Health Pulse Better blood flow Awide range of health problems, from varicose veins and leg ulcers to hair loss and difficulty concentrating, can be traced to poor blood circulation. Common causes include atherosclerosis or buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, as well as obesity and smoking. To give your blood circulation a helping hand, start by avoiding artery-clogging saturated fats and quitting smoking. Beyond these low-hanging fruits, you can: ▶▶Break a sweat: Regular exercise helps your blood vessels dilate and work more efficiently, while the bending and stretching movements of yoga decompress the veins. ▶▶Drink up: About half of blood consists of water, so you need to stay hydrated to keep the blood moving. ▶▶Go fish: Research has linked the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish − think salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel − to improved circulation. Vegetarian or vegan? Reach for kale or for omega-3 supplements. ▶▶Take a stand: Whether at the cubicle or in your hobby room, sitting for hours at a time slows the blood flow in your legs, which could cause a clot. So why not stand up, at least part of the time? It may take some getting used to, but your leg veins will thank you. Sources: Medical News Today, WebMD If the shoedoesn’t fit While usually not dangerous, swollen feet can cause discomfort andmake you self-conscious about exposing your feet in hot weather − which is exactly when they’re liable to swell up. To bring down the swelling, try a few minutes of leg exercises, put on some support stockings and stay away from tight shoes. Numerous leg or foot injuries, from broken bones to sprains, can cause blood to rush to the affected area and puff up your feet. Treat the problem with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (keeping your feet above your heart). It could also be drugs: steroids, antidepressants and some blood-pressure medications cause the body to hang on to excess water. In such a case, a change of prescription or a diuretic (under your doctor’s guidance) may help. By the same token, your feet may bloat when you drink alcohol. While it may take a few days for the swelling to come down, you can speed up the process by drinking more water, reducing salt intake, soaking your feet in cool water and easing up on the booze for the next little while. Source: Healthline No sun in those eyes We all know how the sun harms the skin, but the golden orb can also lead to cataracts and loss of vision over time. While the skin takes the greatest hit from the sun inmidday, the eyes have it worse in the morning and later afternoon, when the sun hovers closer to eye level. Here’s how to sun-proof your eyes: ▶▶Wear UV-blocking glasses. Whether prescription lenses or fun shades, opt for a pair that blocks at least 99 per cent of UVA and UVB radiation. Periodically replace your glasses, as some research suggests that UV-protecting lenses can deteriorate over time. ▶▶Go big or stay home. Choose eyewear with large lenses − or even wraparound style − so that you can block out as much light as possible. ▶▶Put a lid on it. Mix style and safety with a hat that has a broad brim and dark underside, to avoid UV rays reflecting up to your face from below. ▶▶Take extra care around water, snow or sand: At least 80 per cent of the sun’s rays bounce off of these surfaces, giving unshielded eyes an extra dose. ▶▶Be cloud conscious: Sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds, so a cloud cover doesn’t give your eyes a free pass. Even on cloudy days, shade is your friend. Sources: Berkeley Wellness, Skin Cancer Foundation 56 | www.snowbirds.org
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