Let’s Talk Lymphoedema
“Lymphoedema is a hidden epidemic. It is one of the least recognised illnesses – among both doctors and patients.” This is a statement made by the authors, which highlights why they describe its purpose as being to “help raise awareness and understanding of the condition, and improve the lives of sufferers as much as possible.”
Despite being as common as Alzheimer’s disease, and four times more common than rheumatoid arthritis, Lymphoedema remains largely unknown. However, this book has helped to shine a light on lymphoedema and encourage people to finally start talking about this condition, which affects so many.
Gemma Levine, a sufferer of Lymphoedema and author of the bestseller ‘Go with the Flow’ which focuses on her experience of breast cancer, and Professor Peter Mortimer, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Lymphoedema for over 30 years, have worked collaboratively on this book, and in doing so have created an extremely valuable resource to support the understanding and management of this condition.
Unfortunately, patients can still be un- or mis-diagnosed for years after their first visit to a medical professional. Without a diagnosis, it remains impossible for these patients to search for additional information, treatment options and a support network.
Here at LymphActiv we love the book because it emphasises the need to change. Lymphoedema significantly affects a person’s quality of life, and it is now predicted that over 250 million people worldwide are living with the condition; it deserves to be under the spotlight.
At LymphActiv, we help those with Lymphoedema manage their condition through optimisation of their physical activity. In the book, it explains how physical activity is “one of the most important areas of management”; movement helps to stimulate the flow of lymph through the system, reduces swelling and helps alleviate symptoms, improving quality of life.
We’re lucky enough to be working with Peter Mortimer at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to gather further evidence on the positive impact the LymphActiv service can have on these conditions.
To conclude, ‘Let’s Talk Lymphoedema’ has helped us at LymphActiv enhance our awareness and knowledge on this condition, and we recommend it to everyone. Click here for a link to buy the book.
Let’s all be a part of the journey of raising awareness on Lymphoedema, to ensure more research is conducted, and that sufferer’s get the support they deserve. In the meantime, keep in mind: every move you make matters when it comes to your health!
The LymphActiv Team
