Keeping Veins Healthy As We Age

Getting older is inevitable, and while many people maintain a healthy lifestyle into their later years, aging can bring along a decline in overall health and an increased susceptibility to disease. As we age, it is essential that we take stock of our health, including our vein health, and bring any concerns or changes to our doctor.

Having healthy veins is crucial to maintaining proper blood flow and preventing various vein related disorders. Here are some tips to help you manage your vein health as you age:

1. Exercise regularly: Exercise promotes the circulation of blood through your veins and strengthens the muscles that support your veins, preventing them from becoming weak and swollen. Walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day are great exercises to help keep your veins healthy.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on your veins and can cause them to become weak and swollen. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and eating a balanced diet can help prevent added pressure on your veins.
3. Break up long periods of sitting or standing: Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time can cause blood to pool in your legs. This pooled blood can lead to swelling and discomfort. Take regular breaks from being sedentary to move around, stretch your legs, and get your blood flowing.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help keep your blood flowing smoothly, reduce your risk of blood clots, and promote healthy vein function. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink up!
5. Quit Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels which increases your risk of vein-related disorders. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health, including your vein health.
6. Elevate your legs: By elevating your legs above your heart you can help reduce swelling and discomfort in your legs and promote healthy blood flow. Try elevating your legs on a pillow, three or four times a day for fifteen minutes at a time.

Follow these tips to help maintain healthy veins as you age. If you experience any symptoms of vein problems, such as swelling, pain, or ropy varicose veins it is important to have them evaluated and treated promptly.

Call Vein Specialist Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Associates of Cleveland, TN, if you have signs of vein disease. Early treatment can prevent problems from getting worse. Call at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online.