Tuesday 24 April 2012

The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Have you ever had a spider crawl down your legs? Are you sure? Because the worst ones are the ones you can't feel and see right away....Spider veins. But something that could be worse are varicose veins.

Since I grew up in the Philippines, I was never expected to get a job while I was studying. My sole responsibility was to study. Now that I am here in Australia, it's a whole new different thing! Kids as young as 14, I think, can work! And being the twenty-one year old that I was two years ago, I was excited to earn some moolah! So I got a casual job in a pharmacy/beauty store which meant 5-8 hours of standing and walking. Exciting at first but when my legs hurt and veins show up, it isn't fun anymore.

Yes, veins. I am pertaining to varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. These are bulging veins that you can distinctly feel.  Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. These are most common in thighs, ankles, feet, and sadly, in our faces.

What are the causes of having varicose and spider veins?
  • Heredity.
  • Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers.
  • Obesity.
  • Hormonal influences during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause.
  • The use of birth control pills.
  • Postmenopausal hormonal replacement.
  • A history of blood clots.
  • Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.
  • Trauma or injury to the skin
  • Previous vein surgery
  • Exposure to ultraviolet rays

 Go ahead! Check your legs and even your face if you have any! If you don't, lucky for you!  But if you do, it's never too late!

I've seen a lot on medical procedures for varicose and spider veins like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency occlusion, surgery, lasers and intense pulse light, etc. But of course, these treatments may be off the budget. So here's what you can do to lessen and prevent having unsightly veins:

  • Wear support stockings- These can help in the proper circulation of blood in your legs.
  • Change your lifestyle- Observe proper hygiene. Lose weight if you need to(See doctor for this). Exercise! A good walk or run can help improve your blood circulation. 
  • Wear the right kind of shoes if you know you'll be standing for ages.
  •  If you can, avoid long periods of standing and walking. If you can't, make sure to elevate your legs at or above the level of your heart.
  • One of the natural remedies you can use is distilled witch hazel. This is what I personally use. 
What I do is I soak a cotton pad or cloth id you want with witch hazel and apply it to my legs. It's good because it's soothing and it reduces pain and swelling. A small bottle of this is around AUD 6-7. This is also available in the Philippines according to a friend of mine. Check out Healthy Options! :)

So ladies, always remember that prevention is better than cure. Take care of those beautiful legs!

Tips by Tippy:
- Since I have no medical background, here's a very helpful link if you want to read more on varicose and spider veins.
-It's best to see a doctor if you want to get rid of these veins. But there are natural  remedies you can use. Click here for remedies for spider veins. Click here for remedies for varicose veins.

P.S. I didn't post photos of spider and varicose veins because the photos I saw were too graphic.

23 comments:

  1. hey dear, you have a very interesting blog! these are all very informative, well researched and fun to read :) i am especially interested in that rose hip oil :)the lipstick i have on in my photos is Revlon SuperLustrous in Matte 011 Stormy Pink. I also swiped on some Goldie pink gloss too :)

    hapatime.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks a lot, Jess! I'm happy you liked my blog! I try my best to make sure that what I blab about are all true! Give rosehip oil a try and maybe tell me if it worked for you! Ohhh I know that lipstick! Will try to check that out this weekend! ;) Thanks again!

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  2. Really like your blog dear!
    Keep posting!!
    XO

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    1. Thanks a lot, Floortje! I appreciate it! :)I glad you like my blog! :)

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  3. really interesting blog :) follow me if you want, I'll do the same ;)

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    1. Hey Beatrice! Thank you! I saw your blog too and I liked it! will follow you!!!:)

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  4. Hi Kristina! Of course we can follow each other! I like how your blog is all soft and pink! :)

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  5. thanks for lovely comments, following you back of course
    http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com

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  6. great site ! wanna follow each oter ? Kisses from Princess-Beyonce :*

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    1. Hey! Sure! I'll definitely follow you! I like your outfits! Thanks!!

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  7. likeee your blog dear
    keep posting and go for it

    xxxx

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  8. Thanks for sharing the witch hazel tip! I don't have too much of a problem with veins, but I have started to notice that they are more prevalent now that I've started wearing heels on a regular basis.

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    1. You're welcome, Rinny! Give it a go! But I have to remind you that it just soothes the pain. You may have to take supplements that can help prevent having these horrible veins. I take supplements with grapeseed, butcher's broom, hesperidin, and ascorbic acid. These were said to help with the circulation of blood. I would strongly suggest to visit your doctor to prevent it from getting worse!

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    2. You may want to try wearing insoles too! :)

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  9. Thanks for inviting me Chris! happy to be part of the directory! :)

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  10. Hello from France
    I am very happy to welcome you!
    Your blog is accepted in the Philippines and Australia section in a minute!
    PLEASE MADE FOLLOWED OUR BLOG 'DIRECTORY"
    On the right side with the books of green! You will find the country with the names of blogs by Country
    The creation of this new blog "directory", allow a rapprochement between different countries, knowledge of different cultures and share traditions.et us different passions, fashion, paintings, crafts, cooking, photography, poetry and so be able to find in different countries in other people with similar passions.
    We are fortunate to be on the Blogspot platform that offers the opportunity to speak to the world.
    The more people and more opportunities that will, yes, I confess, I need people to know this blog!
    You are in some way the Ambassador of this blog and your Country.
    This is not a personal blog, I create for all to enjoy
    It is you also have to make known after your contacts and friends in your blog domain, the success of this blog, depends all Participants.
    So during your next comments with your friends ask them to come in the 'Directory' by joining in joining in our comments:
    *** I am in the directory come join me! http://world-directory-sweetmelody.blogspot.com/ ***
    You want this directory is more important? help me to make it grow
    Your blog is in the list Philippines and Australia and I hope this list will grow very quickly
    Regards
    Chris
    We ask that you follow our blog and place a badge of your choice has to know the "directory" to your friends to put on your blog
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/03/19/120319072128505749603643.gif
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/03/24/1203240217091250289621842.png
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/03/26/1203260602581250289633006.gif
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/03/28/120328020518505749640557.gif

    If you wish to know the blog of your friends, send me their urls


    PLEASE MADE FOLLOWED OUR BLOG 'DIRECTORY"

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  11. Very interesting blog! :) I am following you now!

    Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog!! :)
    have a great day!

    xx
    @fashionbit

    www.fashionbit.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Angela! Will continue to visit your blog! Glad you liked mine!!

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  12. Very interesting blog!! Keep posting!! You wanna follow each other?

    ang-closet365.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thanks, Ang! Sure, we can follow each other! I liked your entry when you made your on earrings frame! So cool!

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