Fit through the winter 

Fresh and chilly winter temperatures can add stress to the legs causing the muscles and veins to constrict.  This body response however is a natural protective function, it protects the inner body system so that the surface area loses less heat preventing our body from cooling down too much. The narrower the diameters of our veins causes the blood to circulate more efficiently.

Patients with venous disorders (vein problems) can spend an active winter on their feet, if they wear compression garments and suitable clothing. Ideally you should wear trousers and footwear that are not too tight. Ideally, a spare pair of shoes can be left at work to avoid having to wear winter boots all day long. Be aware that heated car seats and underfloor heating or hot-water bottles make the legs tired and can aggravate symptoms in patients with venous disorders.

For the many of us, rain and snow dampen our enthusiasm for exercise and the sofa beckons. However, outdoor physical activities in winter are twice as good for our veins than in the warmer conditions. This is because, in addition to the vein-friendly cool temperatures, walks in the snow activate the calf muscle pump. These squeeze the veins together with every step and accelerate the blood flow from the feet up to the heart.

Healthy skin is elastic, smooth but tough too. As the saying goes, we feel comfortable in our own skin. However, many factors cause stress to our largest organ, particularly in the winter. The combination of the cold outdoors and the dry central heating at home that can cause the skin to become dry and tight.

Rich, moisturising products are recommended for dry skin. Your diet can also influence the condition of your skin – both positively and negatively. The most important tip is to drink plenty of fluids! By drinking enough water, we help our skin to fill its fluid storage reservoir. You should drink about one and a half to two litres a day (around 8 glasses).

Since patients with venous problems and oedema often have sensitive skin, medi has developed a range of targeted skin care products e.g. medi day gel and medi night cream. The day gel is also suitable for very sensitive skin. The rich ingredients are matched to the needs of patients with venous and oedematous disorders. They also do not affect the compression stockings’ effectiveness like some moisturisers can. The soothing care for the skin and the feet pampers the skin, refreshes it and supplies it with moisture.

Since the body expends more energy in the cold season, relaxation and regeneration are more important than ever. Make sure you get enough sleep and get some “me time” - relax with a good book or with a cuppa. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation have proved to be particularly effective. The exercises can be done either sitting or lying down.

1. Clench your right hand into a fist and contract all the muscles in your right arm – now relax again and concentrate on the relaxation.
2. Repeat the exercise with your left arm.
3. Furrow your brow and raise your eyebrows – then relax your forehead muscles again.
4. Close your eyes tightly and roll your eyeballs to and fro – then relax the eye muscles again.
5. Jut your lower jaw forwards – relax the lower jaw muscles again.
6. Hold your back straight and bend your neck towards your chest – then pull it back up again.
7. Raise your shoulders – then let them fall again. Concentrate on how the warmth spreads around your body and enjoy the relaxation.

Eat seasonal winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and beetroot. These supply us with fresh vitamins. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, while vitamin E protects and revitalises the cells and can prevent infections by interacting with other micronutrients. Plenty to drink saves the mucous membranes from drying out and strengthens our natural resistance.
ply us with fresh vitamins. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, while vitamin E protects and revitalises the cells and can prevent infections by interacting with other micronutrients. Plenty to drink saves the mucous membranes from drying out and strengthens our natural resistance.