Sanford to host a free varicose vein screening

BEMIDJI, Minn. - On March 25 Sanford Bemidji Main Clinic will host a free varicose vein screening to raise awareness for venous disease and available treatment options.

The screening will be held at the Main Clinic, located at 1233 34th St., NW, Bemidji. Those interested in attending the free screening can contact the clinic at (218) 333-5283 for more information and to schedule their appointment.

An estimated 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins. A leading cause of varicose veins is venous reflux disease caused by incompetent or "leaky" valves in the great saphenous vein running from the ankle to the groin in each leg. In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. This condition can be progressive if left untreated and symptoms may worsen with time.

* It is estimated that in America, 72 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.

* The peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women aged 40 - 49 years and in men aged 70 - 79 years.

* Common risk factors for varicose veins and venous reflux include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and professions that require a lot of standing.

Sanford is hosting this free screening event to educate the community about venous disease, risk factors, prevention and treatment options. Varicose veins frequently force people to dramatically change their lifestyles, especially when they stand for long periods in their professions and can no longer tolerate being on their feet all day.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health is an integrated health system headquartered in the Dakotas and is now the largest, rural, not-for-profit health care system in the nation with locations in 126 communities in nine states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Ghana, Mexico and China.

Sanford Health includes 43 hospitals, 140 clinic locations and 1,360 physicians in 81 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 26,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest employer in North Dakota and South Dakota. The system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford. These gifts are making possible the implementation of several initiatives, including global children's clinics, multiple research centers and finding cures for type 1 diabetes and breast cancer. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org.