It’s Time To Rethink Varicose Veins! #RethinkVaricose

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This is a sponsored post on behalf of Rethink varicose veins and The Motherhood.

Hey All!

I recently had the amazing opportunity to attend an online information session with Rethink Varicose Veins. This is a national education campaign that encourages the 30 million Americans that suffer from varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) to learn more about their condition and seek proper diagnosis and treatment, allowing for a healthy, more active life.

I was interested in learning about this as I have a Varicose Vein in my left leg. I truly learned a lot in this short session. The main piece of info I took from this session was is it’s time to Rethink!

When we think health, we seldom think about our legs. When we think about aches and pains, we often assume it’s just part of aging. When we think about varicose veins, we often think it’s a cosmetic issue. It’s not a cosmetic issue. Summer Sanders, the U.S. Olympic Gold medalist, TV correspondent, blogger and a busy mom of two was also in attendance on the session. Summer was the most decorated swimmer at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, winning two Gold, two silver and a bronze medal. She also suffers from Varicose Veins. She said something very poignant on the session which was that she was only living at 80% with the Varicose Veins. She’s now living at 100% after having seen doctors and had procedures to take care of her Varicose Veins.

Summer’s Story:

“As a life-long athlete and Olympic swimmer, I NEVER thought a condition like varicose veins would affect ME…”

Summer never thought that varicose veins would be an issue for her. She assumed her training as an Olympian and her health-consciousness would make her exempt from getting varicose veins. Summer inherited her veins from her mom!

In February of 2012, Summer was on her feet for two days at Disney Land.  That’s when she realized she couldn’t live with the leg pain she was trying to tolerate.  Just a couple weeks later, Summer had a minimally-invasive treatment. The procedure took 45 minutes and to her surprise, was easy and simple! She walked out of the procedure and right back into her normal routine.

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!

Dr. Julianne Stoughton is a board-certified vascular surgeon and runs the Vein Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and is an instructor at Harvard Medical School. She was also available to discuss this health issue at this online session. Dr. Stoughton knows important information about the risks, causes and treatment options for varicose veins.

What are Varicose Veins exactly?

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

Here are some facts about Varicose Veins:

• The Connection Between Varicose Veins + CVI
• Varicose veins are one of the first signs of CVI
• If left untreated, CVI can progress to worsening stages over time
• Common CVI symptoms include:
• Pain, aching, heaviness
• Swelling of the legs
• Restlessness and fatigue of the legs
• Skin damage
• Ulcers

Who’s At Risk?

• Women During Pregnancy
• Prolonged Standing
• People with Excess Weight
• Age (50+)
• Family History
• Women are 2-to-3 times more likely than men to develop varicose veins, primarily due to pregnancy

Common Myths About Varicose Veins

• Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue and are better treated at an earlier stage to prevent progression into CVI
• Spider veins are not the same thing as varicose veins and require a different form of treatment
• Genetics, pregnancy and age are common factors in the development of varicose veins or CVI
• Men are at risk for developing varicose veins, too.8 It ISN’T just a woman’s issue
• Treatments for varicose veins and CVI are usually covered by insurance
• Compression stockings and elevation of the feet are NOT cures for varicose veins
• Most treatments are minimally-invasive, allowing for a short, comfortable recovery and a quick return to normal activities

I know we are planning on having more kids so the main thing I wanted to know was should I get my Varicose Vein taken care of now or should I wait until I’m done having kids.

The answer was:

Every pregnancy does enlarge the veins and cause it to be a little bit worse than before. Since varicose veins are progressive, it’s not always a one-time fix, but requires maintenance.

But if you just got pregnant, it is recommended to wear the compression stockings to eliminate varicose veins. After you have given birth, see your doctor about treatment options that would be best for you.

Spa Trip Anyone?

Take the short assessment quiz that takes no more than a minute, and automatically be entered to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Escape with MORE Magazine event at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson (November 14-17).

During this exclusive, 4-day girl’s getaway the winner and a friend will be pampered with daily spa treatments and yoga and meditation classes, and can participate in health and wellness seminars led by MORE editors and special guest speakers.

This was so amazing information for me as it has helped me learn how to keep me and my veins healthy in the future.

If you’d like to do more research and see if you have Varicose Veins then visit the Rethink Varicose Website and take the Self-Assessment of Your Legs.

Also be sure to join the #Rethink Varicose Twitter Party for even more great info about this important health topic.

Join this party to learn about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of varicose veins and CVI and latest minimally-invasice treatment options available.

Trivia questions will be asked throughout the Twitter Party and five lucky winners who answer the questions correctly will receive a $50 VISA gift card from The Motherhood.

When: Thursday, July 18 at 2 p.m. ET (the party will last one hour)

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #RethinkVaricose hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/rethinkvaricose

Hashtag: #RethinkVaricose

Prizes: They will be giving away five $50 VISA gift cards

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann and @SummerSanders_

Hope to see you all there!