The goal of lymphedema therapy is primarily to restore function, reduce physical and psychological suffering, and prevent the development of infection.

Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/22/2014 -- The Lymphedema Association of Saskatchewan hosted a Lymphedema Diagnosis Management and Care Symposium in Prince Albert, last May 9-10 at the Travelodge. An evidence-based information and updates on diagnosis, care and management of lymphedema were discussed.

According to the event organizer, the goal of the symposium was to educate people since very little is known about the condition. Primarily, they invited all medical and health-care professionals and also lymphedema patients, guests, and other interested personnel.

Within the Medicare age population in the U.S., the number of persons diagnosed with lymphedema, or at risk of developing it, went up to 6.8 million individuals. Most of them often neglected or ignored this condition.

Lymphedema, otherwise known as lymphatic obstruction, is a disease which very few are familiar with. It is said that if left untreated, it would lead to infection, disfigurement, disability or even death. It is actually a collection of fluid in the tissue, usually in the limbs, caused by lymph nodes being removed or damaged.

The lymphatic system is crucial to keeping a body in a healthy state. Mainly, it circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout the body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. The lymphatic system carries the fluid and harmful substances through the lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. Then, the wastes are filtered out by lymphocytes (infection- fighting cells that live in lymph nodes), and eventually flushed from the body.

Meanwhile, whether one is well-informed or is not so much educated about lymphedema, it is important to get the possible treatment though it is incurable and one is through lymphedema therapy.

The goal of lymphedema therapy is primarily to restore function, reduce physical and psychological suffering, and prevent the development of infection. This therapy, which includes skin care, manual lymphatic drainage treatment special bandaging, exercises and assessment for appropriate compression garment, helps reduce a patient's fluid build- up quickly. In addition, a lymphedema therapist knows how to proactively reduce swelling.

Lymphedema is an important consideration for clinicians who care for cancer patients because of its relatively high frequency and significant functional and quality of life implications for patients.

Today, there are more options than ever for treating lymphedema, and many have demonstrated some effectiveness in research studies. Good news to know that many studies have exerted efforts on giving possible solution to this condition. As for now, more research and symposium are needed to discuss and know more about the lymphedema.

About The Academy of Lymphatic Studies
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies provides education and training in Lymphedema Management. They are the leading school in the United States for lymphedema training certification for health care professionals in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

The mission of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies is to promote high professional standards and the continuing professional competence of health care practitioners by promoting the quality and integrity of continuing education to practitioners in the field of lymphedema management

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

Reducing the risk of Lymphedema after breast cancer treatment and enjoying the holidays is easy with these following tips.

Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/21/2014 -- Lymphedema can be a distressing side effect of breast cancer and its treatment. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphedema, it's critical to learn everything you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

However, you don't have to skip the season because of your condition. Here are some helpful advices to keep you from infection or injuries that may expose you to a higher risk of having one.

Gentle exercise such as swimming or walking will keep your joints agile and is very important to lymph damage. It is vital to build up exercises gradually so a short walk along the beach would be perfect!

Look after the skin of your "at risk" arm. Avoid using soap that can dry your skin. Moisturize! Any moisturizer that can keep your skin from being dry and flaky can be used. Don't get sun burnt! Use an SPF15 sunscreen or higher. Apply sunscreen even under your clothing to avoid the risk.

Need a massage? Avoid having a deep tissue massage unless the practitioner is trained to work with people of the same condition. A lot of organizations are giving manual lymphatic drainage certification to practitioners so seeking for professionals is handy.

Avoid having cuts, scratches, insect bites and biting your nails for it will allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. Wear protective gloves and use insect repellent when needed.

When removing unwanted hair from your armpit, a well maintained electric razor is the safest method. Waxing is NOT an option. Hair removal cream can be used with caution. Check for skin reactions. Take care when applying the cream and always follow the instructions.

Refrain constriction around the arm and armpit from tight fitting bras and sleeves. Ensure that watches, bracelets and rings are not too tight.

