Lymphedema Education.....

As some of you may have seen last week I announced the dates of this year's Lymphedema Lectures.  Not all of you may know what this is all about so I thought I would take the opportunity to get you in the loop.

Last March I finished my training to become certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  CDT is a specialized training taken over the past two years that focuses on the treatment and management of Lymphedema.  (I posted an article on Lymphedema last November) With this training I became determined to educate the public about this condition.
Lymphedema is a non-curable condition but it can be managed and those who are diagnosed can continue to live their normal life.  It is common in cancer survivors.  As I was preparing to take my final Level of CDT training, an article appeared in the local paper that announced the opening of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.  (http://www.simcoe.com/community/health/article/906371--filling-a-serious-gap-for-cancer-patients)  What a great platform for me to educate those who may already or are at high risk of developing lymphedema!
I got in touch with Sandy Cornell the Director and Founder of the centre and pitched my idea.  She was just as excited as I was.  So the Lymphedema Lecture Series - Lymphedema and Me, was developed.  The idea started as a series of 3 lectures covering a boat load of information.  It was well received by the members.

The 3 topics were:
1. Getting to know Lymphedema
This covered the basics, What is lymphedema?  What is the lymphatic system?  Who is at risk?  Types of lymphedema, and signs and symptoms of the disease.
2.  What are my options?
In this lecture we covered in more detail what treatment options are available and what those at risk can do to help lower their chances of developing lymphedema.
3. Compression Bandages
In the final lecture we covered bandaging and garment options that are out there.  A demonstration done on myself of what is involved with self bandaging was performed.

This year we are going to change things up a little bit and combined the first two lectures into one and offer the third if there is interest.

The dates for the year are:

Thursday March 8, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday June 7, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday September 13, 2012 from 1:00  to 2:00 pm 

Thursday December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

The presentations will be help at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre which is located at 15 Jeffery Street, Penetanguishene, ON.

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at info@gbmt.ca