Wednesday April 05 / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.


12:13: A recent release from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says chest compressions alone can be just as beneficial as CPR to an adult suffering from cardiac arrest.
Guest: Michael Nemeth, Toronto Paramedic and Heart and Stroke Foundation Spokesperson.

12:20: Let’s work it, work it real good!
Guest: Ernie Schramayr over at All Canadian Fitness. 905.548.6732
12:35: If you’re struggling spit out that word that’s on the tip of your tongue, or keep stumbling over the same sequence of notes on the piano, be warned: you might be unconsciously creating a pattern of failure, a new study reveals.
Guest: Karin Humphreys, assistant professor in McMaster University’s Faculty of Science. 905.525.9140 x 23011.


12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins!
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. The term commonly refers to the veins on the legs, although varicose veins occur elsewhere. Veins have leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards; leg muscles pump the veins to return blood back toward the heart. Arteries pump blood out of the heart. When veins become enlarged, the leaflets of the valves no longer meet properly, and the valves don’t work. One cause of valve failure is deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ), which can cause permanent damage to the valves. The blood collects in the veins and they enlarge even more. Varicose veins are common in the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing. Besides cosmetic problems, varicose veins are often painful, especially when standing or walking. They often itch, and scratching them can cause ulcers. Non-surgical treatments include sclerotherapy, elastic stockings, elevating the legs and exercise. Traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins, newer surgical treatments are less invasive and slowly replacing traditional treatments. Varicose veins are more common in women than men and are linked with heredity. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, prolonged standing, leg injury and abdominal straining. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3 mm or more in diameter. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of the skin. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes a spider vein. Hormone changes, inherited factors and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.
Treatments;
• Laser surgery
• Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous techniques (radiofrequency and laser)
• Surgery
• Surgical ligation and stripping
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Endoscopic vein surgery
Preventative treatment;
• Horsechestnut seed extract
• Compression support stockings

Nadine Janacek
Rexall Blog Reporter #0202