Shopping? Try not to strain with activities such as pulling and pushing, or heavy lifting such as carrying heavy shopping bags. Avoid over-tiring your muscles and stop if you notice any pain or swelling.

During long journeys, gently exercise your arms. If you're on a bus or train, don't hold on with your "at risk" arm. Consider being fitted for a compression sleeve, though some specialists think that this precaution is unnecessary.

If travelling abroad, ask your doctor for prescribed antibiotics to take with you. This is helpful if you are going to a country where access to good quality healthcare is difficult.

There's no reason not to enjoy the heat of the season. Wear your coolest sunglasses and frolic under the summer sun!

About the The Academy of Lymphatic Studies
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies provides education and training in Lymphedema Management. They are the leading school in the United States for lymphedema certification training for health care professionals in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

The mission of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies is to promote high professional standards and the continuing professional competence of health care practitioners by promoting the quality and integrity of continuing education to practitioners in the field of lymphedema management.

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

Businesses are urged to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/16/2014 -- Approximately 10 million Americans and more than 100 million people all over the world suffer from lymphedema. It is a painful and chronic swelling of the lymph nodes which may possibly have an impact on as much as 70 percent of women who have surgery or received chemotherapy for breast cancer. Men who have went have underwent prostate cancer surgery may experience it as well.

The condition occurs when the lymphatic system becomes damaged or blocked, causing fluid build-up in soft body tissues. It creates swelling and when left untreated, can lead to devastating physical effects. Lymphedema is rarely discussed by physicians and can sometimes be ignored, frequently misdiagnosed and may go untreated. At present, there is no cure for the said condition, but it can be treated.

Nowadays, Medicare does not cover the expense of many compression supplies and extended therapeutic treatments necessary for the condition's management. Several private insurance providers are starting to adopt the trend, and are now implementing the exclusion of this type of coverage. The situation caused a lot of cancer survivors to either pay for their excessive medical bills. Unfortunately, some who are unable to pay have no choice left but to endure infections which can lead to disability or death.

Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, discussed about Medicare's coverage on a hearing held by the House of Representatives last year. She mentioned, "Medicare covers durable pneumatic compressors, referred to as lymphedema pumps, and appliances used in conjunction with these pumps under the Part B benefit for durable medical equipment. These equipment and accessories are used to treat lymphedema and are covered because they fall under a defined Medicare benefit category. In order for items to be covered by Medicare, they must meet the definition of a Medicare-covered benefit defined in the statute. However, it is important to note that although Medicare provides coverage for certain items, it does not provide coverage for every item with potential use for a person with a medical problem even if a physician prescribes the item. Other devices used to treat lymphedema, such as sleeves and stockings, are not covered by Medicare because they do not meet the definition of durable medical equipment or any other Medicare benefit category established by law."

The Lymphedema Treatment Act, also known as H.R. 3877, was pioneered by Rep. David Reichert. The legislation aims to strengthen insurance coverage for treating lymphedema by simply amending Medicare insurance statute allowing inclusion of compression supplies used in its treatment.

Phil Hall, publisher and editor of Business-Superstar.com, encouraged businesses to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act through a post made on March 2014. He recognized the crucial role of the private sector in spreading awareness of breast cancer and raising funds for its research. Hall expressed, "I am urging business owners to get behind the Lymphedema Treatment Act and to call on their congressional representatives to turn this bill into law. The business community has done an extraordinary job in fighting against breast cancer – it is time to raise the ante and to fight for cancer survivors to get the medical care they need in order to see another day."

About Academy of Lymphatic Studies
The Academy of Lymphatic Studies provides education and training in Lymphedema Management. It is the leading school in the United States for lymphedema certification training for health care professionals in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive

Therapy (CDT). The mission of the Academy of Lymphatic Studies is to promote high professional standards and the continuing professional competence of health care practitioners by promoting the quality and integrity of continuing education to practitioners in the field of lymphedema management.

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