february is raynaud’s awareness month

Raynaud’s Phenomenon happens when there is a decrease in blood flow to the fingers and toes when someone is exposed to cold weather or stress due to an exaggerated constriction in blood vessels. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the ears or nose. These parts of the body change color and can turn extremely white or even a purplish color and will also cause tingling or numbness. It helps to run warm water over the affected area until the color resumes to normal and the numbness stops. Raynaud’s can either be primary or secondary. Primary is not associated with any other condition. Secondary is associated with other auto-immune conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome and thyroid disease.

Raynaud’s can be managed with diet and lifestyle modifications and in severe cases even medications. Keeping hands and feet warm using disposable handwarmers that easily fit inside of gloves or socks can help as well as stress management techniques and smoking cessation. Regular exercise can improve circulation. Source: American College of Rheumatology.

If you have one or more auto-immune related conditions including Raynaud’s Syndrome, I offer 12-week programs that specifically address diet and lifestyle modifications that can improve your quality of life.

If you are curious or would like to learn more, please feel free to call me at 253-221-1009, or email me at lynnrester@healthyeatingandlifeplans.com, or you can also set up an appointment directly from this website. I would be happy to offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and see if you would like to improve your quality of life. I can talk with you over the phone or video chat, whichever you prefer.