Health

Treatment For Varicose Veins

Published

3 years ago

December 17, 2021

Varicose veins are discolored, enlarged veins that typically appear on the legs. While this condition is often hereditary, it can also be caused by pregnancy or obesity. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable, but there are steps that you can take to reduce your symptoms. Treatment for varicose veins can be done through physical therapy, vein stripping, and laser surgery. Many people with varicose veins develop the condition due to prolonged periods of standing. To prevent the appearance of varicose veins, it is essential to take breaks and elevate your legs often. While they do not pose any health risks, you may want to seek treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons. Below are some of the common treatments offered by Upper East Side varicose veins specialists.

1. Sclerotherapy

For small spider veins that are causing discomfort, your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy. This treatment involves injecting a unique solution into the affected area. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel and causes it to collapse and fade away. A single injection lasts anywhere from three months to two years. There is a risk of infection and bruising, but the procedure is generally painless.

2. Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are elastic garments worn on the legs to improve symptoms associated with varicose veins. The ideal compression level can be determined by your doctor but typically ranges between 20 and 30 millimeters of mercury. Compression stockings work by reducing the diameter of veins, which increases blood flow speed throughout your body. It is essential to talk with your doctor about getting the proper sized stockings. If you try on the wrong size, it can worsen symptoms like swelling and pain. High heels should be avoided, as they increase pressure on varicose veins in your legs.

3. Laser Treatment

Although laser surgery is considered a last resort treatment for varicose veins, there are some benefits to this procedure. Laser surgery works by sealing the vein and removing excess blood from the area. This minimizes symptoms such as itching and swelling, but it can also create scar tissue in the process. If you have severe symptoms that reduce your quality of life, laser surgery may be the right treatment option for you.

4. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

An ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can improve symptoms of varicose veins. During this treatment, your doctor will make small incisions in the affected area and remove the vein with a unique tool called a balloon embolectomy catheter (BEC). The BEC is inserted under high pressure to remove the vein, which causes minimal scarring and pain. Recovery time is quick, with many patients returning to work within a few days of their procedure.

5. Endoscopic Vein Treatment

There are several endoscopic vein treatment options available, but sclerotherapy is one of the most commonly recommended. This treatment involves injecting a unique solution into the affected area to remove the varicose vein. The procedure is minimally invasive and often performed in an ambulatory care center. Patients may experience pain or itching after the procedure, but this discomfort typically goes away quickly.

In summary, varicose veins are discolored, enlarged veins that typically appear on the legs. If you have this problem, you can benefit from various treatments, including sclerotherapy, compression stockings, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endoscopic vein treatment.

Health

The Secret Behind Life Alert’s Superior Service

Published

5 days ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Life Alert via Shutterstock

When Amy Skidmore’s mother was discharged from rehab after a stroke, the prospect of giving up her independence was terrifying. Having lived alone and freely since her husband’s passing in 2000, the transition from rehab to home was filled with uncertainty and anxiety for both Amy and her mother.

Life Alert Emergency Response changed everything for them. Amy’s mother regained her confidence in living independently with a simple press of a button. The ease of having help at her fingertips relieved her and Amy of fear. Amy now has peace of mind that her mother is safe, and her mother is happy to maintain her independent lifestyle. This mirrors experiences of countless families who have depended on Life Alert’s service for nearly 40 years.

Various Devices to Suit Every Need

The company offers a comprehensive range of medical alert devices designed to provide protection at home and on the go. For in-home security, members can choose a state-of-the art Micro Voice Pendant and a waterproof wall-mounted Help Button, both of which offer two-way communication capabilities.

The pendant is designed to be worn at all times, even in the shower, while the wall button can be placed in high-risk areas like bathrooms.

For those with active lifestyles, Life Alert also provides a help button with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, which pinpoints the subscriber’s location so responders can find them quickly. Like all the devices from Life Alert, it does not require charging.

Exclusive Dispatch Center

Life Alert distinguishes itself with its in-house Monitoring Centers, all located in the United States. According to a representative from the company, this allows Life Alert to maintain high standards and have consistent, rapid response times. The Monitoring Centers provide round-the-clock protection and immediate emergency assistance.

Case in point, we found that Life Alert is the only medical alert company proven to save a life every 11 minutes.

The in-house setup also means that Life Alert can maintain control over the quality of its service, unlike competitors who outsource their monitoring to third-party call centers. This direct oversight also ensures that every call is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Extensive Dispatcher Training

Complementing its dispatch center is the training of its staff before they start handling emergency calls. This training includes learning about the Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) industry. The dispatchers must also complete a Care and Concern course to better understand the emotional needs of members and their families.

Maintaining a high staff-to-member ratio is another crucial aspect of the company’s superior service. There are multiple dispatchers available to handle calls promptly and provide personalized attention to each subscriber. This allows dispatchers to effectively perform their duties attentively without ever leaving the subscriber, and to provide fast help when every second counts.

Tailoring Responses to Individual Needs

Life Alert customizes its emergency response protocols to meet each member’s needs. As a HIPAA compliant company, when subscribers sign up for the service, they provide detailed information about their medical history, emergency contacts, and special instructions.

Dispatchers can then access this information during an emergency to send appropriate help immediately. This allows subscribers and their family to have a sense of security and peace of mind knowing loved ones are being taken care of by the one and only Life Alert.

Long-Term Customer Relationships

Reflecting its dedication to consistent, high-quality, lifesaving services, Life Alert has a loyal fanbase with its subscribers, who have been with them for years and even decades. They even have a list of thousands of subscribers who joined the Life Alert family after having another service that failed them. The company takes pride in the trust it has built with its members.

Life Alert is always ready and reliable, turning years of service into a legacy of care. The secret behind Life Alert’s superior service? It’s their uncanny ability to make “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!®“ sound less like a punchline and more like a lifeline to getting help fast, 24/7.