Executive Director Repicci encourages personalities to step up to help increase social awareness about the condition.

Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/19/2014 -- About 10 million Americans (and over 100 million people worldwide) suffer from lymphedema, according to (Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). It is more common than multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease and breast cancer combined. In time for Lymphedema Awareness Month this March, LE&RN Executive Director William Repicci wrote two articles, one of which calls on for a spokesperson who will step forward and act as an ambassador to help make people aware about the condition which receives little attention.

Lymphedema is a medical condition wherein excessive amounts of protein-rich fluid accumulate, causing swelling in one or more regions of the body. This is caused by the lymphatic system's mechanical failure which happens when the demand for lymphatic drainage exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic circulation. It usually affects the limbs, and may sometimes include the trunk, breast, head and neck or genital area.

According to Repicci, the disease has never caught the attention given diseases which affect far fewer patients. One reason is that the lymphatic system is often disregarded in medical curricula, which leaves doctors often baffled to diagnose or treat the condition. In effect, lymphedema sufferers are often unaware of the disease, and thus ignorant that millions endure likewise.

Majority of American lymphedema sufferers are cancer survivors. There has been an inclination from patients to underplay this side effect from cancer treatment, even though these people claim the condition can be worse than cancer. Its sufferers often report a sense of shame about the condition which causes them to hide it. It can also inflict those who suffered physical trauma, which makes military personnel as another group of candidates for the disease.

Repicci stated the importance of having a national public figure, a spokesperson to become the "face" of lymphedema to increase social awareness about the condition. He mentioned speaking to physicians who divulged treating several famous Hollywood celebrities whose careers have hit rock bottom due to the onset of lymphedema. However, none of the stars came forward. Ingrid Bergman was documented to have an ordeal from lymphedema after a breast cancer surgery in 1974, which progressed and became more severe after the metastasized cancer came back in 1977 which continued until her death in 1982.

The executive director also cited looking for advocates who are political figures. He noted Hillary Clinton acquiring the condition after giving birth to Chelsea, as stated on Ed Klein's book – The Truth About Hillary. He also revealed a Fox News report on December 30, 2008 which accounted Sen. John McCain's melanoma treatment left his face swollen. Repicci declared neither confirmation nor denial came from Clinton and McCain.

Repicci called out for a national dialogue to make lymphatic disease and lymphedema a national priority. He invoked Michael J. Fox's role in stepping up as a champion for Parkinson's disease which resulted in public awareness and funding for its research.

About Academy Bandages
Academy Bandages is the leading supplier of lymphedema treatment supplies and training courses. It has a comprehensive list of supplies of lymphedema products including bandages, padding, bandage kits, compression stockings, garments, wound management, skincare and educational materials.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Taking good care of the body through exercise helps improve Lymphatic obstruction.

Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/17/2014 -- Lymphedema is a medical condition where lymphatic fluids, proteins and cellular wastes are accumulated in the arms, legs and other areas of the body that causes swelling. People suffering with lymphatic obstruction are at high risk of infection and currently there is no cure, medication or surgical treatment available.

Most patients with lymphedema depend on the help of physical therapist with lymphedema therapy certification. These therapists provide patients with decongestive therapy including manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression bandaging, exercise, skin care and teaching basic self-management of lymphedema.

A Good Dose of Exercise
Lymphedema therapy usually comprise of exercises to help the patient restore motor skills and reduce pain. Exercise helps lymph fluid move through the lymphatic system. Muscle contraction when working out also pushes lymph through the lymph vessels that aids in preventing inflammation. New studies revealed exercise on both upper and lower extremities not only helps reduce swelling but also make patients feel better with the release of endorphin, a brain chemical that help lessen the perception of pain.

Helpful types of exercises used in therapy include are cycling, swimming, and gentle aerobics or water aerobics. An everyday walk is also a great way to exercise without the need of fitness equipment.

Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can help clear the lymphatic system in your body. This form of breathing exercise allows lymph to flow into the lymph system in the chest from the area with lymphatic obstruction. It works by changing the pressure in your abdomen and chest, which encourages lymph to flow back into the blood making it helpful to all existing types of lymphedema. Simple breathing exercise can be done by relaxing the shoulders and upper chest before taking a deep breath in holding it for a few seconds before breathing out. Do this breathing technique ten times before working out.

Proper Posture
Posture encourages proper lymph drainage. When sitting down, raise the arm using a pillow to help reduce swelling for arm lymphedema. For legs, put the legs up on a stool or another chair. When lying down, raise the legs using a pillow slightly lower than the head. For lymphedema of the head or neck, use 2 or 3 pillows to raise the head and help the fluid drain.

Other ways to prevent swelling includes the use of lymphedema products; compression garments, lymphedema sleeves and bandages. Compression garments are worn by patients suffering with lymphedema on the affected area. It is worn to maintain edema reduction and to compress the area, arm or leg and encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected area. It is important for patients to get a right fit compression garment to prevent discomfort and pain. Bandages and sleeve provide the same result but are mostly used on specific areas garments do not cover.

Health organizations are raising awareness lymphedema and promoting a healthy lifestyle for patients to help improve their lives while waiting for a permanent cure.

About Academy Bandages
Academy Bandages is the leading supplier of lymphedema treatment supplies and training courses. It has a comprehensive list of supplies of lymphedema products including bandages, padding, bandage kits, compression garments, wound management, skincare and educational materials.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm