eNewsletter July 2023

LAA eNewsletter – July 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends, 

Welcome to the July edition of the Lymphoedema Association Australia e-newsletter. This is my first report for some time, having taken time out for recovery from injury earlier this year. I’d like to thank Debbie and the Board for stepping in and taking on a range of tasks over the past 6 months. In this edition, we have just a few snippets of what is happening across the lymphoedema world, and the LAA. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and so we’ll keep this update for the key news this month. 
I would like to highlight the work of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, with their latest scoping report. The LAA would welcome working with the AIHW and other organisations on any initiatives that would increase awareness and early diagnosis of this chronic health condition. 

We are super excited to have LASA join with the Lymphoedema Association Australia from 1 July 2023! This means we are truly a national consumer led body, and we are so very pleased to welcome our new South Australian members! 

I hope you enjoy this update,

Mary  
President

WELCOME LYMPHOEDEMA ASSOCIATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA (LASA)

We are delighted to welcome members from the Lymphoedema Association South Australia (LASA). LASA has now closed, and integrated with the National Organisation of Lymphoedema Association Australia (LAA). You will note that things in South Australia will continue, business as usual! Coffee Catch-Ups are continuing, and can be found on the calendar of the LAA website. See below under Support Group Meetings. South Australian volunteers will still continue to collaborate as a working party, to ensure that the state maintains its sense of community and continues to feel supported and empowered.

The LAA Board would like to acknowledge the fantastic work of the outgoing LASA Committee members: Kellie Thomas, Deb Hart, Heather Jones, Kylie Bradley, Richard Roope, Andrea Pluck, Jeremy Pluck, Christina Paxon, Ashlynne Pointon. 

They have taken LASA from strength to strength, including incredible work on lobbying for and establishing a SA garment scheme, and will now be able to continue their valuable work, without having to worry about the day to day runnings of an association. They are looking forward to continuing to organise education and networking days within South Australia under the LAA banner. 
We would also like to acknowledge the continued work of the Current Coffee Catch Up Ambassadors: Suzanne Coopman, Jillian Critchley and Jill Whitford. 

Thank you for the generous donation of your time to ensure this important and supportive service continues. 

LAA extends a warm welcome to our South Australian members and friends. We are committed to supporting, empowering and advocating for the lymphoedema community of South Australia, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.

LAA ONLINE SHOP

Purchases of lymphoedema merchandise assist the Lymphoedema Association Australia to continue its  goals of awareness, support, education and advocacy. Check out some of our merchandise below. Please let us know if there is something you would like to see available in our online shop. We are always looking for new ideas.

     These cooling towels are really helpful for people with lymphoedema to help battle the Australian heat. They can
     be draped over limbs/garments to help assist cooling too. Cools up to 15 degrees below the outdoor temperature,     
     lasts as long as the towel remains wet. Easy, 3 step activation. Simply wet, wring out and snap tight to remove
     excess water. Postage charges have been applied. If purchasing multiple items please contact to check postage charges.
     
     $20.00 (inclusive of GST)  & includes postage.

   Lymphoedema produces swelling and other physical symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life and often
   impact on family, friends and even work colleagues. In bringing together contributions from a diverse range of
   health professionals working in the field this book covers: • How the lymphatic system works • The signs and
   symptoms of Lymphoedema • Diagnostic techniques • Approaches to managing Lymphoedema • The various
   therapies and treatments available • Handling emotional and lifestyle challenges.
   
   Contributing authors: Neil Piller, clinical research scientist; Maree O'Connor, physiotherapist; Tammy Boatman, 
   occupational therapist; Rosalind Deacon, physiotherapist; Eric Haan, clinical geneticist; David McCombe, plastic
   surgeon; Wayne Morrison, plastic surgeon; Hildegard Reul-Hirche, physiotherapist; Terence Ryan, dermatologist;
   Penelope Sanderson, social worker; Louis Vecchié, dietician; and Christopher Wheeler, podiatrist.
   $24.50 (inclusive of GST) & includes postage. Please contact us if multiple copies are required, as we may be able to adjust postage pricing.

To visit our online shop and see other products, click here

PROJECT UPDATE

     An LAA working party is currently reviewing the GP Education Card. Some of you may be familiar with the old four page
    green document “Lymphoedema:guide for diagnosis and management in general practice”. This was previously developed
    back in 2007, as a Victorian project initiated by the Lymphoedema Association of Victoria. LAA is currently working with
    partners to update this document and make it suitable to all states and territories.

