2022 is finally here, which means it’s time to create a list of resolutions for the year. While losing weight, eating healthier, and working out are three of the most common resolutions, our team of experienced providers at Vein Institute is here to encourage you to choose one (or more) of these leg-friendly New Year’s resolutions.

After all, healthy legs can keep you moving from Point A to Point B as you work to achieve all of the rest of your dreams in 2022!

1. Get More Steps Each Day

Walking is one of the best exercises for your overall health. Currently, experts recommend that adults and teens aim for 10,000 steps per day. Although, if you’re unable to walk for prolonged periods due to health reasons, you can still benefit from walking fewer steps.

Walking:

• Increases your circulation in your legs

• Shifts the pressure from your joints to your muscles

• Strengthens the muscles in your legs

Walking can also help you burn calories and lose weight, which can also help improve the health of your legs. Being overweight can increase your risk of varicose veins because increased abdominal obesity leads to increased venous pressure. While losing weight won’t undue varicose veins that have formed, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of future vascular issues.

Here are a few ways to track your steps each day:

• Use the pedometer on your phone

• Use a smart watch

• Join an online virtual race to motivate yourself to reach your daily step goal

• Walk each morning with a friend or family member and track your progress in a shared note on your phone or in a notebook

In addition to promoting vascular health, walking also reduces stress, improves your mood, and helps boost your immune system. To sneak more steps into your day:

• Park in a further parking spot

• Use the stairs instead of the elevator

• Get up and walk around during commercial breaks

• Walk to a further restroom at work

• Walk on your lunch break

• Add an extra block when walking your dog

• Try new activities (such as hiking or dancing) that increase your step count

While 10,000 steps might seem like a big jump if you’re normally around 6000 steps per day (which is average for a call center worker), try working up to your goal incrementally. Try adding 500 more steps each day until you reach 10,000 steps per day.

2. Practice Good Posture

Posture is more than just standing straight and tall. Poor posture can impact your legs too! Poor posture forces your body to carry your weight in an unbalanced manner. This stresses your joints, but poor spinal alignment can cause leg pain if nerves in your lower back become compressed.

Good posture also refers to how you sit. Avoid crossing your legs while sitting as this can compromise blood flow in your legs and increase your blood pressure.

While “practice good posture” isn’t a glamorous New Year’s Resolution, it’s certainly one that your back, neck, and legs will appreciate.

3. Alternate Your Body Position Throughout the Day

Sitting at a desk for prolonged hours can take a toll on the circulation in your legs, but so can standing in one place for hours at a time. Through 2022, try to vary your body position throughout the day.

• Set a timer to get up and walk around the office once an hour

• Try a standing desk, if possible

• Take regular breaks 一 get those steps in! 一 to walk, even if it’s just five minutes at a time

4. Wear Your Compression Stockings

If you’ve ordered compression stockings from us, make a commitment to wear them as directed. If you’re not wearing your stockings as much as you should, follow these helpful tips from Sigvaris for donning and doffing your stockings.

5. Prioritize Your Leg Health

We know life is busy, and the start of a new year can seem especially busy, but now is the perfect time to make resolutions that focus on your well-being. We’re proud to offer a variety of services, including vein disease treatment, varicose and spider vein treatment, and restless leg syndrome. If you’re bothered by leg pain, itchiness, aches, or unsightly lump bulges, don’t hesitate to give us a call and learn more about which services are right for you and your leg health.

Ready to put your legs first? Call the nearest Vein Institute office or simply book your appointment online.

References:

• The effect of crossing legs on blood pressure – PubMed (nih.gov)

• How to put on and take off compression stockings – SIGVARIS GROUP US

• How many steps should you take a day for fitness or weight loss? (medicalnewstoday.com)