Varicose veins can be treated without surgery.
Veins in your legs work against gravity to return blood to the heart, so it is helped along by tiny valves that stop the blood going backwards. These one-way valves can weaken, causing blood to pool, which leads to bulbous, protruding veins. The discomfort of varicose veins is often described as fatigue, heaviness, itching or even cramps.
Historically, treatment of varicose centred on surgical removal of varicose veins under general anaesthetic. However, endovenous catheter ablation has become so successful that surgery is seldom needed. Endovenous means "working inside the vein" and ablation means "to close off". Under local anaesthetic, a laser fibre is threaded into the varicose vein and used to close off the problem veins, prompting the blood to redirect itself. Compression stockings are worn for two weeks post-treatment and regular walking is recommended.
There is no need for time off work. If you have varicose veins that are affecting you call Vein & Laser for a consultation with our doctor, vein physician Elisabeth De Felice.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5.1% Second half of November
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44.3% 1st December
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16.9% A week before Christmas
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32.5% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Message from Cancer Society
Message from Cancer Society National Office
I hope you’re doing well. With summer here, I thought now would be a good time to get in touch. My name is Hazel and I am the National Advisor for SunSmart with the Cancer Society.
Did you know that Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? In fact, over 90,000 skin cancers are diagnosed every year. UV radiation, even on overcast days, can damage our skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. So, I wanted to remind everyone to be SunSmart – it’s so easy!
Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. I am sure you have heard of it, here’s the details:
Slip on clothing with good UV radiation protection - preferably long sleeves, and fabrics with darker colours and tighter weaves. Also, Slip into shade - particularly between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation is strongest.
Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Be sure to apply generously to all exposed skin and really every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and neck.
Wrap on UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes from damage. Remember, not all sunglasses protect from UV radiation.
Know the UV Index:
The UV Index helps us understand how strong the sun’s UV radiation is on any given day. When the UV Index is 3 or above, we need to be SunSmart. Check out the UVNZ app for more information.
Check your skin:
Regularly check your skin for any new moles, spots, or changes – early detection is key to catching skin cancer early. If you notice any unusual changes, see your doctor.
By making these simple changes to our daily routine we can help protect ourselves, and those we care about, from the harmful effects of UV radiation. For more information, tips, and resources, please visit the SunSmart website.
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