Health Articles 101

When blood is not flowing properly throughout the body, something as simple as walking or climbing a flight of stairs becomes laborious. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition which occurs with inadequate circulation involving the legs and feet. Reason being, the artery walls accumulate a thickening as well as hardening. In essence, the blood flow to the heart extremities is compromised. This condition is especially common to those with diabetes. When blood flow is compromised, so is the circulation through the legs which also puts one at risk to develop peripheral neuropathy, a condition which develops with a lack of blood flow to the nerves.
The following are tips in how to increase circulation in legs:

1. Exercise is important in getting the circulation brewing. Walking, dancing, swimming, or any type of movement for at least 20 minute a day will be beneficial to increase circulation in legs.

2. When there is poor circulation in legs at night, sleep on a wedge pillow to keep elevated. This will increase blood circulation.

3. Another tip to increase circulation in legs is to take a warm bath. This may stimulate blood flow to the lower extremities.

4. Follow a healthy diet which will prevent diabetes or high cholesterol, two diseases known to compromise circulation.

5. In severe cases of poor circulation, a doctor will perform a procedure called peripheral artery bypass, or an angioplasty to increase circulation in legs.

6. If a job demand you to be on your feet for hours at a time, elevate your feet on every break and as soon as you arrive home.

7. Long airplane trips which keep you sitting for many hours will hinder leg circulation. If allowed, bring yourself to a standing position now and then. Shake your legs or periodically walk to the rest room and back.

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