ARE YOU READY TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE?

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.

AGAINST ALL ODDS!

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 ALEXA

While 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 →

BEAUTIFUL, BRIGHT AND BUBBLY

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 ARE

One 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 →

LYMPHEDEMA AND WINTER

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 →

SIGVARIS CHIPSLEEVE

My next spotlight garment is the Sigvaris Chipsleeve for the arm. Chipsleeve garments are an essential tool for those dealing with chronic lymphedema. Use the Sigvaris Chipsleeve as a bandage liner, making bandaging quick, easy and effective. This is a wonderful garment to have in your tool box in case you have a flare-up with your lymphedema. This garment can also be used as a nighttime garment, as it provides continual compression therapy for your arm, moving lymph while you sleep. Continue reading →