Lymphedema Facts you may not know

March 6th is World Lymphedema Day.  As a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist I want to help spread the word about lympedema, what it is and how you can get assistance.

Boston’s Zakim Bridge will recognize WLD on March 6, 2018. The iconic landmark that overlooks part of downtown Boston and Boston Harbor will be lit up in teal on March 6th, 2018 to recognize World Lymphedema Day.

Here are 6 facts from LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org that you may not know

1. Lymph • edema (lim – fa – DEE – ma) is chronic swelling (edema) caused by a build up of fluid (lymph) that occurs when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged. There is no cure for lymphedema, but it can be effectively treated.

2. The Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) is a federal bill that aims to improve insurance coverage for the medically necessary, doctor-prescribed compression supplies that are the cornerstone of lymphedema treatment.

3. An estimated 3-5 million Americans suffer from lymphedema — including many that are undiagnosed or undertreated. That is more than ALS, Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Parkinson’s Disease combined.

4. Most physicians in the United States are taught about the lymphatic system for 1 hour or less during their 4 years of medical school training.

5. There is no known cure for lymphedema, but it can be effectively treated. Compression therapy is the most critical component of treatment. Without it, patients are at increased risk for complications and disability.

6. Medicare, and many private insurance policies do NOT cover compression garments, wraps, or bandages — the supplies needed for compression therapy.

The Lymphedema Treatment Act is a bill, currently in Congress, that aims to improve insurance coverage for compression supplies, allowing lymphedema patients to maintain a healthy and productive life.

For more information visit LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org