Gentle Strength Training Can Improve Lymphedema

Looking for a great exercise program for lymphedema patients with stable lymphedema? Strength training can be beneficial for lymphedema because it will allow you to perform daily activities with less effort, possibly preventing injury and subsequent swelling.

If you want to start a strength training program, first talk to your doctor and always follow general safety principles listed below.

-Always wear your compression garment if you have lymphedema. If you are “AT RISK” of lymphedema it may be beneficial to wear a compression garment.

-Start with a moderate weight and work with a personal trainer

-Allow adequate rest intervals between sets

-Avoid constrictive clothing or weights that wrap tightly around an extremity

-Maintaining good hydration

-Avoid extreme heat or overheating

-Never exercise to the point of pain

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the kind, beautiful, strong and irreplaceable mom's in our lives!

Heartwarming story, just in time for Mother's Day!

Grieving Mother Cat Who Lost All Three of Her Babies 'Adopts' Trio of Abandoned Kittens

BY KELLI BENDER 

Mikey the cat is finally getting her moment to be a mom.

The 8-month-old feline from Houston, Texas, recently gave birth to three kittens, reports the Huffington Post. Mikey's babies were born premature and weak. The cat's owner, Hillary, tried to help the mom save the trio, but all of the kittens eventually died.

Prepared to be a mother, Mikey obviously appeared heartbroken after losing her babies. Hilary said her pet started acting depressed and would search the house for her kittens. Wanting to help ease Mikey's suffering, Hillary called Dori's Darlings, a local cat rescue organization.

Dori Hillman, the owner of the rescue, connected the concerned owner with Amanda Lowe and Kelli Nicole, who were caring for three abandoned kittens. Just a few days old, Teddy, Abby and Lily required constant care and supervision.

Lowe had the idea of introducing the needy kittens to Mikey. The grieving mother cat met the babies the day after Hillary and Lowe spoke, and instantly connected with the new brood.

As soon as Lowe set Teddy, Abby and Lily in front of Mikey, the cat reached out for the kittens and begin to "hug" and lick them. Minutes later, Mikey rolled over to allow the kittens to nurse from her. Cautiously, each of the babies began to feed.

Lowe and Hillary were watching a new family form before their eyes. Several hours after meeting, Mikey and the kittens were playing, sleeping and cuddling together. Thankfully, Nicole, who works as a photographer, was there to document the special bond building between the new mom and her adopted kids.

Lowe left Hillary's home without the kittens, deciding to let them grow up in the loving paws of Mikey instead.


"This was just an awful thing she went through and this will be healing for her," she told Huffington Post.

Trending: Performance Socks

For all you athletes out there, Sigvaris Sports USA now offers graduated compression performance socks and sleeves. All SIGVARIS SPORTS products use the basic principle of true graduated compression with the strongest pressure at the ankle. When blood is properly circulated, it restores much-needed oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles that have been deprived during a workout. SIGVARIS SPORTS products help muscles regenerate more efficiently and to remove any lactic acid that has built up. We carry the full line of performance compression wear. Come by and see our BOC/ABC compression garment fitter to ensure you are wearing the proper sized socks or sleeves for peak performance!

Researchers predict 50% more women diagnosed with breast cancer by 2030

BY SHAY ARTHUR

Researchers with the National Cancer Institute said by 2030 the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer will increase by 50%.

“Regardless whether you have a history or not it’s still devastating, you know you think about so many things, your children, my husband, being a mother and wife,” explained Tracey Dillihunt Monday afternoon.

Dillihunt said she knows firsthand the effects of breast cancer.

Not only was she a six-year survivor, her two sisters were also diagnosed before her.

While breast cancer has been part of Dillihunt’s life for years, she was still surprised to hear cases were predicted to increase by 50% in the next 15 years.

But breast cancer researcher Dr. Gregory Vidal of the West Cancer Center said the study was pretty on point with the trends he’s been seeing.

“We sort of expected those numbers to come up,” explained Vidal.

Vidal cited a few reasons for the increase including longer life expectancy and more screening that allowed doctors to catch very early stage growths that down the road might not require treatment.

Dr. Vidal, who has dedicated his life to research, said he didn’t want the numbers to scare people.

“Anything that brings attention to it is a plus in my book. What I don’t want to happen is for people to overreact by seeing the numbers,” he said.

Vidal explained a big part of the increase in the study comes from doctors detecting stage 0 breast cancer or abnormal cells.

“Some people wouldn’t even consider it breast cancer,” he said.

Vidal also pointed out the study predicted the number of aggressive breast cancer tumors will drop by 10%, which was good news.

“Those tumors tend to affect younger women and those tumors tend to take your life,” explained Vidal.

Studies showed one in eight women were predicted to have breast cancer.

Dillihunt said she hoped the study would bring awareness and help the millions of people affected by breast cancer.

“If you don’t have breast cancer, you’re going to know someone that has it,” she said.

Delicious Recipes for Mother's Day Brunch

Passion Fruit Mimosas

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons grenadine
1 1/2 cups chilled passion fruit juice
1 (750 ml) bottle chilled prosecco
Orange slices, for garnish
Preparation

1. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon grenadine into each of 6 flutes; top with 1/4 cup passion fruit juice, then fill with prosecco. Garnish, if desired.

Braised Kale Frittata

Ingredients

6 large eggs
4 large egg whites
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 ounce Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, grated (3 TBSP)
2 tablespoons chopped oregano
Cooking spray
2 cups Braised Kale without cheese, drained, finely chopped
3/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients (through oregano).

2. Lightly coat an 8-inch ovenproof cast-iron or nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium. Add the kale and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until hot (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs and swirl to distribute.

3. Transfer to the oven and bake until set and hot (about 20 minutes). Cut in wedges.

5 Ways to Keep Your Legs Healthy During Pregnancy

1. Avoid standing and sitting for prolonged periods.  Moving legs are healthier legs!
2. Stay active.  Frequent moderate physical exercise is important to maintain healthy legs.
3. Wear medical compression hosiery.  Compression hosiery and socks help promote blood circulation by improving venous blood return back to the heart.
4. At night or when resting during the day, lie comfortably with your legs slightly elevated.
5. Avoid extended exposure to heat from sunbathing, hot baths, or the sauna as excessive heat will cause your veins to dilate and may induce swelling.

If you are pregnant and are interested in protecting your legs during your pregnancy, we carry a full line of ready to wear compression hosiery in different styles and colors.  We also have a BOC/ABC custom garment fitter on staff who can help you determine if custom garments would be a better fit for your legs.  Please call (713) 623-4247 and set up a free consultation today!