Venous insufficiency, also known as vein disease, occurs when the veins stretch and allow blood to flow backward. This common condition manifests as visible veins, varicose veins, and swelling, accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, heaviness, cramping, and pain in the legs. The five main risk factors for vein disease are genetics, weight, age, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing at work.
Genetics plays a significant role in the risk of vein disease. If one parent has the condition, there is a 50% chance of inheriting it. With both parents affected, the risk increases further. Although everyone experiences some vein stretching, individuals with a genetic predisposition are more susceptible to vein disease.
Weight is a crucial factor in the progression of vein disease. Excess weight increases pressure in the legs, straining the veins. This elevated pressure slows down the return of blood, causing it to accumulate in the veins and exert even more pressure.
Vein symptoms tend to worsen with age as the veins gradually lose their elasticity. Over time, the veins are unable to maintain their shape, leading to damage and increased symptoms.
Pregnancy poses a higher risk for vein disease in women. Hormonal changes and increased blood
volume during pregnancy cause vein dilation to accommodate the excessive blood volume. Veins may remain dilated even after childbirth and breastfeeding, leading to the development or exacerbation of spider veins and other vein-related symptoms.
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at work can contribute to the progression of vein disease. When standing or sitting, the blood in the legs faces the challenge of pumping against gravity to reach the heart. If the veins are already affected by the disease, compromised valves impede efficient blood return. This slow circulation causes blood to accumulate
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Although these common risk factors for vein disease cannot be entirely prevented, awareness of them can help individuals adopt behaviors that limit its impact. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can slow down disease progression. Some individuals find relief by wearing medical-grade compression hose, which provides added support. It is also beneficial to elevate the legs and engage in regular movement to promote blood circulation when sitting or standing for extended periods. If symptoms worsen, seeking professional help, such as visiting Reincke Vein Center, can provide options for improving vein health.
Source: Reincke Vein Center
Throughout the past year, you may have heard about plasma in terms of its potential use in treating COVID-19. However, for more than 80 years, plasma has been a lifeline for thousands of people who live with rare and chronic complex conditions. Plasma donations are critical in helping save lives because they are used to make lifesustaining medicine. Even with the global pandemic shedding light on the role of plasma in fighting disease, many people may not know how thousands around the country rely on plasma every day.
Plasma carries out a variety of functions in the body, including helping the body fight disease. Plasma donations are processed into life-saving medicine for people with rare and chronic conditions including immunodeficiency disorders.
Often, there are no alternative treatments for these conditions. Plasma donations are life-changing and provide an opportunity for patients around the country to live a happier and healthier life.
Even with all the scientific advances we have in the healthcare industry, medicine developed from
plasma can only be made from plasma donated from healthy adults. Plasma cannot be manufactured in a lab or any other artificial environment. Because of this, plasma has become a scarce yet life-changing resource for people who rely on these plasma-based medicines.
Thousands of people donate plasma safely every day. Donating plasma is a low-risk procedure with minimal or no side effects. On a donor’s first visit to a plasma donation center, the whole process, including a physical examination, medical screening, and the plasma donation, usually takes about two hours. Future visits take less time.
Because the body quickly replenishes the plasma removed during the donation process, healthy individuals may donate as often as twice in a sevenday period, with at least one day between donations. To learn more about the donation process visit www. biolifeplasma.com.
To donate plasma, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and pass all other required donor eligibility criteria to protect the donor’s health and safety of the plasma. That said, healthy individuals who are eligible to donate their plasma can do so, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
With plasma donations lower than usual through the pandemic and the demand for medicine developed from plasma growing worldwide, the need for plasma is more urgent than ever. Global demand for these therapies has increased over the past 20 years - and continues to grow due to more rare diseases being identified as well as more patients being diagnosed. However, all of us have the power to make a difference through plasma donation and potentially help save lives.
The need for plasma is greater than ever and BioLife Plasma Services is welcoming plasma donors to help at centers around the country. In addition to potentially making a positive impact on someone’s life, plasma donors are compensated in recognition of the time, commitment and the effort required for their donation.
