I'm an active 70-year-old and I've enjoyed exercising with the weights a lot. This year, since doing the weight lifting, I have developed many spider vein marks on my lower legs, ankles and feet. Could this be caused by the exercises?

The answer is: Maybe. Some fitness specialists who do strength training with older people have noticed that they develop spider veins - but the same thing happens to many older people who don't strength train. Until we conduct systematic research, we won't really know if strength training plays a role. I suggest you talk to your doctor about the spider veins at your next checkup. If you find them bothersome, you can ask about laser treatment to remove them.