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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Visit Donate.nationalbreastcancer.org/ to learn how to help. The NBCF funds cancer research, works to provide free mamograms to low-income women, and serves as a resource for patients and their families. Many cities also have local organizations in need of donations and volunteers.
HOWWE DIAGNOSE AND TREAT LYMPHEDEMA To continue the focus on generating awareness about the prevalence of lymphedema, our team here at Vital Care Physical Therapy wants to get more education out to our readers. We specifically want to share the diagnosis and treatment methods that Michelle Garza, our certified lymphedema therapist, uses when working with lymphedema patients. The recommended treatment for lymphedema really depends on the patient’s progression or which stage their lymphedema has reached. The level of swelling exponentially grows depending on the amount of protein-rich fluid buildup in the limb. If the patient’s swelling is classified at Level I for example, the lymphedema can be reversible with proper treatment. This is why awareness and subsequent prevention is of the utmost importance. The treatment that Dr. Garza uses to reduce swelling and manage pain is referred to as complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which is an intensive program that combines many different treatment approaches, including bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), exercise, and self-care. CDT has two main phases. Phase I consists of reducing the accumulation of lymph in the arm, hand, or other part of the upper body to reduce visible swelling. Although treatment plans are tailored to the individual, Phase I CDT generally involves seeing your lymphedema therapist as prescribed for sessions that include MLD, short-stretch compression bandaging, and exercise. Phase II CDT is about maintaining the results of the initial intensive phase on your own. Although individual treatment plans vary, you can expect to stick with Phase II for the rest of your life. This part includes getting fitted for and wearing compression sleeves and garments, then learning how to put them on correctly and properly care for them. Because patients wear these compression garments all day every day, our therapists work with them to make sure they find the best possible fit and to ensure compliance. If you want more information about lymphedema, complete decongestive therapy, or compression garments, please feel free to reach out to us here at Vital Care Physical Therapy at 623-544-0300.
H omemade M arshmallows
INGREDIENTS
• 3 packages unflavored gelatin • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar • 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract • Powdered sugar, to coat
DIRECTIONS
Inspired by foodnetwork.com. 5. Dust a nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar and spoon mixture into dish. Smooth mixture, top with more powdered sugar, and let stand uncovered overnight. 6. Cut into squares, decorate, and serve. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit while you make the syrup. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. 3. Raise heat to high and bring syrup up to 240 F, using a candy thermometer to check for temperature. 4. With an electric whisk on low speed, slowly whisk syrup into gelatin mixture. Switch speed to high and whip for 15 minutes, until very thick. Fold in vanilla after whipping.
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