I’m sure that you have heard some great gospel singers sing that wrenching and uplifting song “If I Can Help Somebody.” It is usually sung at funerals but not at weddings. I guess it should be sung at weddings also, because so many end unhappily. The words often draw tears among those who have never helped anybody. Now, I don’t want to get into that, but you know what I mean. The first stanza of the song states:
“If I can help somebody, as I pass along
“If I can cheer somebody with a word or song
“If I can show somebody that they are traveling wrong
“Then, my living shall not be in vain”
As a physician, I took care of many bodies that were traveling wrong, and believe me, they had a lot of trouble with their arteries and veins because of a lack of exercise and poor nutrition. An added verse to the song, from a doctor’s point of view, could state:
“If I can help your veins and arteries
“While you sit, not exercising at home
“If I could help those vessels to stay
“Unclogged and strong
“Then my living as a doctor would not be in vain”
Just remember, the arteries and veins are connected. As the blood is pumped out of the heart through the arteries, it is under great pressure. If those arteries are injured by increased pressure, hardening of the arteries results. Arterial blood carries precious oxygen to organs throughout the body. Blood is returned to the heart through veins with carbon dioxide, which is collected from the different organs. This blood moves very slowly and depends on muscular contractions in the legs. If the blood flow is slowed, blood clots can often form, resulting in a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (clots traveling to the lungs).
To keep veins healthy, reducing clot formation is a must! Some clot prevention can be achieved through the following:
• When riding long distances, one should stop for frequent walks.
• Do not cross your legs for long periods.
• Do not wear garters or elastic socks below the knee.
• When sitting for long periods, elevate the legs as high as the heart.
• If your leg becomes swollen, painful and discolored, medical attention should be sought immediately. This condition may be the first signs of a clot formation and often may require hospitalization.
Healthy arteries can be achieved by following these rules:
• Exercise 30 minutes daily, five times weekly. If the weather is poor, walk around the mall. Go shopping, etc.
• Decrease saturated fats in your diet. Read labels. Fats that remain liquid at room temperature are less saturated, such as olive or canola oils.
• Eat fish that contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, tuna or mackerel.
• Eliminate all tobacco products.
• Drink alcohol, such as wine, sparingly.
Remember, if you have to fry it, don’t even buy it. If you have to whip it, why not skip it? If you have to batter it, don’t even flatter it. If you have to cream it, don’t even dream it.
Some notable entertainers, such as Shirley Horn and Ella Fitzgerald, experienced amputations of their lower extremities because of blood vessel problems, . To make sure that you maintain healthy arteries and veins, follow the above suggestions. Keeping them healthy will not be in vain.