The American College of Phlebology (ACP), the Society for Vascular Surgery® (SVS) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) announced the launch of Rethink Varicose Veins at the 38th annual VEITHsymposium™. The campaign seeks to elevate public awareness of varicose veins as a health concern worthy of medical diagnosis and treatment.
More than 30 million Americans suffer from venous disease, including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), yet only 1.9 million seek treatment annually*. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to the more serious form of vein (venous) disease, CVI, with symptoms that progressively worsen over time. Designed to educate consumers and engage healthcare professionals, this campaign will provide materials and resources about varicose veins and CVI to encourage awareness and action.
“Varicose veins and the connection to CVI are truly misunderstood,” said Julianne Stoughton, M.D., F.A.C.S., Rethink Varicose Veins spokesperson. “As leading medical societies with a deep understanding of this condition, we believe the time is right for an educational campaign to help elevate awareness among patients and encourage dialogue with a vein specialist.”
To support this important initiative, the online hub www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com was created to provide information and tools for consumers and physicians. On the site, healthcare professionals can join the campaign’s physician locator and download an electronic toolkit. The toolkit can be used to raise awareness about the campaign and includes an e-flyer, banner ads and content for their physician websites, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Individuals can also visit the site to learn more about varicose veins and CVI, assess self-risk with an online tool and find vein specialists trained in diagnosis and treatment. They can also share an e-card with friends or family to encourage them to learn more about the condition. Throughout 2012, the Rethink Varicose Veins campaign will engage consumers with a series of educational activities and materials through a national media campaign.
Rethink Varicose Veins is sponsored by Covidien.
*Statistics based on individuals over the age of 40