If you have family members that suffer from varicose veins, or simply are at risk of developing them yourself it can be a bit scary to think about. Rest assured there are steps you can take in your daily life that will greatly reduce your chances of developing varicose veins.

What can I do to prevent varicose veins?

• Determine your risk factors and what you need to change.
• Maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight if needed.
• If you sit for long periods of time, prop up your feet to help maintain proper blood flow.
• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting for long periods of time, such as your job or driving long distances. 
• Avoid tight, restricting clothing.  

I am at risk for varicose veins. Where do I begin?

Maintaining a healthy weight goes a long way in helping reduce your risk of varicose veins. In fact, the benefits of healthy body weight are much greater than that! It can help you maintain muscle mass, reduce your chances of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other chronic diseases. 

Get moving! Exercise provides countless benefits that keep our body functioning at its best. You are never too old, or too heavy to get started. The key is to find something you can do, that you enjoy and will help you get your blood flowing in the way you need to stay healthy and fit.

Seek the help of a dietician or nutritionist. There are several good ways to help yourself get healthy! The bottom line is, find someone who can offer you a support system, and get the ball rolling. The more you do now to stop varicose veins, the better off you will be.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and worries. Although genetics does play a role in the development of varicose veins, you can take action to start prevention as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan, and discuss your most important individual factors.