Did you know that spending most of your time seated or standing can be dangerous to your health? Most of us stand or sit for long hours while executing our duties without realizing that we are actually not doing justice to our bodies.
One of the conditions that can be caused by such postures is varicose veins. One can argue that varicose veins is a condition for pregnant women ONLY, I disagree. I am not a medic but I am a victim due to not paying attention to a call to healthy living by exercising regularly. Your inactivity can lead you to having the condition especially if you are a woman. So, what exactly do I mean by varicose veins? Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and twisted. Often occurs on feet and legs. It is mainly due to poor circulation of blood and since the legs are far from the heart the blood may fail to flow freely back to the heart therefore fluid being retained in the feet.
Some of the causes of varicose veins are; pregnancy, standing or sitting for long hours, obesity, ageing, and family history of varicose veins etc. Some causes can be prevented and that is why I am really against sitting for long hours without changing your position or taking a walk.
The symptoms of varicose veins include; swollen feet, achiness of the swollen area, pain and even the part of skin changing color.
In case you are already having varicose veins, these are the things you should avoid:
- Sitting with your legs crossed
- Wearing tight clothes like jeans or stockings
- Sitting for long hours without changing posture
- Standing for long hours
My advice is also for you to exercise regularly to improve your blood circulation, try to reduce weight if you are obese, deep your legs in warm salty water before you go to bed, while sleeping put a pillow on your legs to help raise your legs above your heart as you sleep, take a walk in between your working schedule.
Varicose veins can worsen so it is good to seek medical attention if they are severe. Stay healthy and have a healthy lifestyle.
