A recent survey, conducted by the National Science Foundation, reported that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns, economic instability, and political unrest are enough to overwhelm anyone. But how does one boost their level of happiness amidst a relentless pandemic? I believe that there are ways to stay healthy and achieve fulfillment in life if we focus on our priorities. I present to you, arguably, the two most important factors bac…

Large, bulging varicosities that appear on the skin surface as ropey veins are usually branches of deeper saphenous veins inside the leg. In the past, the saphenous vein was typically treated first using thermal ablation such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). Any remaining varicosities that were closer to the surface of the skin were then typically sealed from the inside by sclerotherapy. At times, unwanted veins were too large for sclerotherapy and had to be removed by microphlebectomy. Th…

Veins, acting as “pipes,” have to frequently work against gravity to push blood back towards the heart especially when we sit or stand. These veins have valves that assist in the one-way flow back to the heart. Further, leg muscles especially calf muscles act like a pump much like a sump pump in our basement. Click to view large image Over time, compounded by factors such as genetic predisposition, pregnancies, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing, lifting weights, and age, some ve…

VenaSeal™ is a relatively new varicose vein treatment option. Recently featured on The Dr. Oz Show and approved by the FDA, VenaSeal™ involves the use of a medical adhesive (medical grade superglue – cyanoacrylate) that seals the diseased veins from the inside. Varicose veins are caused when veins in the legs fail, allowing backflow of blood. The blood pools in these veins causing them to enlarge and stretch. These veins occur deep inside the leg, and can only be seen with the help of an ultra…

– and bikini contests! Where did summer go? It seems like only yesterday the snow had finally melted, after a prolonged winter, and here I am talking about fall. In fairness, this summer was an extraordinarily busy time for us at Alsara Vein Clinic. We saw more new patients in July than any other month in the past. Every one of my staff members worked extra, long hours to ensure each patient received top-notch care, even in the face of increased patient volume and the numerous urgent requests…