As August rolls in, so does the familiar hustle of the back-to-school season. Whether you’re a teacher preparing your classroom, a professor setting up your syllabus, or a college student getting ready for a new semester, this time of year often means long hours on your feet or extended periods of sitting. While you’re busy planning lessons and organizing schedules, it’s easy to let your own health fall to the bottom of the list.

This makes back-to-school season the perfect time to focus on your vein health. Taking proactive steps now can prevent discomfort and help you manage or even avoid issues like varicose veins and spider veins. For professionals and active individuals in Overland Park, Kansas, and Liberty, Missouri, a little bit of mindful care can go a long way; give the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City a call to schedule.

The Key to Good Circulation: Staying Active

Regular movement is crucial for healthy veins. Your muscles rely on a regular, healthy network of veins to pump blood back to your heart. When you’re sedentary for long periods, blood may pool in lower extremities, leading to increased pressure and potential circulatory problems.

Exercise Regularly to Stay Healthy

Make time for activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. Even a 20-minute walk around the campus between classes can significantly improve blood flow and strengthen your leg muscles.

Incorporate Strength Training Exercises

Incorporate simple exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises into your routine. These movements are excellent for building the muscle support your veins need.

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle and Habits

For teachers and students who sit at a desk for hours, set an alarm to remind yourself to stand up and stretch every 30-45 minutes. For those on their feet all day, shift your weight from one leg to the other to encourage circulation.

Snack Mindfully: Be Choosy With Your Foods

Keeping your weight in a healthy range directly reduces the strain on your circulatory system. Eating certain fruits and vegetables can assist with the stress on your veins. A balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and low in sodium, helps with overall circulation and reduces water retention, which can contribute to leg swelling.

Hydration and Diet for Better Vein Health

As we’ve learned above: What you put into your body directly impacts your circulatory and vein health. This also applies to drinks and supplements you may take throughout the day in addition to your food intake.

Proper hydration is essential to your health; drinking enough water helps keep your blood from becoming too thick, which can place a greater strain on your veins. Additionally, excessive sodium can lead to water retention and swelling in your legs and ankles, putting extra pressure on your veins.

Reduce Pressure on Your Veins by Maintaining Weight

Admittedly, the stress of a new school year can lead to some poor dietary choices. It’s worth noting that maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your veins. Excess weight places additional pressure on your veins, making it harder for them to function properly. Use this as motivation to keep habits in check as you start the school year.

Protect Yourself from The Sun’s Harmful Radiation

Summer may be winding down, but the sun is still strong. Excessive heat and UV exposure can cause your veins to dilate, worsening the appearance of existing varicose or spider veins. When enjoying the last days of summer, be mindful of your sun exposure, especially during midday hours. Seek shade, wear light-colored clothing to reflect heat, and consider taking a refreshing dip in a pool or lake to help regulate your body temperature.

Choose Supportive Socks and Shoes

This is one of the most important tips for teachers and students who spend their days on their feet! Opt for shoes that offer good arch support and cushioning. High heels, in particular, can hinder the calf muscle pump and should be worn in moderation.

Compression Stockings are also a fantastic tool to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Many people, especially those in professions that require prolonged standing or sitting, benefit from wearing them.

Healthy Habits to Practice Throughout the Day

Elevate Your Legs for Circulation

After a long day, prop your legs up on a pillow or footstool for 15-20 minutes to help gravity assist blood flow back to your heart.

Avoid Crossing Your Legs

While it’s a common habit, crossing your legs can temporarily restrict blood flow and worsen symptoms if you already have vein issues.

Convenient Vein Care in Kansas City

If you have questions about your vein health, Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City’s trained team of specialists are ready to provide personalized care and assistance. We have two convenient locations to serve you!

Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City: Overland Park, Kansas

Visit our Overland Park  location, conveniently located off of I-435 and Roe. Get directions or give us a call below.

• Address: 4400 W 109th St #150, Overland Park, KS 66211
• Phone: (913) 541-3377

Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City: Liberty, Missouri

Our Liberty, MO, location is located just off of I-35 and N Church Rd. Get directions to this location or give our office a call below.

• Address: 1500 N Church Rd # C, Liberty, MO 64068
• Phone: (816) 792-1188