A Lighter Vein

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but serious medical condition that occurs in approximately 2 million Americans each year. DVT occurs when
a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the
lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. The
condition may result in health complications, such as a pulmonary
embolism (PE) and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.

Causes include, but are not limited too:
• Prolonged travel and sitting such as airplane, train and car travel
• Hospitalization / Surgery
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Certain medications such as birth control or estrogen
• Smoking
• Genetic Predisposition
• Cancer
• Trauma to the vein such as a fractured or bruised leg

The symptoms of DVT may be subtle and difficult to detect. DVT can strike almost anyone at risk. Genetics plays a part, but so does environment. Only about half of the people with DVT experience symptoms.

Symptoms of DVT are:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Discoloration or redness of the affected area
• Skin that is warm to the touch

As is the case with most medical illnesses, prevention is of prime importance. Minimizing risk factors is key to Deep Vein Thrombosis prevention. For those who travel, it is recommended that they get up and walk every couple of hours during a long trip. Ames Walker® Compression hosiery and socks are helpful in preventing future Deep Vein Thrombosis formation in patients with a previous history of a clot.

For the entire month of March, Ames Walker® is proud to offer their Men’s & Women’s Travel Socks at 20% off!* Use coupon code “DVT12” at checkout.
*Offer valid on Ames Walker Brand Men’s & Women’s Travel Socks only. Ends March 31st, 2012.

Happy Leap Day everybody! What are you going to do with these magical extra 24 hours this year? We have some ideas for you, but first here is a quick history lesson about Leap day.

Leap Year has actually been around for 2,000 years, since Julius Caesar created the 365-day calendar, although Caesar’s astronomer, Sosigenes, gets credit for adding an extra day in February every four years. The reason we need a leap day is because usually, our year is 365 days long. Except that it’s not: A full cycle of seasons is actually 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 16 seconds long, or about 365.25 days. Over time, the extra quarter of a day adds up, and without Leap Day, the calendar would be one day out of sync with the seasons. After 30 years, it would be about a week off, and after 100 years, it would be nearly a month off. That would cause a lot of mass confusion! This system just makes sure our seasons start when they are supposed to.

Now for some great ideas on celebrating the elusive February 29th.

• Fans of Disney parks will be lining up to take advantage of “One more Disney Day” at Disneyland in California and at Magic Kingdom in Florida, which will be open for 24 hours, from February 29 at 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. March 1. The rides will run all night long!

• Born on February 29th and love to ski? Well show your Leap Year birthday date and get a free stay at Mammoth ski resorts.

Won’t be able to make it to either of these? Here’s a list of things you can do at home.

We all know that February is when we celebrate all things about the heart. Everyone of course knows all about celebrating Valentine’s Day and love. But did you know that February is also the month to celebrate and learn more about heart health as well? Not only does taking care of your heart help you live longer, but it also makes those years more enjoyable too!

Here are five great tips to get started on a happier heart:

1) Follow a heart healthy diet - cutting back on those trans fats and sugars, eat foods to help lower cholesterol and adding Omega 3 Fatty acids to your diet are great ways to accomplish this.

2) Exercise regularly - Try to get moving at least 3-4 times a week, even if you have to start off slow. And of course be sure to remember your Ames Walker Active Compression Socks to help take care of your legs during your workouts.

3) Lead a healthy lifestyle - Stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake, as well as reduce your stress and anxiety if at all possible. Also keep your weight within a healthy limit - obesity is a leading cause of heart disease. Diet and exercise mentioned above will help you with that.

4) Keep tabs on the blood indicators of developing heart disease - Make sure you get tested for increased cholesterol, triglycerides (fat), homocysteine and C Reactive Protein levels and work with your Doctor to get any elevated numbers down.

5) Include healthy heart nutrients - Many of the foods we eat are depleted or devoid of essential nutrients. So it is recommended that you supplement your diet with healthy nutrients to keep your heart healthy.

These are just a few tips to get your started on the road to a longer, healthier, happier life. Your heart will appreciate it too! Talk to your Doctor about what will be best for you to get started.

And from all of us here at Ames Walker, Happy Heart Month!

     As we get into the thick of Old Man Winter and we shiver through the snow, ice and freezing temperatures, we here at Ames Walker are sure everyone is dreaming of the warmer days of summer that seem just so far away.

     Unfortunately, those summer days on the beach and in the sun are still months down the road, so in the meantime, we have compiled a list of some of our best products to help you stay warm on the coldest of days. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, there is sure to be something for everyone at AmesWalker.com! Follow the specialized link below to learn more about our products that will get you through to summer!

http://www.ameswalker.com/staywarm.html

Every year we make New Year’s Resolutions.  And every year they last for a few weeks at best. 

At Ames Walker, we offer products that can help you stay true to any health and fitness goals you’ve set for yourself.  But we know it isn’t easy.  So we’ve found and posted few good articles with some helpful hints to help you make it through 2012, or at least through the winter.

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57342676-285/five-clever-ways-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions/

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/273228/20111227/new-year-s-resolutions-2012-tips-keep.htm

Have a Happy, Safe, and Healthy New Year!

From everyone at Ames Walker

No matter what your budget, AmesWalker can help you find great last minute holiday gifts.  wwwAmesWalker.com gift guide includes:

- Gifts under $100

- Gifts under $40

- Gifts under $20

- Most popular items.

Certified fitting specialists are on hand to help.  Shipping is free through the end of the year.   

 Tis the season…..to stand.  Stand outside retailers for “door buster” bargains, stand on check-out lines, stand at airport security check points…this list can go on and on.

Standing can put tremendous strain on your legs and feet. While there may not be much we can do about the lines, wearing graduated compression hosiery, whether it is socks or stockings, can help you take better care of your legs throughout the holiday season.

Less ankle swelling, less fatigue and aches…will certainly ensure a happy holiday season.

Ames Walker wishes all the New York City Marathon participants good luck this Sunday.  We acknowledge the time and dedication it takes to prepare for this grueling run. 

While we can’t help you run it, we can help you recuperate faster by making compression hosiery, which as been proven to aid in the recovery of long distance running, part of your post-race regimen.

“In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.”
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

No need to wait for Cyber Monday.  Ames Walker is offering free shipping this week, Nov. 11-13. Check it out. socks, hosiery and more. http://www.ameswalker.com/