Health Tip: Coping With Chronic Pain
Chronic pain persists for longer than six months. Besides pain medications, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of additional treatment options:
* Physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises.
* Low-impact exercise, including swimming, biking and walking.
* Occupational therapy to learn how to change daily activities to avoid making pain worse.
* Behavioral therapy, such as yoga and meditation, to increase relaxation and decrease stress.
* Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, getting plenty of sleep, eating a proper diet, and getting enough exercise.
Health Tip: Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that bulge past the skin surface. They are usually purplish or bluish in color, and mostly appear on the backs of the legs or calves.
Here are common risk factors for varicose veins, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Aging.
* A family history of vein problems.
* Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
* Taking birth control pills, or other medications with estrogen or progesterone.
* Pregnancy.
* Obesity.
* Leg injury or prolonged standing.
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