What's the Difference Between Compression Stockings and Regular Socks?

When buying socks, some people are confused by the terms "compression stockings" and "support socks." For most distributors and manufacturers, these terms are used interchangeably, as are compression socks and support stockings. What stands out, however, is that these items have many differences from a regular sock. Here is a guide to some of the more pronounced differences.
Medical Benefits
The most important difference is that support stockings have medical benefits. They provide reliable compression therapy for swollen and tired legs, as well as those with poor circulation and risk of blood clots. Although people are not required to have a prescription to wear them, it is best to seek out medical advice from a healthcare professional before wearing them. The best type, size and wear regimen are individual to each person, so a medical professional can help to distinguish the best health benefits.
Material
Regular socks can be made of nearly any materials, from wool to cotton to nylon. Compression stockings can be made of different blends of materials, although they must have some element of elasticity to them so that they provide compressive support.
Fit
It is important that users are measured for the proper fit. Unlike regular socks and stockings, which are normally chosen by shoe size, the measurements of the length and width of the ankles, knees and feet influence the fit and effectiveness of the garments. A poorly fitted support sock can affect its beneficial medical properties. A certain amount of compression begins at the lower ankle and gradually changes the higher the garment goes up the leg.
Length
When most people think of a sock, they imagine a footie, ankle-high, calf-high or knee-high sock. Which regular type to choose is usually a matter of fashion and personal comfort. Calf-high support stockings are common for diabetics and athletes. Knee-high, thigh-high and waist-high lengths are typical for compression socks. There are also bodysuits that offer compressive properties. The height is chosen to cover the area where additional circulation or support is needed.
Opacity
Not all compression hosiery is opaque. There are brands that offer more sheer looks that more closely resemble a trouser sock. Some patients prefer the thicker socks to cover up blemishes and discoloration due to varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and other medical conditions. Everyday socks are usually solid, although everyday nylon stockings are typically sheer and can be seen through.
Ease to Find
Although regular socks can be purchased nearly anywhere clothing is sold, including department stores, drugstores, mini-marts and online, compression stockings are more difficult to find. Support stockings can be found online through a compressive garment distributor and ordered by the individual. They can also be special ordered through a healthcare professional and through a pharmacy.
Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about Brightlife Direct compression stockings, please visit http://www.brightlifedirect.com/.

A Breast Augmentation Can Make You Look and Feel More Feminine

Getting a breast augmentation can be very exciting. When it comes to getting the type of body you want, one of the most important factors that play into how good you look is your chest size. It is not your fault if you were not born with the right sized bosom. Fortunately, there is no reason for you to continue to be unsatisfied with your appearance. Thanks to the creativity of some highly skilled and trained surgeons and the continuous advancements in medical science, it is now possible for any women to get the figure she deserves without having to sacrifice a huge amount of time and money.
No matter what country you or culture you go to, it is very easy to see how much women who have a nice sized chest are treated. There are many factors that can affect a women's natural chest size and many of those factors are beyond your control. That doesn't mean that you have to be stuck with an appearance that makes you feel unhappy and unattractive. All you need to do is come up with an idea of what your chest to look like and find a credible surgeon for the job.
Keep in mind that finding a great surgeon is something that can take a little time. The screening process is something that you shouldn't rush through. The more time and effort you put into finding the right surgeon to perform your breast augmentation, the better your chances are for having your expectations met and exceeded. Verify credentials, look at pictures of their previous work and talk to some of their past patients. Find out what their fees are and compare them against what other professionals are charging in your area for the same procedure. Don't go for the lowest price if it is too far below the average prices among surgeons. Make sure you compare apples to apples and consider the fact that you do have to pay for quality.
Once your surgeon has gone over the details of what is best for you and you have agreed upon a new bra size, you should start to go through your wardrobe to remove items that may not fit the same after your procedure. Start investing in some good support bras and comfortable clothing. Immediately after your surgery, you will be required to wear compression garments and bandages for a short period of time. This will be to minimize the amount of swelling and keep your new chest in place so it can heal properly. You will want to have some sweatshirts, t-shirts and other articles of clothing that are very easy for you to get in and out of available. Once you have had a breast augmentation, you will be able to enjoy the privilege and high esteem that comes with having a more attractive chest. You will have more confidence and feel better about yourself.
Trying change your figure by getting breast augmentation in St Louis in the near future? Contact the offices of http://dr-rottler.com and schedule an appointment for your free consultation today.

4 Must Steps to Build Muscle For Beginners


For any Gym goers new to the gym and fitness, who want to learn the secrets to getting bigger and stronger keep reading. This is based around the FOUR MAJOR aspects of bodybuilding and weight training; Strength Training, Nutrition, Supplementation and Rest.
Training
If you want to get big, you need to train big!!! Train 3 - 5 times per week and keep your sessions short, 45 minutes should be plenty for new gym goers. Train two muscle groups per week or every 5 days... do not combine 2 large muscle groups on the same day. Your big muscle groups are chest, back and legs.
Do big (called compound) exercises such as bench press, shoulder press, rows, squats, and deadlifts first in your workouts.
For volume and intensity, the more volume, the less intensity and vice versa. For reps and sets, aim to fail between 8-115 reps and if you are training intensely do only 5-8 sets per body part (more sets for the bigger muscles, less for the smaller ones).
By keeping your rest below 2 minutes your heart rate should stay in anabolic training zone which burns the maximum amount of body fat.
Nutrition
To gain mass you need to EAT!! Ideally every 2 hours if possible split in to 6 meals a day. A ratio of 50% Carbohydrates and 50% Protein and Fat is the best place to start. Evaluate how you feel and adjust accordingly, some prefer more Protein when weight training.
Your 3 most important meals of the day are breakfast, after you workout, and before bed. Ensure these are very clean meals and contain protein. Don't be afraid to have a cheat meal once per week - a healthy digestive system can eliminate it without too much hassle.
Rest
Avoid over-training, This means don't spend hours in the gym and avoid long cardiovascular sessions. We're looking for an anabolic response for muscle growth so short sprints at high intensity are definitely the way to go.
Make sure to use your days off as rest days, and get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Your muscles grow when you sleep, not when you're training in the gym!
Supplementation
Supplements work best when your first three aspects must be consistently on track. If your diet, training, and rest are not correct, supplements will be no good. Cheap and easy to find supplements use are:
Multivitamins- Take in the morning. Generally speaking you get what you pay for but be sure to compare labels for high levels of each common Vitamin and Mineral.
Whey Protein can basically be taken at any time of the day to help your Protein intake, but the most effective time is immediately after workouts and before bed.
Creatine is one of the world's largest selling supplements. As a beginner trainer it's generally not required because you'll be adding strength purely from a neurala adaption and hence, not needed. Some athletes find it helps with recovery so there's a positive for new trainers, but generally no needed until you've been lifting weights for at least 6 months. Bloating is a common side effect as creatine can often lead to water retention.
For beginning trainers, the advice is keep it simple!! Too many personal trainers want to play around with fancy gadgets and they're favourite exercise. The fact is, for beginner muscle builders you want to keep it simple and consistent so your body has time to adapt and grow!
So there it is, train eat big, train big, sleep big and soon you too will be big results come with time and patience.
Happy training.
Sam Struthers (B.Bus Spt&Man);ASC1;FitIV
Bounce Fitness
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Personal Trainer
Bounce Back. Guaranteed. Bounce Fitness Sydney