Living With Your Condition

Working With Lymphedema: How To Make Your Job Lymphedema-friendly

Explaining Lymphedema to Friends, Family and Strangers

It can happen at any time: You might be grocery shopping, minding your own business, trying to figure out which type of salad would go best with the pasta for dinner, when all of a sudden, a stranger appears from stage right, points to your compression garment, and asks, “What happened to your leg?”

Psychosocial Effects of Lymphedema and Lipedema

When you are diagnosed with lymphedema or lipedema, there are not just physical effects. These conditions are chronic and progressive so can bring several challenges along with them. Having regular physical therapy in itself is a big pill to swallow.

How to Be a Lymphedema Ally

Lymphedema Support: How To Be A Lymphedema Ally

Why Are Exercise and Movement So Important?

How does exercise help my swelling? Are there other ways exercise can help? We give you the anwsers to these important questions.

Buying Shoes

For many, shoe shopping is one of life’s pleasures, but for those with swollen feet, the thought of shopping for footwear fills them with dread and may not be such an enjoyable experience. Moreover, it can be difficult, stressful and possibly embarrassing.

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lives, as well as a one in one thousand men. Breast cancer has a good prognosis if caught early before the malignant cells spread, and a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, medication and/or hormone therapy is often successful in treating it.

Listening to the Stories of Others: Global Edition

Lymphedema is a unique and chronic condition that can be overwhelming and may be associated with feeling anxious or alone. Sometimes you may think you are alone, but know that you are not. Lymphedema does not discriminate and impacts those all across the world.

Could I Have Lipedema?

Lipedema is a medical, long-term, chronic condition that is the accumulation of abnormal fat (adipose tissue) and is unrelated to diet. It particularly affects the lower limbs; however, it can also impact the arms. It appears to affect women only and there currently is not a cure.

Before You Travel

Those affected by lymphedema, lipedema or general swelling, may find travel challenging. travel, humid temperatures and being away from home can sometimes make coping with the condition difficult. The top tips and advice are designed to help make any travel or holiday experience as enjoyable as possible.

Nutrition Guide: Eating and Living Healthy

A balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of good health – and eating healthy is easier when you follow some basic nutrition guidelines.

A Day at the Beach

We’re in the middle of summer, and you’re probably longing for a vacation. Especially given the current travel restrictions, a short trip to the beach, lake or river is a great option to escape the daily routine. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind before you go on your way.

How to Explain Lipedema to your Colleagues

The causes of lipedema are not easy to understand, and there are still some uncertainties about this chronic disease. Even healthcare professionals are often not aware of its differences to other diseases such as obesity or lymphedema. So how can you explain your lipedema to your colleagues at work?

Increasing Awareness for Lipedema

Lipedema is still under-recognized and listed as a rare disease according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)¹. Even some healthcare professionals are not aware of lipedema or mistake it for obesity or lymphedema. But there is some good news: more and more scientific articles are published about lipedema. So how does this affect you and your lipedema?

How to Increase Your Strength Without Using Weights

Regular exercise and movement are essential parts of lymphedema and lipedema treatment. Besides aerobic training, you should also integrate some strength training into your workouts. However, increasing your strength doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to lift weights.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Europe¹ and the second most common in the US². The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness of this disease. In light of this great campaign, we want to take the chance to explain how lymphedema relates to breast cancer.

Fascia Training - What It Is and how It Works

Many athletes or physical therapists regularly do fascia training with foam rollers to improve mobility and prevent injuries. But what is fascia, and what are the benefits of fascia training?

How to Stay Positive During the Darker Season

When the days get shorter and darker, many of us struggle with our mood from time to time. Managing your lipedema or lymphedema already takes a lot of effort and can be even more challenging in these times. These tips and tricks can help you keep positive vibes throughout the dark season.

Managing Lipedema as a Young Adult

Lipedema affects every woman differently. But when you are diagnosed with lipedema at a very young age, things can be even more challenging. Here we explain how lipedema is associated with genetics and hormonal changes, as well as how your family can support you in managing your disease.

