Campaign to raise awareness of varicose veins July 15-22

KOTA KINABALU: Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital will organise a ‘Jom Scan Kaki’ campaign, a health screening programme, to raise public awareness about varicose veins, next week.

The campaign from July 15 to 22, aims to educate the public and engage healthcare professionals on the need to assess the veins to avoid the consequences of chronic venous disease including leg swelling, skin colour changes and skin ulceration.

Resident Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital Dr Charles Lee said varicose veins and chronic venous disease are a lifelong degenerative disease and more common with increasing age.

He said the development of varicose veins was often the first sign of venous disease and most of these health-related problems could be avoided by simple, cost-effective leg screening using ultrasound measurements and inspection of the lower legs for signs and symptoms of venous disease such as leg cramps, skin eczema, pain and ugly bulging veins.

“The awareness level among Sabahans on varicose veins is very low. That’s why we want this campaign to be held every year. It is very important for the public to check when they have symptoms,” he told reporters during a press conference yesterday.

The admission to the campaign is free for the public, and Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital will also provide complimentary leg veins ultrasound screening on the first day of the campaign, health talks, complimentary educational materials and resources concerning varicose veins to encourage further awareness and action regarding Deep Vein Thrombosis and e-Thrombosis.

With the theme ‘Happy and Healthy Legs for Life’, the campaign will be officiated by Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor. - Bernama