2020|Written By Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD
It is important that we all stay at home right now – but prolonged sitting or inactivity can have long lasting effects on your vein health.
Right now, many of us are working from home, staying home to provide childcare, or sheltering-in-place to flatten the curve of the spread of the novel coronavirus. We are all focused on avoiding getting sick and maintaining as much normalcy as possible, for our own state of mind.
However, just because COVID-19 is a threat, other illnesses or conditions have not gone away. In fact, while staying at home may be the best thing you can do for everyone, being sedentary can worsen varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can take care of your veins without leaving the comfort of your home. Here are just a few ideas.
How to Keep your Veins Healthy During Lockdown
Frequent, small, simple exercises. Stay active throughout the day in ways that already work within your routine. Try walking while on the phone, simple ankle or heel stretches while sitting or standing, or walking up and down stairs in your home. Keeping your calves pumping is essential to avoid blood clots and generally maintaining vein health.
Elevate your legs. While sleeping or sitting, elevate your legs with pillows or a stool. This helps relieve the stress that gravity puts on your veins while sitting or standing.
Stay comfortable. Unless you are wearing prescribed compression hosiery, which can help reduce the chance of blood clots in periods of prolonged inactivity, wear loose fitting clothing to avoid putting undue pressure on your veins.
Consider your diet and habits. Reduce intake anything in your diet that causes weight gain or dehydration: salty, fried, or sugary foods, as well as anything with caffeine or alcohol. You should also avoid smoking or vaping, which can have a negative impact on your circulatory health. Meanwhile, drink water plenty of water – the Mayo Clinic recommends 11-16 cups per day – and be sure eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens.
Start an at-home workout regime. Thirty-minutes of physical activity daily is good for your mind and body. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, keeping pressure off your veins. Try a doing a work-out video in your living room, dancing with a family member, or going for a walk or run where it is safe to do so.
Don’t wait if you have a problem. Health care providers, are offering telemedicine services so you can meet with physicians from the comfort and safety of your home. If you have a vascular emergency, many CVR locations are still open and ready to assist you in person, while taking appropriate protective measures.
One Last Tip
For the sake of your holistic health, is important to stay positive during this trying time. This too shall pass, and by staying home, you are helping make that happen sooner.
Comments