Global Compression Leader SIGVARIS Helps Raise Awareness About Deep Vein Thrombosis and Diabetes During the Month of March

SIGVARIS cares about DVT prevention and is proud to support both DVT Awareness Month and Diabetes Alert Day (March 27) in the month of March. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 16, 2012 - PEACHTREE CITY, GA. - Did you know that every year more people die from blood clots than from breast cancer and AIDS combined? In fact, more than two million Americans are affected by blood clots every year. A blood clot also known a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can break loose and travel to the lungs resulting in a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), an often-fatal condition. That's why SIGVARIS, the global leader in medical compression stockings and socks, is working to educate people about DVT prevention.

SIGVARIS promotes DVT prevention all year long as many people are at risk. During the month of March, SIGVARIS, along with the SIGVARIS Diabetic Compression Socks, hopes to raise more awareness about the fact that diabetics are two times more likely to develop blood clots. With Diabetes Alert Day in the month of March along with DVT Awareness Month, SIGVARIS hopes to educate as many people as possible about the dangers of DVT and preventative measures.

Clinical evidence supports the use of graduated compression stockings 15mmHg and higher to help prevent the development of DVT. If the DVT can be prevented, the risk of a Pulmonary Embolism is also prevented, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. SIGVARIS manufactures graduated compression stockings designed to fit a variety of lifestyles to help with prevention.

In addition to those with diabetes, people who: sit for long periods of time (such as when flying or driving); have a period of prolonged bed rest or injury; are pregnant; have cancer; use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; have a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism; are overweight; smoke; or are over age 60, are all at an increased risk for developing a DVT, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic lists additional risk factors on their website.

"SIGVARIS became the global leader in medical compression therapy by caring about the health of the people that wear our products. We wanted to help raise awareness about the dangers of DVT because many people develop blood clots in their legs, including patients with diabetes. Our company's mission is to help people have healthy legs," says Judith Brannan, SIGVARIS Medical Affairs & Education Manager.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following tips for DVT prevention:
• Maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet and don't smoke
• Exercise regularly
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine
• Wear loose-fitting clothes
• When traveling or sitting for more than four hours get up and walk around every few hours and exercise legs while sitting.
• Move around as soon as possible after surgery, illness or injury
• Those at risk for DVT should talk to their doctor about graduated compression stockings and medication (anticoagulants) to prevent or treat DVT

To learn more about DVT prevention, check out these educational resources: www.sigvarisus.com, www.vdf.org, www.phlebology.org, www.cdc.gov, and www.stoptheclot.org.

About SIGVARIS

SIGVARIS® North America is part of an internationally active medical device group headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland that focuses on the development, production and distribution of medical compression garments, including hosiery and socks. With distribution in more than 50 countries on six continents, SIGVARIS is recognized as a global industry leader in the area of compression therapy for the management of chronic venous disorders. Our US manufacturing plant is located in Peachtree City, GA. For more information, please visit www.sigvarisus.com. SIGVARIS, LIFE FOR LEGS and the leg icon are trademarks of SIGVARIS AG in Switzerland and are registered in many countries worldwide.

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