Various remedies for varicose veins

Dear Ms. Rissa,

I am an avid fan of your column; ever since I was in high school, I was a regular reader. I just want to ask if there are any topical ointments or lotions available on the market for varicose veins that are not too costly. I am just a 20-year-old college student and because of my course, Nursing, I have to stand for eight hours or more, even in the wee hours of the morning, just to attend to my duties. The veins are now noticeable, and I am really scared about having it at such a young age. I really love wearing shorts, mini-dresses and skirts. Going into sclerotherapy this early, I think, is not really a good idea. Thanks and more power to your column!

Anne

Activities like standing too long, crossing your legs, pregnancy, and genetics all play a role in unwanted varicose veins. When you have to be on your feet the whole day, I suggest you wear real support stockings, which exert pressure on the legs to improve circulation and help blood flow easily back to the heart. Support stockings feel really tight, aren’t too sheer but can also be worn under pants. A good brand to try is Hanes Alive.

Aside from support stockings, massaging your legs also helps. Do this mid-morning and mid-afternoon: lie down and elevate your legs higher than your head. This will help allow blood to flow back to your heart. After a long day from a fashion show or a night out in killer heels, I always raise my legs to soothe my tired feet and legs.

To minimize unsightly veins, try Better Legs from The Natural Source (stores located at Bonifacio High Street, TriNoma, Glorietta and SM City Cebu). This is a totally natural serum containing plant-active ingredients to help minimize the appearance of spider and varicose veins. Dermatologically tested, it works by strengthening, toning and tightening delicate vein walls and leg tissue and reduces inflammation on the vein walls. It has horse chestnut, which herbalists and naturopaths have used as the only effective remedy for spider and varicose veins. It also contains a high percentage of Escin, which is widely used in Europe as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce excess fluid. Apply a thin layer to your legs and massage until the serum is completely absorbed. A friend of mine loves using this and says it’s the only thing that helps her husband’s sore feet.

Rissa

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How To Keep Breath Fresher Longer

Dear Lucy,

I am very worried about the freshness of my breath, especially because I am the communications officer of a very big firm. Somehow I feel fresh right after brushing my teeth but after a couple of hours I feel the urge to brush my teeth again, even if I have not eaten anything garlicky or spicy. I guess I am just OC that way. Any bright ideas?

By the way, I love jersey dresses also but I do not like the way it shows even my supposedly seamless underwear. How do I hold myself in, invisibly?

Kalene

Yes, I have a very bright suggestion for you. One word: Oracare. I think it is one of — if not the — best brands of mouthwash out on the market. I never leave home without it myself. It leaves your mouth feeling really fresh for hours. And guess what? It just gets more convenient. Oracare is now also available in toothpaste form. How wonderful is that? Hoard your stock now; you will never want to run out of it.

For your jersey dresses, Spanx is the only way to go. It will give you a sleek and smooth silhouette. No matter how fit you are, you should invest in a couple of pieces of Spanx underwear, available at Hot Pink in Rockwell.

Lucy

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Shoe miserable? Try stretchers

Dear Tingting,

Shoes can shrink; feet can swell; we can land between two sizes; and bunions, corns or other foot imperfections can make our shoes hurt. And when our shoes hurt, life can be pretty miserable. How can we minimize the misery?

Wilma

Luckily, there are shoe stretchers, and they can help alleviate several of these problems and deliver a more comfortable shoe. Several shoe stretchers also come with little holes built into them. Plugs inserted into the holes can stretch the shoes in problem spots, like where a corn or a bunion is, or where pinching occurs.

Shoe stretchers work best for suede, leather, and other natural materials. Shoe stretchers don’t work as well on vinyl.

Shoe stretchers are also best suited to breaking in shoes that are slightly too tight, or expanding shoes that are close to the right size. If you’re looking to stretch a size 7 to a size 9, you want a new shoe, not a shoe stretcher.

When you buy shoe stretchers, you’ll want to ask how the particular stretchers should be used, but normally, you’ll need to use a shoe-stretching liquid or spray. This will help to saturate the material, and allow the shoe stretcher to work better. Follow the instructions for the product you purchase, as each one is a little different.

Insert the shoe stretchers into the shoes, making sure they are expanded as much as the shoe will allow before inserting them. Turn the knob to begin stretching the shoe. You will usually have to leave the stretcher in at least overnight, and sometimes for 24 to 48 hours. The longer you leave the stretcher in, the more the shoes will stretch, so you might want to try a shorter period of time first, as shoes that are too loose don’t feel good, either.

Tingting