Travel physical therapy professionals can benefit themselves and their patients by learning more about the causes and prevention of poor circulation. Whether it's injury or lifestyle related, poor circulation is something that can and should be addressed. This is especially important for individuals who are already at risk of heart disease, as the issue can lead to a hardening of the arteries and possible blockages, Fox News reported. So, what can you do to avoid poor circulation?
Your job could be a trigger of the problem, as spending too much time on your feet or too much time sitting at a desk can cause issues. If you are on your feet all day, the key is to wear the right shoes. At a desk job? Make sure that you get up and walk around a few times throughout the day. Other lifestyle factors include smoking, poor eating choices and a lack of exercise. These all seem simple enough to fix, if you put your mind to it. And while you may know what not to be eating, there are a few foods that are ideal:
1. Hot peppers
Hot peppers and other spicy foods are actually good for your blood flow. As long as you aren't suffering from gastroenterological issues, you should consider tossing some cayenne pepper and other spices into your dishes. Spicy foods actually help to dissolve blood clots that have formed and certain hot peppers will also aid in reduced inflammation in the body, according to Living Green magazine.
2. Dark chocolate
While you may often encourage patients you work with on travel PT assignments to stay away from the sweets, dark chocolate is an OK option. And for those who are experiencing poor circulation, this treat provides a boost of flavonoids that helps to alleviate the issue. Flavonoids are actually found in plants and fruits naturally, so why not let yourself indulge occasionally?
3. Turmeric root
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric root can help to improve the flow of blood. This is because the root helps avoid clogs that can disrupt the normal function of our circulatory systems. Turmeric root can be used in cooking and is a common ingredient in many teas. When using it in the kitchen, just make sure not to add too much, as turmeric has a bold flavor.
4. Garlic
Forget about what it does to your breath, garlic has a number of health benefits, and one of those is cleansing blood. In fact, this common kitchen ingredient can even help prevent plaque buildup in the body, which in turn improves circulation. Other bulb foods, such as onions and radishes, have similar properties that can stimulate blood flow.
A common cause of poor circulation you may see on travel therapy jobs may be due to stroke. These patients often experience a decrease of physical activity following the incident, which can impair their circulatory system. When working with these individuals, be sure to include PT for improved blood flow into their routines. You may also want to share these tips on what to eat to help their circulatory system thrive following the stroke.