HOW COULD WE IMPROVE OUR LYMPH SYSTEM?I just read a book about habits and how they impact our lives. Small shifts can make big changes and have a profound effect on our lives. What small changes could we make to have a profound effect on our lymphatic system? Improving our lymph system and therefore improving our overall health? Continue reading
MEETING DR. FARROWI once had the privilege of meeting Dr. Wade Farrow, certified Wound Specialist Physician, and hearing him speak about his FarrowWrap. It was invented to help one of his patients, a seamstress who had chronic leg swelling. She could not wear compression stockings, and was prescribed a non-elastic wrap. She liked it when she first donned it, but soon found that the garment was too flimsy, didn’t conform completely to her limb because it had no stretch, and as the swelling reduced in her leg, it got loose and fell down.
The seamstress made one out of suede leather and was happier with this solution. When she followed up with Dr. Farrow, he realized that this one was perhaps better, because it was rigid, but that what was needed was a new type of garment made of short-stretch material. Traditional short-stretch bandages performed well, but were hard for patients to learn to apply. They also loosened quickly, and had too many layers. It wasn’t the best long term solution for many patients with chronic swelling. Continue reading
LYMPH-A-WHAT?I had no idea what lymphedema was before I got involved with the fitting of compression garments. I don’t think I had ever heard the word before. Unfortunately this is not uncommon in our society. When asked about my profession I often have to go into a long explanation of what lymphedema is and how it affects the body, because so few people are aware of it or understand how it affects people.
Countless times I have helped people with swollen limbs that have never heard of lymphedema or understood why their limb was so large. Often misdiagnosed or their condition is dismissed as just extra weight. Awareness is key to deal with this chronic disease that seems to be becoming more prevalent in our society. Continue reading
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AND LYMPHEDEMAWe are now heading into the “dog days of summer”, commonly described as the most oppressive period of summer heat. Summer and hot humid weather can be a challenge to all of us, but especially for those living with lymphedema. However, being aware of the complications presented by these warmer months can help prevent further issues and complications when living with lymphedema. Continue reading
Who’s ready to start traveling again? I know I am!! However, it’s important to note that those living with lymphedema do have to take some special precautions while traveling. Here are 20 travel tips to consider when traveling with lymphedema. Continue reading
DO YOU FEEL ISOLATED?I’ve met several people on this lymphedema journey who at one time or another felt isolated and alone. They didn’t know anyone like them who had a large leg or a giant hand, they felt different, isolated and alone. Well that may have been the case at one time, but this no longer has to be the story. I believe social media and the internet itself has changed this all up in a big way and provides a good deal of support for lymphedema. Continue reading
Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the easiest ways to move lymphatic fluid through your system, which in turn helps to eliminate toxins and benefit lymphedema. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no active pump to move the lymphatic fluid back into the bloodstream. Therefore, effective lymph flow depends on muscle and joint activity, especially if the lymphatic system is compromised. Continue reading
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
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