Compression Stockings: A Simple Solution for Many Disorders
September 23, 2009 on 4:18 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off
Compression stockings are used to treat disorders like varicose veins, venous ulcers, blood clots, and lymphedema. These stockings apply pressure on veins and tissues that are close to the skin. The pressure ensures that the amount of blood that the veins can carry is restricted. This prevents the veins from swelling beyond a limit. Since the pressure applied by these stockings is highest at the ankle and lesser towards the upper parts of the leg, the blood is forced back to the heart. They also apply pressure on the tissues below the skin. These tissues transfer the pressure to the blood which gets pumped into the capillaries that go into the deeper tissues of the leg.
Effect on Varicose veins
Varicose veins are veins that cannot properly send blood to the heart because of the malfunctioning of the valves that are supposed to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. Veins of legs tend to be more susceptible to this condition because they have to withstand the pressure of standing and walking. Compression stockings artificially reduce the diameter of the veins and the blood circulation is partially normalized.
DVT/PTS
These stocking are also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this case blood is forced into the deeper veins where the blood has clotted. This usually happens to passengers who travel for long periods in planes that do not have properly adjusted humidity levels. Low humidity leads to DVT. The condition is commonly referred to as 'economy class syndrome'. Often patients who have DVT develop Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). This disorder can be prevented by the use of compression stockings. Thus patients with DVT are suggested to wear them for two years after they have had DVT.
Other Uses
Compression stockings are worn by pregnant women too because their blood vessels are affected by pregnancy induced hormonal changes. This is because they produce more blood to ensure that the growing fetus gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs. These stockings are also prescribed for patients with lymphedema because they prevent the accumulation of lymph by preventing the fluid from seeping out of the capillaries.
It must be noted that these stockings are not similar to socks used by athletes to enhance performance. The pressure applied by these stockings is much higher and physician's prescriptions are required to purchase some types of compression stockings. The stockings are difficult to put on and require gloves to be worn on feet to reduce friction.
Posted by: Evelyn Source
Stick With It or Take a Rest?
September 18, 2009 on 4:38 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off17 Sep 2009 09:38 PM
Once you start exercising, keep it up. That's the message from fitness experts, who claim that there is a huge number of first-time exercisers falling into a pit of despair because they don't see marked changes in their body after only a few weeks of working out.
But the overweight and under motivated are not the only ones having issues with fitness programs. According to a new study, regular exercisers, who don't adjust well to changes, are also hurting themselves.
The study found that exercisers who adhered to a consistent workout regime suffered when they were forced to take a break.
The research, which followed people, who were slaves to the Stairmaster or a stationary bicycle, failed mood tests when they were told not to exercise for two weeks.
The results of the study showed that the forced exercise "vacation" didn't recharge one's batteries. Rather, it left the highly regimented fitness buffs feeling worse than before.
"After one week we began to see changes," according to the study's lead author. "After two weeks, those changes had deepened. Two weeks of slothfulness had pushed the former exercisers into a grim state."
Researchers noted that study participants who were kept from their normal fitness routine were significantly more tense, tired, and less vigorous. In addition, the more out of shape they became, the more their mood and energy level worsened.
Researchers concluded: The more active you are, the more energy you have and the better your mood.
Fitness experts recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five or more days per week in order to life a healthy lifestyle.
What's more, fitness experts advise that if you can't get in your regular routine jogging, swimming or walking, that you get creative. Tweak your routine, choosing other activities to stay physically and mentally fit instead of bemoaning the fact that you couldn't follow your set regime.
Do you get crabby when you miss a workout?
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Score Another One For Upper Body Exercises
September 16, 2009 on 10:57 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off16 Sep 2009 03:57 PM
The next time your upper body aches from working all day, consider skipping the massage and heading to the gym to lift weights.
According to a new study, exercise may be able to ease a sore upper body more than some expensive ergonomic interventions or a professional massage.
Ergonomic interventions are designed to make your workspace and equipment better suited for your activities. For example, some companies sell computer keyboards and chairs designed to encourage proper wrist and back placement.
The study, which included more than 2,100 volunteers, examined the effect of exercise on those who suffered from work-related arm, neck, and shoulder pain. Most of the study participants admitted to hunching over their desks for hours on end, or wedging their phone between their ear and shoulder.
