VARICOSE VEINS with Dr Nicholas Kemp Sun’s

out, legs out

As it gets cold in Brisbane you may be fortunate enough to be chasing the sun to Europe. Even if only dreaming about Santorini or St Tropez, cabin conditions are not favourable to anyone’s legs! Should you have a family history of varicose veins or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) then take these tips onboard:

• Pull-on compression: applying pressure to the legs helps stimulate your circulation. Travel socks can be bought at Departures, but if at risk you may consider getting Class 2 stockings measured to fit by a phlebologist

• Pack athleisure wear: once through the lounge and about to fly, change out of those jeans into loose clothing that doesn’t restrict

• Hydrate: drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, the effects of which are made worse by the low humidity on planes

• Move: don’t forget to do your aeroplane exercises – walk up and down the aisles for five minutes every hour

• Skip the pill: taking tablets might help you sleep or reduce anxiety, but it will keep you sedentary. Discuss with your GP other choices for finding calm.

MINDFULNESS with Bhavna Megh

Relax and de-stress

Do you know that you’re overwhelmed? Most of us don’t. Most of us have become accustomed to stress. In fact, most of us accept high levels of stress as our norm.

The great thing is that our whole system is SO intelligent that it supports our crazy and stressful lives. That is until it doesn’t. A lot of us have had the experience of getting sick within a day or two of a much-needed holiday.

The truth is, it was highly unlikely that your holiday made you sick like most people believe. More likely it was your body finally releasing all the mental, emotional, and chemical toxins that it’s been storing whilst you’ve been operating in fight-or-flight mode.

So, what can you do? It’s simple, rest more often. Yes, it’s a lot easier said than done, but regular small self-care rituals can have a big impact and can have the result of an enjoyable holiday instead of one spent in bed.

Self-care rituals you can try include baths, massages, daily meditation, bike rides, ocean swims, and walks, etc. In addition, mindset, emotional, and energy-healing sessions with a practitioner like myself are a powerful way to reset. STEPPING