March 2020 Health Matters

Swelling? It Could Be Lymphedema...

A ny kind of unexplained swelling in your body warrants a full and speedy assessment by your physician, especially if you have had recent surgery, suffer from cardiovascular disease, or have been treated for cancer through lymph node removal or radiation. If you feel that something is not quite right, for example, perhaps an arm or leg feels unusually heavy or is visibly swollen, your jewelry or clothing is feeling tight in one specific area, or you have been experiencing repeated infections, you may have a condition called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a swelling caused by accumulation of fluids due to a compromised lymphatic system, which regulates the body's immune responses. Lymphedema can affect areas of your body that are not being properly drained because lymph nodes are missing or the lymphatic system has been damaged. "Although there is technically no cure for lymphedema, the condition can be managed by a

certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) who has been specifically trained and certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)," says NCH Occupational Therapist Rebecca Greenwood, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA. Greenwood continues, "Complete Decongestive Therapy includes the gold- standard of treatment called The Vodder Method of manual lymph drainage, as well as compression (bandaging and/ or compression garments), good skin care to reduce infection risk, and decongestive exercises that move joints and muscles to help promote lymphatic flow. After a physician's referral, we conduct an evaluation to create an individualized treatment program." Although lymphedema may be caused by a genetic or congenital abnormality in the lymphatic system, it can also be due to an overloaded venous system that can impact the lymphatic system. Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Sandra Hutchinson, NCH Occupational Therapist, OT,CLT-

ALM,KTP,MFR further explains, "the condition can affect any age, male or female, and increase the risk of infection." She further explains the Vodder Method involves manual techniques designed to re-route lymphatic fluid around the damaged area toward healthy, intact lymph nodes where fluid drains normally. After treatment, the patient wears compression bandages or garments to prevent fluid from re- entering the affected area." Both Hutchinson and Greenwood are lymphedema therapists who have completed a 135- hour special lymphedema certification, as well as advanced lymphedema management courses. During treatment, both therapists focus on education so patients can perform treatments at home. Patient education focuses on risk reduction practices, performing self-lymphatic drainage, a wear and care schedule for compression, exercises, recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, and good skin care to facilitate long term success of lymphedema management.

Sandra Hutchinson demonstrates the Vodder Method manipulation.

For more information, contact NCH Outpatient Rehabilitation at Briggs Health Pavilion Downtown at (239) 624-1600 or NCH Outpatient Rehabilitation in Bonita Springs at (239) 624-0970

Rebecca Greenwood showing a lymphatic system chart.

LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES Are you one of the 29 million Americans with diabetes? To be your healthiest and feel your best: iving Well with Diabetes re you one of the 29 million Americans with diabetes? e your healthiest and feel your best:

Eat more fruits and vegetables, less sugar and salt . Eat m its and vegeta l s, less sugar and salt. Take diabetes medicine as prescribed. T i betes e ici e as prescribed. Living Well with Diabetes Are you one of the 29 million Americans with diab tes? To be your healthiest nd feel your best: Get physically active — aim for at least 150 min/week. t physically active aim f at least 150 min/week. Make and keep appointments with your health care team. Make and keep appointments with your health care team.

Check blood sugar regularly. sugar r ularly. l

Know your ABCs: - Regular A 1C test - B lood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg - Control c holesterol - Stop/don't start s moking Kno yo r : - Regular A 1C test - B lood pressure below140/90mmHg - Control c holesterol - Stop/don’t start s moking

DID YOU KNOW... making healthy lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk of diabetes-related problems. It really works. Did you know... makinghealthy lifestyle changes cangreatly reduce your risk of diabetes-relatedhealthproblems. It reallyworks! Call the NCH von Arx Diabetes and Nutrition Hea th Center t (239) 624-3450 for more information on nutrition counseling and weight management. Eat more fruits and vegetables, less sugar and salt. Get physically active —aim for at least 150 min/week. Take diabetes medicine as prescribed. Make and keep appointments with your health care team. Check blood sugar regularly. Know your ABCs: - Regular A 1C test - B lood pressure below140/90mmHg - Control c holesterol - Stop/don’t start s moking

Call the NCH von Arx Diabetes and Nutrition Health Center at (239) 624-3450 for more information on nutrition counseling and weight management Did you know... makinghealthy lifestyle changes cangreatly reduce your risk of diabetes-relatedhealthproblems. It reallyworks! Call the NCH von Arx Diabetes and Nutrition Health Center at (239) 624-3450 for more information on nutrition counseling and weight management.

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