Rethink Varicose Veins ~ Giveaway

**This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Rethink Varicose Veins and TheMotherhood. All opinions are my own

I was recently given the opportunity to participate in a webinar with TheMotherhood, board-certified vascular surgeon Julianne Stoughton and Summer Sanders, U.S. Olympic Gold medalist. What many of you may know, is that Summer was the most decorated swimmer at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, winning two Gold, two silver and a bronze medal! What I didn't know, is that she also deals with varicose veins!

I'm not sure why, but I never thought such a health-conscious, fit person could have varicose veins. Summer ended up having a minimally-invasive treatment (lasting just 45 minutes) and to her surprise it was easy and simple. She walked out of the procedure and right back to her normal routine!

Before the webinar, I really didn't know much about the risk factors for varicose veins, or the treatment options to help. I learned a great deal after hearing Summer's story and am excited to share some of that information with you!

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs.  More than 30 million people suffer from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and less than 10% of these sufferers seek medical diagnosis and treatment.

So what is the connection between varicose veins and CVI? Well, varicose veins are one of the first signs of CVI. If left untreated, CVI can progress to worsening stages over time. Symptoms include: pain, aching, heaviness, swelling of the legs, restless and fatigue of the legs, skin damage, and more.

I wasn't sure what all the risk factors were for varicose veins before the webinar, and was surprised by how many there are.

Who’s At Risk?

·      Pregnancy

·      Prolonged Standing

·      Excess Weight

·      Age (50+)

·      Family History

·      Women are 2-to-3 times more likely than men to develop varicose veins, primarily due to pregnancy

In the webinar, Summer pointed out that there are underlying issues for vein diseases and it is so important to realize that it’s not just a cosmetic issue. She is passionate about the issue and committed to spreading the word to people with vein disease that they don’t have to live that way!

Here are a couple of steps one can consider when dealing with varicose veins:

Step 1: Ultrasound Testing & Physician Evalution - Everybody is unique, therefore an ultrasound is needed to determine what approach is the best to treat the veins.

Step 2:  

• Minimally-invasive treatment options  
• these eliminate varicose veins, improve appearance of legs and allow for a short, comfortable recovery and quick return to everyday activities. (Most insurance plans are known to cover this type of treatment for varicose veins and CVI).
• Endovenous Ablation 
• Radiofrequency Ablation - seals off problem vein using uniform heat to close off diseased vein and lower rates of pain and bruising
• Laser Ablation - Delivers laser energy to heat blood, causing it to coagulate to close off the diseased vein.
• Sclerotherapy (Chemical Ablation)
•  Involves injections of chemical into diseased veins, causing veins to close
• Used for veins that are too close to the surface.
• Multiple treatments to close damaged vein

RethinkVaricoseVeins.com has a handy self-assessment that you can utilize to learn more about your risk factors and even doctors in your area who can help. And, when you take the short assessment quiz, you'll automatically be entered to win an all-expense paid trip for 2 to the Escape with MORE Magazine event at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson (November 14-1).

And, while varicose veins are not preventabl, they 100% can be cured by visiting a doctor and getting treated via a minimally-invasive procedure like those listed above. The follow also can help...

1. Managing Risk Factors - keeping blood pressure in check, controlling weight and staying active
2. Livestyle modifications - No prolonged standing, elevating feet above thighs when sitting and strengthening calf muscles
3. Compression Stockings - you can find all kinds of compression stockings, even cute ones!

You can visit RethinkVaricoseVeins.com for more information.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win 10 music download cards! The cards allow you to download music directly from Rethink Varicose Veins site onto any MP3 player, mobile device, or on a PC or a Mac in iTunes or any other program that can beused to play an MP3.

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