Find a plasma donation center near you at www. biolifeplasma.com, or by downloading the BioLife App.
BioLife Plasma Services is part of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Source: StatePoint
Hey d-mars readers! Our May issue highlighted a beginners guide for men curious about transitioning their diet to that of a vegan lifestyle. If you’re reading for the first time, here’s a recap to get you up to speed:
Vegetarian diets are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that vegetarians may have a lower risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. The diet can also be a helpful tool for managing weight because it often includes more fiber-rich foods and fewer calorie-dense foods.
Trainer Bryant Henderson broke down the difference between a vegan, vegetarian or using a plant-based diet remedial style:
VEGAN
A vegan excludes all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, from their diet and lifestyle. This includes things like leather, fur, and wool clothing and honey (because it comes from bees) as well.
VEGETARIAN
A vegetarian typically excludes meat and fish from their diet, but may still include eggs, dairy, and other animal-derived products.
PLANT-BASED
A plant-based diet is one that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and minimizes or excludes animal products. Now that we have the recap down, check out our Q&A with Henderson and what he had to stay regarding getting started, health benefits, daily performance and more when changing your diet:
Whole Foods: Offers a wide variety of vegetarian products, including meat substitutes, veggie burgers, plant-based milks, and more.
Trader Joe’s: Offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan products, including frozen meals, meat substitutes, and dairy-free options.
Sprouts Farmers Market: Offers a large selection of fresh produce, as well as vegetarian-friendly products such as tofu and plant-based meat alternatives.
H-E-B: Has a variety of vegetarian-friendly options, including frozen meals, meat alternatives, and snacks.
There are several motivational factors that can encourage men to start a vegan diet and commit to a vegan lifestyle. Here are some possible reasons:
Adopting a vegan diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and obesity. This can give men a compelling reason to switch to a vegan diet.
Vegans often cite the environmental impact of animal agriculture, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. For men who are concerned about climate change and the environment, this can be a powerful motivator.
Many men are motivated to switch to a vegan lifestyle because they are uncomfortable with the ethical implications of eating meat and other animal products. They may be influenced by concerns about animal welfare, the treatment of animals in the meat industry, and/or the impact of animal agriculture on the planet.
• Athletic Performance: Some athletes have found that a vegan diet can improve their endurance, strength, and recovery time. For men who are interested in fitness and sports performance, this can be a compelling reason to adopt a vegan diet.
• Social Influence: The growing popularity of veganism has created a sense of community and support for those who choose to go vegan. Men who want to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in vegan-themed events and activities may be motivated to make the switch to a vegan lifestyle.
Overall, different men will have different reasons for considering a vegan diet and lifestyle. By understanding these motivational factors, you can be better equipped to help men make the transition to a vegan lifestyle.
increasing the number of plant-based options in the diet over time may also help make the transition smoother. It’s important to note that any effort towards reducing animal product consumption is still valuable and can have positive impacts on both personal health and the environment.
If you are looking to substitute meat when dining out, there are several options that can be healthy and delicious, including:
1. Tofu: This plant-based protein is a popular meat substitute because of its versatility and ability to take on different flavors. It can be used as a protein in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes.
2. Tempeh: Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a great source of protein and fiber. It has a nutty flavor and can be used in sandwiches, stir-fries, and other dishes.
3. Seitan: Also known as wheat meat, seitan is made from wheat gluten and has a meat-like texture. It can be used in dishes like stews, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
4. Lentils: Lentils are a great source of protein and can be used as a meat substitute in dishes like soups, stews, and salads.
5. Beans: Whether it’s black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas, beans are a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to salads. When dining out, you can ask your server if any of these options are available and if they can be substituted in your dish. Some restaurants also have vegetarian or vegan options on their menus that incorporate these meat substitutes.
Reduced inflammation - Plant-based diets are often anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce muscle soreness and improve overall recovery.
Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional to determine what type of diet and fitness regimen is best for your individual needs.
