Travel-Related Thrombosis
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HealthCare Resources works closely with Dr. Hector Escoto who is a vascular specialist/vascular surgeon. Because it is the time for so many to return to the area for the winter months which means long airline flights or car travel, we thought it would be a good time to ask him some questions regarding travel-related thrombosis.
HCR: What is Travel Related DVT?
Dr. Escoto: DVT is a clotting of the blood in any of the deep veins, usually in the calf. If a clot develops, it usually makes its presence known by an intense pain in the affected calf. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs, especially after a long journey. In some cases, this can be fatal, if the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs where it can then affect the lung’s ability to take in oxygen.
HCR: What are the symptoms? How will I know it is a DVT?
Dr. Escoto: A DVT can occur some days or even weeks after a trip. In most situations, the person will have no symptoms and through normal movement, the clot will break up. If the clot is larger, it can cause an obstruction and prevent the blood from flowing through the veins. When this happens, a person might experience pain, redness and swelling in the calf – the pain is made worse when walking or standing. If these symptoms are experienced you should see medical attention immediately.
Spider Veins!
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Spider Veins are quite common, more in women than men. HealthCare Resources interviewed Vascular Specialist/Surgeon, Dr. Hector Escoto to learn a bit more about this condition.
HCR: What is the medical term for “spider veins”?
Dr. Escoto: Spider veins are a common, mild variation of varicose veins. This condition is medically called “telangiectasias”.
HCR: What are the causes?
Dr. Escoto:
- Age: The development of spider veins may occur at any age, but usually occur between the ages of 18 and 35 years, peaking between 50 and 60 years.
- Gender: Females are affected approximately four to one over males.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a key factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. The most important factor is circulating hormones that weaken vein walls. There is also a significant increase in the blood volume during pregnancy, which tends to distend veins, causing valve dysfunction which leads to blood pooling in the veins. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress veins, causing higher vein pressure leading to dilated veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve, or even disappear a few months after delivery.
- Lifestyle/Occupation: Those who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing spider or varicose veins. The weight of the blood continuously pressing against the closed valves causes them to fail, leading to vein distension.
- Family History: If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will too.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts added pressure on the veins.
HCR: Are they dangerous? Or are they usually removed only for cosmetic purposes?
Dr. Escoto: Spider veins alone are not a dangerous condition but a cosmetic issue. If you have spider veins, plus varicose veins it is important to rule out an underlying condition (such as venous valve deficiency).
HCR: How can they be prevented?
Dr. Escoto: There is no way to completely prevent this condition. But improving circulation and muscle tone can reduce the risk of developing varicose veins/spider veins or getting new ones. The same measures taken to treat the discomfort of varicose veins at home, can help to prevent varicose veins, including: Exercising, watching your weight, eating a high fiber/low salt diet, avoid high heels and tight hosiery, elevating your legs, changing your standing/sitting position frequently.
HCR: How can they be removed?
Dr. Escoto: There are two options for this medical condition.
1) Sclerotherapy: This is the “gold standard” and is preferred over laser for eliminating spider veins and smaller varicose leg veins. A sclerosant medication is injected into the diseased vein so that it hardens and eventually shrinks away.
2) Skin Laser: This is a new technology. With this treatment, we close of smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser surgery works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which causes the vein to slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used.
Each month, HealthCare Resources and Dr. Escoto have a Vascular Clinic. This is a screening clinic for circulation, blood flow, vein evaluation. If you would like further information, please contact us at pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com
New Life Mexico — Olympic-sized Pride & Gratitude
I could not summarize the information or put together the photographs as well as Jono Vernon Powell did with his blog post regarding his sister and New Life Mexico. Please do read through it because it is super!
I can only summarize about Philippa on this side of the world, here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (And this is the first time I have ever written about New Life Mexico and-or Philippa without her stamp of approval on it and going over the words with a fine-toothed comb) – so, this is a big risk I am taking here!
New Life Mexico and Philippa do not make loud noises here in the area. There are no giant fundraisers, ticket sales, gala functions with big ticket items. Diligent and consistent work goes on daily throughout the various colonias, whether it might be a session on hand-washing to increasing a young boys self-esteem by playing in a basketball tournament among a myriad of other activities that New Life Mexico sponsors. Touching a child’s life in a positive manner doesn’t really need big fanfare or hoopla. Philippa and her very small staff just DO IT.
Does that mean they have all necessary funds to run all of the programs? Certainly not! They (NLM) is a small, struggling charity on a continual search for sponsors but in “their” own way, following to the letter the rules of a British charity.
Philippa is probably my BFF but that doesn’t mean we always agree on everything. I am always floored when she makes a receipt for a donation of two pencils. But, as she has explained to me at least 500 times, “we are a British charity and this is required.” Every single tube of toothpaste, backpack, toothbrush, comb – anything and everything is receipted by her. The bookkeeping, record keeping and the like are absolutely beyond impeccable.
I sincerely believe that some of the local “charities” here could and should take a great lesson from the Brits in regards to how they run charitable organizations.
By being chosen to carry the Olympic torch in the UK, representing the connection between Mexico and England was something that, of course, was an extreme honor but as well, so very important, has brought attention and awareness to New Life Mexico, both here in Puerto Vallarta, in England and hopefully, beyond!
We tip our sombrero’s to Philippa, New Life Mexico, the New Life Mexico board of directors, Philippa’s family and friends in England! We are so very proud of you!
[Link to blog: http://www.jonovernon-powell.com/my-sister-philippa-olympic-torch-bearer-01-05-12/]
Lily Padilla-Corona — Registered Dietician
Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio
Lily Padilla-Corona, Registered Dietician will be speaking on “Health Diets – Myths vs Facts”.
Speaking times: 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm
Lily has worked as a Registered Dietician for the past 10 years. She received her Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University. Her certification as a Certified Diabetes Educator came after years of experience working with the diabetic patients. She has a passion for community education on lifestyle changes to prevent, manage, and minimize the risks of the pre-diabetic and chronic diabetic disease.
Dr. Rajy Abulhosn — Family Practice
Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio
Dr. Rajy Abulhosn — Family Practice will be speaking on “Managing Your Health at 50 and Beyond”.
Speaking times: at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm
Dr. Abulhosn is <> Board Certified in Family Practice and has been with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego, CA since 1999. He was born and raised in Seattle and earned his B.S. degree from University of Washington. He also received his B.A. degree in broadcast journalism in 1991 and his medical degree in 1995. Dr. Albulhosn completed his Family Practice Residency at Sharp HealthCare – Sharp Grossmont Family Practice Program. He is the Medical Director for the Sharp Rees-Stealy Executive Health Program.
