UT Physicians offers no-cost varicose vein screenings Nov. 10 in Bellaire

People concerned about varicose or spider veins in their legs can get a no-cost screening and consultation from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the UT Physicians Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery clinic, 6700 Loop SW, Freeway Suite 110. Appointments are required and parking is free.

“The screenings are being offered to the Houston community at no cost in an effort to assess, educate and prevent peripheral arterial disease,” said Sheila M. Coogan, M.D., the clinic’s vein specialist and an associate professor of cardiovascular medicine with McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

The screenings/consultations take 20 minutes, are painless and can be scheduled by calling 713-500-VEIN (8346). Not limited to unsightly varicose veins, surgeons will also check for other vascular issues.

It is estimated that one in five adults will get varicose veins. Factors contributing to varicose veins include a person’s lifestyle, activity level, genetics, occupation and age.

In addition to being a medical issue, varicose veins can make people feel self-conscious. For example, some people quit wearing shorts or skirts. Others avoid activities such as swimming. Varicose veins can also be painful.

While recommended for everyone, the screenings are particularly important for tobacco users, women and individuals with a family history of varicose veins. Other warning signs of varicose veins include aching legs, swollen ankles, spider veins, numbness or tingling in toes, discoloration in legs and snake-like visible veins in legs.

Coogan, a 1991 graduate of McGovern Medical School, specializes in minimally invasive procedures. She has published numerous articles on vascular surgery.

UT Physicians, one of Houston’s largest physician practices, offers multi-disciplinary medical care at its flagship location in the Texas Medical Center, as well as at community-based health centers throughout Southeast Texas. The team of internationally recognized medical experts includes more than 1,500 clinicians certified in 80 medical specialties and subspecialties. UT Physicians is the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.