I’m sure that you have heard that great wrenching but uplifting gospel song, “If I Can Help Somebody.” It is usually sung at funerals, but not at weddings. I guess it should be sung at weddings too, because so many marriages end unhappily. The words often draw tears for 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 is the following:
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 lack of exercise and poor nutrition. The following verse from a doctors point of view could be added to the song:
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 arteries, it is under great pressure. If those arteries are injured because of 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 upon muscular contractions in the legs. If the blood flow is slowed, blood clots can often form, resulting in a condition known as pulmonary embolism (clots traveling to the lungs).
To keep veins healthy, reducing clot formation is a must. Some clot prevention can be achieved by taking these precautions:
When riding long distances, stop for frequent walks.
Do not cross your legs for long periods.
Do not wear garters or elastic socks below the knees.
When sitting for long periods, elevate the legs as high as the heart.
If your leg becomes swollen, painful and changed in color, medical attention should be immediate. These signs may be the first signs of a clot formation and often may require hospitalization.
Healthy arteries can be achieved by following these suggestions:
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 and canola oil. Eat fish that contain high amounts of omega 3 oils, such as salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel.
Eliminate all tobacco products, and drink alcohol sparingly, preferably wine.
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 experienced amputations of their lower extremities because of blood vessel problems, such as Shirley Horn and Ella Fitzgerald. To make sure that you maintain healthy arteries and veins, follow the above advice, and keeping them healthy will not be in vain.