& HAPPINESS Ten Tips For Healthy Legs (NAPSA)—A few simple steps can help women havehealthier, more energetic legs. That’s impor- tant, because doctors say that most women will have some sort of leg complaint, ranging from spi- der veins to muscle cramps, at some point in their lives. “Women tend to focus on having glamorous looking legs, how- ever, they need to put an emphasis on having healthy legs. Of course, the good news is that healthy legs will also be stronger and better looking than their unhealthy counterparts,” says Donnica Moore, MD President of Sapphire Women’s Health Group and former women’s health contributor to NBC’s “Later Today” GETTING A LEG UP on healthy legs includes wearing comfortable shoes and support hosiery that may enhancecirculation. show. She offers these tips for tem a well-earned rest sinceit will minutes a day. This should be the in. Very dry skin may contribute to varicose vein formation. Massage lotion into your skin. This will also aid in circulation. Don't cross your legs. It may healthier, more energetic legs: e Run, walk or jog for 20 to 30 mantra for healthy legs. These weight-bearing exercises help build bone and muscle strength. e Take your vitamins. Getting adequate dietary or supplemental calcium and vitamin D iscritical when it comes to bone strength. e Leave the stilettos in the closet. High heels can cause knee problems and disabling injuries. Avoid daily use of heels over two inches in height. Also don’t wear shoes that are too tight. e Take walking breaks through- out the day. If you have to stand or sit for extended periods at work, take a 5 to 10 minute walk two to three times or day or move your legs around under your desk. This will aid in circulation. not have to pump blood upwards e Moisturize the skin you’re seem ladylike but this can constrict blood flow in the ankles and knees. Don’t smoke. There are lots of reasons not to smoke but as far as the legs are concerned, smok- ing can increase the risk of direct damage to the vein walls as well as increasing the risk of high blood pressure and osteoporosis. e Listen to your legs. Know which symptoms need to be brought to your doctor’s attention. Symptoms to be aware of include leg or ankle swelling; leg pain or tenderness; varicose veins; numb- bath. Prolonged or excessive heat ness or tingling down the legs; leg cramping; and skin discoloration e Elevate the legs when you health issues such as leg injury, Take a shower instead of a from long hot baths can dilate blood vessels. watch television or read a book. This will give yourcirculation sys- or ulceration. These can all be symptoms of more serious leg deep venous thrombosis, which are blood clots in the legs or diabetes.