Yes, men can practice veganism part time if they find it challenging to stick with it full-time. Some men may find it difficult to transition to a completely vegan lifestyle due to a variety of factors such as limited food options or social pressures.
A part-time approach may involve incorporating more plant-based meals into their diet on certain days of the week or making a conscious effort to choose vegan options at a specific meal (e.g., breakfast). Gradually
As far as atheletic performace, what are some of the benefits you’ve seen as a vegan alongside hitting the gym?
Vegetarian diets can be beneficial for athletic performance and overall health. Here are some benefits that you may experience at the gym as a vegetarian:
Improved recovery - Vegetarian diets are often high in antioxidants, which can help your muscles recover after exercise.
Higher energy levels - Plant-based diets are often rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which can provide sustained energy for workouts.
Improved cardiovascular health - A vegetarian diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, which can improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Leaner body composition - Vegetarian diets are typically lower in saturated fat, which can translate to a leaner body composition and improved muscle tone.
What would you say to encourage men to reexamine their diets and switch to becoming a vegan?
There are several reasons why men should consider becoming a vegetarian and reexamining their diets:
Research has shown that a vegetarian diet can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
A vegetarian diet is typically lower in calories and saturated fat, which can help with weight management.
The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Adopting a vegetarian diet can have a positive impact on the environment.
Many people choose to become vegetarian for ethical reasons, as they are opposed to the mistreatment of animals in the meat industry.
A vegetarian diet can be cost-effective, as plant-based proteins are typically less expensive than meat.
Overall, men who are looking to improve their health, reduce their environmental impact, and promote ethical treatment of animals may benefit from considering a vegetarian diet.
For nearly sixty years we’ve provided essential care for the place we call home. Saving lives in the middle of the night at a nationally renowned trauma center.
Delivering at-risk babies against all odds, from all across the county.
You might not know our name. And that’s okay.
YOU’LL KNOW US BY THE WORK WE DO.
Since January 2023, the number of women in the United States with a history of invasive breast cancer is estimated to be 3.1 million and is expected to increase by 12% to 4 million in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer is highly treatable when caught at the early stages -- there is a 99% five-year survival rate when the cancer is found only in the breast tissue. However, as soon as the cancer spreads to lymph nodes under the arm or to nearby tissues (regional stage), the 5-year survival rate drops to 85%, and once it spreads to other lymph nodes or body parts, (distant stage or metastatic cancer) the 5-year survival rate falls to as low as 27%. These figures suggest there is a significant need for more effective treatments for this deadly cancer.
New immunotherapies may provide the solution for patients with advanced breast cancer and fewer treatments options. Currently under development, Bria-IMT and Bria-OTS from BriaCell Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BCTX), are two drugs that have shown promising results so far in clinical trials, with substantial tumor regression in several patients, even those with metastatic cancer. Both drugs work through a completely novel therapeutic mechanism, using breast cancer cells to generate a strong immune response against breast cancer.
“For many breast cancer patients, the only option left is chemotherapy. We realize how hard chemotherapy is on the body, commonly causing nausea, vomiting, hair loss, lack of appetite, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, and bone marrow suppression, which can lead to serious and at times fatal infections,” says Dr. William Williams, CEO of BriaCell Therapeutics. “ He added, “Recently, immunotherapies have come to the fore as a type of therapy which avoids most of these side effects. Unfortunately, immunotherapy only currently works in a small subset of patients, and then only when given with chemotherapy.”
“We are dedicated to developing new, more effective immunotherapy approaches that have very few side effects and may provide substantial benefits to more patients. We hope our efforts will afford these patients another option that is much better tolerated and can provide improved quality of life and prolong their survival,” Dr. Williams concluded.
In the case of Bria-OTS, a simple saliva test can determine a patient’s cell type so they can receive personalized immunotherapy treatment. Dr. Williams notes that this technology is already being explored for other cancer treatment uses, including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. To learn more about the future of cancer treatment, visit briacell.com/about-briacell.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women. Thankfully, drugs on the near horizon may transform the way we think about treating the disease, particularly in its later stages, and provide new hope to patients.
Source: StatePoint