Almost half of all women in the U.S. suffer from a vein problem, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Effingham Health System wants to shed light on a problem that keeps many women hiding their legs in the dark.
The October Girls Night Out event will focus on the problem of spider veins Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Effingham Imaging Center, 110 Goshen Rd. in Rincon. Since this meeting is so close to Halloween, everyone is encouraged to wear their best Halloween costume. Prizes will be awarded.
Spider veins are a milder form of varicose veins, which appear under the surface of the skin and usually form in the legs. For many people, spider veins pose merely a cosmetic problem. But if spider veins develop into varicose veins, they can trigger aching pain, discomfort and circulatory problems.
Many factors can increase a person’s chances of developing spider or varicose veins. These include aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, a medical predisposition, lack of movement and sun exposure.
Dr. Christopher Walls, a cardiologist and visiting specialist at Effingham Health System, will explain how to “break the web” of spider veins. He will discuss preventive measures such as exercising, losing weight, wearing loose-fitting clothing, elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings and avoiding long periods of sitting and standing.
In addition to self-care, Dr. Walls will discuss methods that are available to treat advanced cases of spider and varicose veins, including vein stripping, endoscopic vein surgery and laser surgery.
Following Dr. Walls’ presentation, James Carlson, owner of JoAnn’s Florist in Springfield, will offer some expert tips on how to get ready for the holidays.
For this special Halloween edition of Girls Night Out, there will be prizes for the most original, scariest and the funniest Halloween costumes that show up that night. Light refreshments and opportunities to win free gifts are always a part of Girls Night Out.
Most importantly, women will have the chance to spend a little “me time” while learning valuable health information.
There is no need to schedule an appointment to attend Girls Night Out. For questions, call 826-1427 or 754-0421.
