Why Veins Dont Have Fun In The Summer Sun

Quote of the Day: “You have the power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Why do my veins seem bigger in the summer? That question leads Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas into an in-depth discussion with co-host Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips, Hill Vascular's Vascular Surgeon Dr. Bradley hill, and world-renowned vein expert from London, Dr. Mark Whitely, about varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and Deep Venous Thrombosis (blood clots). They talk about the reasons why only 10% of the 30 million Americans, who are estimated to have venous issues, actually get treated and what the advanced treatments are for not only superficial veins but also deep veins.

A key issue in this show's discussion is types of vein issues that are merely cosmetic versus ones that indicate a more significant health risk that must be addressed. A debate also arose about the use of compression socks as frontline treatment for many venous issues and the difference in philosophy between the United Kingdom and United States. Dr. Misha Ginsberg, Interventional Radiologist at Froedtert South in Wisconsin called in after hearing the discussion to join in and share his perspective. The one critical non-negotiable when it comes to compression stockings, as expressed by Dr. Bradley Hill and agreed upon by all doctors present on the show, is for use on long flights and car rides. That's because when sedentary the leg muscles aren't contracting as effectively as they do when walking to help usher the blood back to the heart, and blood clots can develop.

Listen to the show for a dynamic discussion about venous health, critical questions that should be asked of every patient who presents with vein-related symptoms, and when treatment should be sought.