Varicose veins make your legs look ugly. There are things you can do to reduce them:

* Do regular exercise. Walking, running, cycling & swimming keep blood vessels healthy.

* Stick to a high-fibre & low-salt diet.

* Kick off the high heels.

* Avoid tight-fitting clothings or undergarments that restrict blood flow at the waist, groin & legs (e.g. girdles, stockings & socks).

* If elastic stockings are recommended, wear them before getting out of bed in the morning.

* Don't leave legs crossed or bent for a long period.

* If work requires prolonged standing or sitting, move & stretch those legs, rotate ankles & wiggle the toes once in a while.

* Do leg stretching exercises daily.

* Raise legs above the level of the heart whenever possible.

* Rest those legs on pillows while sleeping.

* Stop smoking.