Crazy about Comfort?

Wearing compression can really make a difference when you are treated for lymphedema or lipedema. However, it can be challenging to find a comfortable garment that fits your individual body shape. Ready for something new and unique? Then you should definitely continue reading!

New Year's resolution: Friend or foe?

It's a common phenomenon that we observe at the beginning of every new year: many of us join fitness clubs, we decide to eat healthier, move and exercise more. We often set ambitious goals but just as quickly neglect them. Why do our New Year's resolutions fail ever so often and what can we do instead?

Healthy Treats for the Winter Season

Most of us associate wintertime with cozy evenings at home, enjoying indulgent treats. What would winter be without all these sweet goodies? Balanced nutrition is an important part of lymphedema and lipedema treatment as being overweight can worsen your symptoms. If you want to stick with your healthy lifestyle, we have some good news: there are plenty of healthy alternatives to enjoy.

Keep on Moving: Motivation for the Winter Season

When the days grow shorter and darker, it can be challenging to find the motivation to exercise. Particularly when it’s cold and rainy outside, most of us prefer to stay in. So how can you stick to your workout routine through the winter?

March Is All About Lymphedema

On March 6th, the annual World Lymphedema Awareness Day gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and make lymphedema a global priority. Several countries will launch campaigns to educate patients, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals.

Dating With Lymphedema or Lipedema

After more than two years of social distancing, you’re probably looking forward to getting out into the world again. Whether that’s meeting up with friends or family you’ve not seen for a long time or, perhaps, you’re thinking about going on a physical date; a dinner, rather than meeting for a virtual coffee? For many of us, this is something we may no longer be used to and, if you have lymphedema or lipedema, the prospect of an upcoming date comes with additional challenges.

Diagnosis Lipedema - What to Expect

Diagnosing lipedema can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Although awareness of lipedema is increasing, it is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. Many lipedema patients report countless visits to different healthcare professionals before the correct diagnosis is made. Were you recently diagnosed with lipedema? Then hopefully this article will help you understand what that means and what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months.

Dressing Up for Summer

As winter comes to an end, and we look forward to a summer spent socializing, it’s time to dress up in the latest trends. If you like bright colors and feminine styles, this season’s fashions are yours to enjoy!

Exercising With Compression

As the weather gets better and the days get longer, you might find yourself much more motivated to exercise outdoors. But how do you find the right compression garment to get started?

Diagnosis Lipedema - How to Find an Expert

Specialized healthcare professionals are usually required to confirm the diagnosis of lipedema. Coordinating appointments with different healthcare professionals, finding compression garments that are comfortable and fit well - all together, it can be overwhelming. But managing your condition is easier with the right professional support at your side. In this article, we want to offer some guidance on finding experts to support your treatment after your diagnosis has been made.

June Is Lipedema Awareness Month

June has been designated as Lipedema Awareness Month, which gives us the chance to raise awareness and make lipedema a global priority. Medical societies, companies, and patient organizations in several countries will be launching campaigns to educate patients, their families and friends, and healthcare professionals about this condition.

Maximizing Comfort with Lymphedema and Lipedema

Being diagnosed with lymphedema or lipedema brings significant changes to your daily life. It takes time to cope with the diagnosis, and to become accustomed to regular exercise, weight management and other new routines. Not to mention wearing compression garments every day. This article aims to share how you can maximize comfort while managing lymphedema or lipedema.

Take to the Water This Summer

You might feel tempted to stop exercising in the summer. And that’s understandable. After all, with temperatures rising and little respite from the heat at night, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. However, water-based exercise is the perfect way to stay active during the hot season.

Yoga - Harmony for Body and Mind

In recent years, yoga has become increasingly popular in western countries. New yoga studios open every day, and many online classes are available. Practicing yoga has also become part of a healthy and mindful lifestyle. For most people, yoga is a synonym for physical exercise, but it’s so much more than that.