     Stay tuned! We hope to make it available later in the year. 

AIHW REPORT

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released their data source scoping report in June. "Towards an estimate of the prevalence of lymphoedema in Australia". You can download the report HERE

"The AIHW highlighted the “lack of awareness of lymphoedema among medical practitioners leading to the under-diagnosis of the condition.” The LAA hears this concern regularly from our members and stakeholders. It is validating to see this identified as a critical factor in improving the outcomes for people living with lymphoedema. It reinforces the need for projects like the one mentioned above “Lymphoedema: Guide for diagnosis and management in general practice”.

It was also great to see multiple causes of lymphoedema recognised in the AIHW report. The LAA often sees people living with lymphoedema caused by hereditary (primary) and non-cancer-related lymphoedema forgotten, both in the data and in the available treatment options. The AIHW highlighted that “most available data relates to lymphoedema as a result of cancer treatment and therefore underestimates the total prevalence of lymphoedema in Australia, which needs to include primary and non-cancer-related lymphoedema.” 

Joining the LAA is a way for all people with lymphoedema to be visible, be counted and to have their voices heard. 

We look forward to engaging with AIHW, federal and state governments and health professionals to develop a more comprehensive way of counting those living with this condition, and in planning for equitable access to lymphoedema diagnosis and treatment nationally. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

The LAA has an ever growing Facebook page. Currently at 2,912 followers! Some of our posts reach nearly 4,000 people. Our social media subcommittee is always looking for new team members, suggestions and ideas. Reach out to us at admin@lymphaustralia.org.au to find out more. 

A big thank you to the current social media subcommittee for getting us to where we are today. Sally Keir (chair), Mia Stemm, Fleur Nelson-Mayne, Lyn Balfour and Debbie Geyer.

Help us reach 3,000 followers. Join our page if you haven’t already. https://www.facebook.com/LymphoedemaAssociationAustralia 
 

SUPPORT LYMPHOEDEMA ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

The LAA relies on the generosity and support of our community to continue our work. While there are numerous worthy causes to consider, lymphoedema often remains less recognised compared to other conditions, We invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to support our efforts in advocating for the lymphoedema community. Every contribution helps us make a difference.

To donate, please click here

UPCOMING SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Here are a few upcoming support group meetings. These can be found on our website under events. 

The LAA is currently working on some guidleines and resources to help emerging support groups. We are keen to see new groups form, especially in states where there aren't any yet!

Stay tuned for more information.

• Thursday 20 July 2023 - Sutherland Shire & St George Support Group, NSW - link here

• Thursday 27 July 2023 - Fullarton Coffee Catch Up, South Australia - link here                               

• Friday 28 July 2023 - Caboolture Support Group, QLD - link here

• Monday 31 July 2023 - Hunter/Maitland Support Group, NSW - link here

• Thursday 10  August 2023, Northern Sydney Support Group, NSW - link here

• Wednesday 16 August 2023, Tamworth Support Group, NSW - link here

• Tuesday 25 August 2023, Caboolture Support Group, QLD - link here

• Saturday 28 August 2023, Hunter/Maitland Support Group, NSW - link here

To find out more about the Support Group Meetings Click here

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023-2024

We'd love for you to renew your membership with LAA!

LAA membership renewals are now due for the 2023-2024 membership period. Membership for this period will be valid from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

By renewing your membership with LAA, you demonstrate your commitment to being an active participant in the lymphoedema community. Your membership not only allows us to count you as an important member of our community but also enables us to continue fulfilling our mission of advocacy, education and support.
 

If you haven't joined the Lymphoedema Association Australia yet, we invite you to seize this opportunity and become a member. - JOIN NOW!

Sponsor: Thank you to Haddenham Healthcare, our Foundational Partner, for their generous support in helping us further our mission and serve the lymphoedema community.

Disclaimer: This e-newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options related to lymphoedema or any other medical condition. The LAA is a non-profit organisation that relies on the support of donations, sponsorships and grants. We may occasionally feature sponsored content or include promotional messages in our communications, but we remain committed to providing impartial and reliable information to our members and stakeholders.

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