2022 is a brand new year, and everyone is excited for the opportunity to set goals, make changes, and improve their lives moving forward. Many people choose to focus on their health as part of these new year’s resolutions, and if you’ve struggled with your vascular health in the past, now may be the time to address it. 
At Sinai Laser Vein Center, it’s important to us that our patients know that certain lifestyle changes are within their control to make in order to ensure healthy veins. Here are four ways you can improve your vascular health in 2022:
Cut Back on Cholesterol and Sodium
A diet high in cholesterol can make you more likely to develop plaque in your veins and arteries, ultimately resulting in a condition called atherosclerosis – that is, the thickening and hardening of your blood vessels that can lead to restricted blood flow, and eventually heart disease. While not all foods high in cholesterol are bad for you, there are some you can always benefit from cutting back on, including red meat, processed meats, fried foods, baked desserts, and full-fat dairy products. Likewise, while some sodium in the diet is essential for balanced nutrition, eating too much salt can result in increased blood pressure. This can also lead to vascular disease and heart disease, so set a goal in 2022 to select low-sodium options whenever possible.
Quit Smoking
Using tobacco products of any kind – cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping all included – is one of the lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of vascular disease and heart disease more than any other. When you use tobacco, you’re causing direct damage to your blood vessels and heart, and those around you may be receiving the same due to secondhand smoke. If you’re currently a smoker or a user of other types of tobacco, this is your year to quit. Your heart, veins, loved ones and neighbors will thank you!
Build Healthy Exercise Habits
It’s an undeniable fact that the more fat is present in your body, the harder your heart has to pump to travel through your body. However, i’s important to have proper, balanced nutrition that includes some fat, and having a consistent exercise plan that keeps you at a healthy weight can make all the difference in preventing vascular disease. This exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous. Even brisk, lengthy walks on a regular basis can help you burn fat and promote healthy circulation.
Visit a Vascular Specialist
If you’ve struggled with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or varicose veins, or other vascular conditions in the past, it’s time to build a relationship with a truly next-level New York vascular specialist who will take the time to understand your body and your needs before helping you build a personalized treatment and maintenance plan. Even if you haven’t struggled before, if you have a family history of vascular disease or are simply concerned and looking for answers, a trip to the vascular specialist can give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Looking for professional guidance in changing your vascular health for the better this year? Our team at Sinai Laser Vein Center is here to help you navigate vein-focused lifestyle changes safely and effectively. Schedule your appointment with the best vascular surgeon NYC has to offer and start 2022 by taking the first step toward healthy veins.