Researchers tested a variety of pain-easing options on study participants including ergonomics, exercise, and massage. In the end, a significant number of volunteers noted that they experienced beneficial results from the exercise, but not so much with ergonomic interventions or massages.
Researchers concluded that while there is no guarantee that exercise will alleviate work-related upper body pain for everyone, it is a good place to start. What's more, in most cases it is cheaper than paying for expensive ergonomic interventions.
If you plan to experiment with upper body exercises to alleviate your pain, be sure to warm up before you hit the weights. Also, remember that when you lift free weights you should be able to control your movements. Do not swing, bounce, and alter your range of motion. If you cannot control the weight, then reduce it. Finally, it's very important to maintain good posture when lifting weights or doing any other type of strength training. Good posture will not only help you maximize a particular exercise, it will also yield positive effects on your back and abs.
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Follow the Trail
September 16, 2009 on 3:10 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off15 Sep 2009 08:10 PM
The vibrant palette of gorgeous fall colors means one thing... winter is on its way. Don't let autumn's mild temperatures and beautiful scenery go to waste. Instead of sweating it out on the stationary bike at your gym this weekend consider hitting the trails and soaking up the sights and sounds of the season.
The following routes are highly promoted by tourism bureaus in the hopes of getting nature lovers to visit off-the-beaten-path spots. Each boasts stunning views of fall foliage. What's more, these hikes won't break the bank. Free maps and other complimentary interpretive material show off the best a region has to offer, including free festivals and other events:
Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail: Located in Olympic National Park, this route leads to 24 waterfalls in northwest Washington. Views include rain-forest valleys, coastlines, alpine meadows and friendly rural towns. Also, the waterfalls are thundering this time of year, foliage is spectacular, and you're likely to spot elk as they make their annual trek to the lower valleys. Sol Duc Falls, a signature sight in Olympic National Park, is a short 6-mile from Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Wisconsin's Door County: The picturesque area is home to some of the most incredible fall foliage in the nation. The peninsula is dotted with quaint towns and tons of hiking trails that lead to impressive views of Lake Michigan. Door County is a short drive from Michigan and Illinois, and once you arrive you can give your car a rest because the state parks are located within walking distance of most major lodgings.
Other trail systems around the United States that will surely whet your appetite for food and fitness include:
*Vermont's Cheese Trail *Oregon's Fruit Loop in the fertile Hood River Valley *Connecticut's Art Trail *Arizona's Salsa Trail *New Mexico's Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail
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Lushes Exercise More
September 14, 2009 on 11:01 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off14 Sep 2009 04:01 PM
Newsflash: That guy you see at the gym grunting near the free weights EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. may be hitting the bottle even harder than he does the pec deck.
According to a new study, people who drink alcoholic beverages on a regular basis may be more likely to exercise than their dry counterparts -- and the more they drink, the more likely they are to work out.
"A possible motivation is that people who consume alcohol recognize that it contains a fair number of calories, so they exercise to counteract caloric intake," the study's lead author notes.
The study, published in the September-October issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion, found that:
*Light drinkers (defined as those who consumed 1 to 29 alcoholic beverages per month) exercised nearly 6 more minutes per week than those who abstained from alcohol.
*Moderate drinkers (defined as those who consumed 15 to 75 drinks per month) exercised 10 more minutes than those who passed on alcoholic beverages.
*Heavy drinkers (defined as those who consumed 76 or more drinks per month) worked out 20 more minutes than their sober mates.
*Women drinking alcohol exercised 7.2 more minutes per week than abstainers, and men 5.5 more minutes.
Researcher also found that drinking for both men and women was associated with about a 10 percent increase in the probability of engaging in vigorous exercise.
According to researchers, the message here is not to use alcohol to improve your exercise regimen. After all, the negative effects of heavy drinking clearly outweigh the benefits of consistent exercise. However, the study results show that "responsible" drinking may be beneficial in your quest to stay fit.
I suppose if you are self-conscious about getting a beer gut, you would be more likely to hit the gym each day. Though, I'm still not convinced that sculpting a six-pack after drinking one is met with success in every case.
I don't drink, but I certainly see how the results of this study are applicable to me as well. I am a binge donut eater and I workout everyday because of my addiction to Krispie Kremes.
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