FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 • HEAlth • The Queens Courier 67 Susan Malise Long Term Care Insurance Agent 516 481.0365 [email protected] SAY GOODBYE TO VARICOSE VEINS Not only can varicose veins cause discomfort and embarrassment for the men and women who have them, but they can also lead to more serious health concerns. Fortunately, skilled physicians at Flushing Hospital Medical Center can help eliminate varicose veins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately half of Americans ages 50 and older have varicose veins. These veins appear to bulge from the skin and are dark purple or blue in color. They are most commonly located in the legs and are caused by the pooling of blood in enlarged veins. “Veins in a person’s legs pump blood from the legs back up to the heard and should only allow blood to flow in one direction,” says Alan Zeitlin, MD, Vascular Surgeon for Flushing Hospital. “When a person’s veins become weak and allow blood to flow away from the heart, blood pools and the veins in that area become stretched or enlarged, thereby, creating a varicose vein.” While varicose veins are very common among both men and women, factors can increase a person’s risk of being affected include: • Heredity • Hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause • Increasing age • Obesity • Sun exposure SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION Varicose veins may signal a higher risk for circulatory problems. If you have varicose veins that cause pain, swelling, itching, tiredness, or numbness in the legs, you should seek medical attention. Flushing Hospital offers a variety of treatment options to address each patient’s concerns. “Treatment methods of the past were often quite invasive, “Dr. Zeitlin says. “Today, however, most procedures are minimally invasive and allow patients a quick recovery.” Treatments available at Flushing Hospital include: Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected to seal off the area in which blood is pooling. Laser treatment: Without the use of needles or incisions, strong bursts of light are delivered precisely onto varicose veins to make them fade and, eventually, disappear. Endovenous Radiofrequency – A catheter is inserted into the vein, and radiofrequency or laser energy seals the vein wall. This approach is used in treating deeper varicose veins. Surgical litigation and stripping – Varicose veins are removed entirely. THE DANGERS OF VARICOSE VEINS If left untreated, varicose veins frequently become more severe over time and can lead to: Blood Clots -Blood clots are extremely dangerous, as they may dislodge from the vein and travel to the lungs or heart, preventing either from functioning properly. Sores and Ulcers – Varicose veins may lead to sores and ulcers of the skin because of long-term buildup of fluid. Varicose veins may also cause ongoing swelling, rashes, and pain and can increase a person’s chances of infection. If you have varicose veins and would like to schedule a consultation with a vascular surgeon at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-544-0442. ADVERTORIAL Will my children care about me; or for me? Unpaid family caregivers are often the backbone of the long term care workforce in the United States. Many adults in need of long term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help. Help guard what you’ve spent a lifetime building with long term care insurance protection from Genworth Life Insurance Company. For straight answers to your tough questions about long term care insurance, call me: Long term care insurance underwritten by Genworth Life Insurance Company, Richmond, VA. This is a solicitation of insurance. By responding, an insurance agent will contact you. Details about the cost, benefits, limitations and exclusions of these long term care insurance policies will be provided to you by a licensed agent. 48339 03/13/13 Dear Joan, In the theatre, in the supermarket, in the office, in the mall, in the restaurant, in the bathroom, in bed, in the swimming pool, in the car, at the basketball game, on the golf course, on the train, on the plane, at the lake, on the trail, in the forest, at the park, in the hotel, in the bedroom, and anywhere else you might go. I’ll be there. Yours Truly, Tinnitus Don’t let this happen to you, contact Dr. Hertzfeld regarding what therapies are available for you. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy • Music Therapies Masking/Mingling Devices • Hyperacusis, Misophonia and Phonophobia Melanie Herzfeld, Au.D. 516-364-0011 Hearing and Tinnitus Center 113 Crossways Park Drive, Ste 101, Woodbury, NY 11797 www. earminder.com
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