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Three easy ways to improve your circulation in summer

Are you experiencing more swollen ankles or swollen feet in summer? 

While we all look forward to the beautiful sunshine in the summer months, the fact is that hotter weather can wreak havoc on the circulatory system, causing more episodes of swelling, discomfort and pain in the legs, ankles and feet.

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How Heat Can Affect Blood Circulation

Higher temperatures can cause veins to dilate (become wider) making it harder for your venous system to circulate blood back to your heart. As a result, blood can pool in the veins of the legs, exacerbating symptoms of poor circulation and causing additional discomfort.

Your body’s natural cooling system can also make the problem worse. This is because when temperatures soar, your heart works to pump more blood around your body to keep you cool. At times, your heart may circulate two to four times as much blood per minute than it does when the weather is cooler1.

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Poor Circulation Can Cause Leg Pain

Those suffering from circulation problems such as muscle pain, stiffness and cramp will often report an increase in symptoms during the hot weather. They may also notice an increase in leg swelling and inflammation (heat oedema), or symptoms such as pain and itching.

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How To Improve Circulation During Summer

Stay cool

In order to mitigate symptoms, it’s important to stay as cool as possible during the summer heat. Make sure you stay extra hydrated, wear light clothing and keep to the shade if you are able. It’s also advisable to avoid the sun as much as possible when at its strongest – usually between 11am and 3pm2.

Elevate

Elevating the legs when at rest can also help your body by reducing the pull of gravity, aiding blood flow3.

Revitive

Using your Revitive Circulation Booster is another great way to help alleviate symptoms of poor circulation. By stimulating the muscles of the feet and legs, Revitive can help improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of pooling in the veins and can reduce symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, and discomfort in the legs, during use.

 

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High temperatures in the hot summer months cause the blood vessels to naturally expand - a process the body uses to try and maintain a normal temperature. As the blood vessels dilate, fluid leaks out of the tiny capillaries and often accumulates in the lower extremities causing swollen feet, ankles and legs.

Absolutely. Try elevating your feet (this is also a relaxing posture) to help blood flow against gravity, drink plenty of water to keep your body as cool as possible, maintain a low-salt diet, and choose a cooler time of the day, such as the early morning or later evening, for walks to improve your circulation. If you find that your swelling isn't going away and causing pain, make an appointment to talk to your Doctor. 

Revitive can help improve blood circulation by contracting and relaxing the muscles of the feet and legs. This reduces the risk of pooling in the veins and can reduce symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, and discomfort in the legs, during use.

References:

  1. How Hot Weather Can Affect Your Heart When You Exercise, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-hot-weather-can-affect-your-heart-when-you-exercise/
  1. Sun Protection and Prevention of Sunburn for the Family, https://www.mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/sun-protection-and-prevention-of-sunburn-for-the-family/
  1. 12 Ways to Improve Your Circulation for Healthy Blood Flow, According to Doctors, https://www.prevention.com/health/a36287929/how-to-improve-circulation/

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