Summer Dinner Party

Mild summer evenings are the perfect occasion to invite family and friends for an al fresco dinner party. So, if you're looking for inspiration to find healthy recipes and non-alcoholic drinks, you've come to the right place.

How Sustainability and Health Are Connected

Sustainability is a term widely used by organizations to attract attention and show they are ‘green’. However, sustainability not only refers to our environment but can also be addressed at a physical, social, and emotional level. This article explains the connection between sustainability and our general health and well-being.

Do I Need a Compression Sleeve after Breast Cancer Treatment?

One of the most common questions from clinicians and patients is whether a compression sleeve is needed immediately after treatment for breast cancer. 

Tips for Hot Weather

The summer is here and the heat is on! We know that trying to manage your swelling in the hot summer months can be a challenge.  Here are some suggestions to try to keep you cool when the weather heats up. 

Family Planning and Pregnancy With Lymphedema or Lipedema

Planning a family is a big decision to take. You might be concerned about how pregnancy will impact your lymphedema or lipedema, or you may be worried about whether your child will inherit your condition.

The Role of Friendships When Living With a Chronic Disease

Being diagnosed with a chronic (long-term) condition such as lymphedema or lipedema can turn your life upside down. It can also impact your relationships with existing friends and create barriers to making new ones.

Holidays are Here!

We all look forward to the holidays, but if you have lymphedema it may be a difficult time to stay on track with your regular maintenance schedule.

Lipedema Awareness Interview with Shana Grantham

Shana Grantham is a Medical Advisor for Essity in Northern California and is a lipedema patient who was diagnosed with lipedema in her mid-40s, even though she noticed at 13-14 years old that as she was trying to find clothing to wear and that fit her, she could not find clothes that fit. Her body shape is small waist, large thighs and hips. Trying to find pants to fit her was almost impossible. Here are some excerpts from the interview with Shana on Facebook live with Lymphie Strong.

JOBST® Confidence: Compression tights with no groin seam

Soft, snug and comfortable – sounds like JOBST Confidence, doesn’t it? Caroline tested the flat-knit compression tights for you.

Goodbye Black and Grey – Say Hello to This Winter's Fashion Trends

Did you enjoy our last article about summer styles? Well, as the year's whizzing past, it's time to start thinking about winter trends. As always, we focus on trends that can be combined with compression garments!

Winter Dinner Party

It's a familiar situation: a holiday season packed with indulgent treats, heavy meals, and a list of shows we want to watch on TV. This, combined with weather that's not always great leaves us with little time or inclination to exercise and move. This article won't solve all these issues but will hopefully inspire you with simple, healthy dinner recipes.

Why Mental Health Should Be a Global Priority

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day, a day recognized annually, and designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to support mental health.

Tips for Flat Knit Compression Garments

Picking a custom made flat knit garment is not always easy… There are many garment choices, and it can be very confusing to both you and even your fitter or therapist to decide on the right garment. JOBST tries to make that choice a little easier by having 3 different knits for containment.

Holistic treatment for Lymphedema and Lipedema

Lymphedema and lipedema are both lifelong chronic conditions, the most important part of a treatment plan is finding a qualified health care provider who is well trained in treating these chronic diseases. 

Finding a Community

Lipedema and lymphedema numbers continue to climb throughout North America, as more clinicians are educated on diagnosing these conditions.

Lymphedema and Skin care

Caring for your skin is one of the most important components of lymphedema treatment.

Pediatric Lymphedema - Brylan’s Feat and Camp Watchme

We wanted to share with you a fantastic organization that helps children all around the world to find treatment and assistance to get the help they need.

Air Travel and Lymphedema

Summer Travel may include taking a flight to your favorite getaway destination, however flying can also increase swelling or potentially cause swelling. 

Deep Breathing and Breathing Exercises for Well Being

We don’t have to think about breathing, our body does it automatically.  However, many of us do not do deep breathing that is very important to lymphatic drainage.

What should you look out for after breast cancer surgery?

Breast and trunk swelling can occur following breast cancer surgeries and radiation therapy.  However, identifying and managing edema and lymphedema in these areas can be difficult.