I read an interesting book recently, “The Ketogenic Solution for Lymphatic Disorders”. Written by Leslyn Keith, who has a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with an emphasis on lymphedema and obesity. She was certified as a Lymphedema Therapist in 2000 and became LANA-certified in 2001. In addition to treating lymphedema and other lymphatic disorders, she currently researches, consults, and lectures on lymphedema, lipedema, and obesity. Continue reading
INTRODUCING NEW ABDOMINAL COMPRESSION FOR LYMPHEDEMAThe Compression Closet would like to introduce two new compression garments for abdominal lymphedema. We are very excited about the Wear Ease High Waist Compression Short and the Short Compression Capri. One of the things I love doing as a business owner is researching and discovering new products that will work well for the lymphedema community. All the products on our website have been chosen specifically for its effectiveness with edema and lymphedema. All of these products have been tried and tested by our therapists as well as the patients they treat. We accept only the highest quality, most effective garments for the lymphedema condition on our website. Continue reading
BODY IMAGE AND LYMPHEDEMABody image, something we all deal with – right? I feel women especially struggle with body image, but maybe that’s just because I’m a woman. Many of those living with lymphedema deal with body image issues, as well. I hear it all the time in the people I work with, as well as the stories I read from those living with lymphedema: people at war with their bodies and in turn at war with their souls. Endlessly trying to gain value and worth through the image we have of our bodies. Lymphedema does take its emotional toll. Continue reading
HELP! I CAN’T TOLERATE MY COMPRESSION STOCKINGSDo you have patients who cannot tolerate compression stockings? Possibly, they feel claustrophobic or trapped in their compression? Their skin may just be too sensitive, therefore the compression garment drives them a bit crazy. Have you ever had this experience? Has your patient ever complained to you about their compression in this way? If so, I just might have a comfortable solution for you and your patients, EdemaWear: a mild compression stockinette with a special weave and levels of compression ranging from 15-20 mmHg. Continue reading
I had the privilege recently to participate in an educational workshop put on by Lymphedema Seminars. This organization provides continuing education seminars for lymphedema therapists. Karen Ashforth, a lymphedema therapist that I’ve worked with for several years, was one of the presenters. Part of her presentation included companies she worked with and why she worked with them. I’m happy to report The Compression Closet was listed as one of those companies. Karen shared with me why she chose The Compression Closet and what set us apart from other companies. I’d like to share some of her thoughts with you if I may. Continue reading
Would you like a fighter in your corner? Someone to cheer you on, someone who has been where you’ve been before? Are you ready to accept the challenge of taking charge of your own health? Taking small positive steps to create amazing change? As Brandon Gore said, “small tweaks lead to great peaks.” Let me introduce you to Amy Rivera. You might know Amy through her foundation Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema.
Amy Rivera was born with an incurable disease called lymphedema that left her immensely disfigured. In spite of that, she developed an activist mindset as she feverishly fought to better her own quality of life. Through medicine, nutrition, fitness, and faith she was able to accomplish this goal. Against all odds, her journey led her to one of the few who before had accomplished the seemingly impossible. Although she was not able to cure her disease, she was able to reverse it – going from the worst known severity of the disease, to being able to manage it with minimal maintenance. Continue reading
MEET ALEXAWhile researching for my website, I have come across many inspiring and compelling stories about those living with lymphedema. I’d like to share some of these stories with you for encouragement and inspiration, and let you know that you are not alone. One such person is Alexa Ercolano. You may know Alexa through her social media and/or her blog, The Lymphie Life. If you are not familiar with her and her work, let me tell you a little bit about this inspiring young woman. Continue reading
Let me introduce you to Amanda Sobey, a beautiful, bright and bubbly lady who has secondary lymphedema. This amazing lady has dedicated her life to become an advocate for lymphedema awareness. She’s someone I think you might like to get to know. A certified personal trainer for those dealing with lymphedema she helps others to reduce their edema by providing the necessary tools in fitness, nutrition, self care, medical equipment and education.
MEETING YOU WHERE YOUR AREOne of the first times I came across Amanda was on a Facebook live post, where she was encouraging people to make a positive change in their lives. Amanda advocates for starting with small changes, even if it is just to get out of bed and get dressed that day. I thought: how wonderful that she is meeting people where they are. No grand expectations, no big goals and lofty ambitions, just make one small positive change today. All true change begins with one small step done consistently, doesn’t it? “Small, daily, seemingly insignificant contributions when done consistently over time, lead to stunning results,” said Robin Sharma from his book, The 5 AM Club. Continue reading
ANDREA/ANDREW COMPRESSION SHIRTThe Compression Closet is adding a new award-winning compression shirt, designed to address lymphedema and edema in the torso, chest and upper arms. Breast surgery and radiation can damage lymph nodes and vessels that lymph moves through, which may lead to lymphedema. Swelling can develop in the breast or torso as a side effect. The Andrea/Andrew shirt is ideal for managing swelling in the chest and torso. Use in combination with Juzo’s Soft Compression sleeve, as well as Juzo’s seamless glove for complete compression coverage of the arm and chest wall and torso. Continue reading
Lymphedema can be easier to deal with in the cooler months of winter. Bug bites and sunburns, which can be extremely dangerous for those with lymphedema, are much less likely for those living in the northern hemisphere. The heat and humidity that makes compression garments difficult to wear in the warmer months is not so much of an issue in these cooler months. This leads to more compliance wearing compression garments, which results in better control of the progression of your condition.
Winter, however, can present challenges of its own. Cold and gray days of winter can be hard on all of us. This year is especially challenging because we have to deal with the virus and many indoor activities are being restricted. How best can we deal with the challenges of winter, while still embracing its benefits? Continue reading
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