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eNewsletter June 2023

Member eNewsletter – June 2023

 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends, 

We are excited to present the inaugural edition of the Lymphoedema Association Australia (LAA) e-newsletter. This newsletter aims to keep you informed about the latest happenings within our Association. 

1. Strategic Planning:
We are pleased to share that the LAA Board recently held our first session of 2 strategic planning meetings. These meetings are crucial for setting our goals and objectives for the next 12 months. By engaging in strategic planning, we ensure that our association remains on track and continues to serve our community effectively.

2. Research and Consumer Panels:
The LAA has been approached by several research and consumer panels seeking to collaborate and partner with us. This is a testament to the importance and relevance of our consumer organisation. We are actively exploring these opportunities to contribute to the advancement of lymphoedema research and to represent the interests of our members on relevant panels. Let us know if you are interested in being involved as a consumer representative on a research panel.

3. Member Survey:
We would like to express our gratitude to the more than 200 members and stakeholders who participated in our recent survey. Your valuable feedback is immensely helpful in shaping our initiatives and improving services. Currently, we are carefully analysing the survey results and identifying the areas where we can best address your concerns. Better communication emerged as one of the key themes, which led us to launch this e-newsletter. We hope it will serve as an effective communication channel to keep you updated and engaged.

We are committed to delivering regular e-news content in the upcoming months, bringing you timely updates and important announcements from the lymphoedema community.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to embarking on this e-newsletter journey together.

Kind Regards,

Debbie

Dr Debbie Geyer
Lymphoedema Association Australia
Acting President

WELCOME LYMPHOEDEMA ASSOCIATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA (LASA)

We are delighted to announce that the Lymphoedema Association South Australia (LASA) is currently in the process of integrating with the National Organisation of Lymphoedema Association Australia (LAA). By the end of the financial year, LASA will be successfully wound up and become a vital part of the LAA.

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.

 

                

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYMPHOEDEMA ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

LAA is thrilled to celebrate our 12 month anniversary as a national  association. In our inaugural year, we have acheived some remarkable milestones that we can all take pride in. Here are just a few:

  • Shine A Light on Lymphoedema Campaign: This impactful campaign has raised awareness about lymphoedema with over 70 landmarks lit up in blue across Australia, and attracted attention with media articles and a very successful social media campaign.

  • Tamworth Information Day: The LAA held it's first public information day in March. We were excited to livestream the day to members and participants throughout Australia.

  • Membership Growth: We have witnessed a significant growth in our membership base, which reflects the increasing recognition and support for our association. More importantly, it means we have a louder voice when we advocate for improving treatment and services for those with lymphoedema.

  • Foundational Partner: We welcomed our foundational partner, Haddenham Healthcare, whose invaluable support has allowed us to work towards expanding our initiatives.

  • Node News: We have transitioned Node News (the previous Lymphoedema Association Queensland newsletter) into the national organisation, ensuring a unified approach to communication and information sharing. For some states, this is the first time that they have had access to a newsletter at all.

  • Social Media: The LAA's social media sub-committee has successfully merged state based Facebook and Instagram platforms and grown them into powerful tools for spreading awareness, sharing resources, and connecting with our community.

  • Representation at Events: We actively participated in a Lymphoedema Awareness Expo in Brisbane. The LAA had a stall to help raise awareness and foster engagement with local health practitioners. We are always looking for more ways to represent the LAA, so please let us know of any opportunities that arise in your area.

  • Upcoming Projects: The LAA is currently working on many projects in the background. From developing new and informative content for the website, to creating a new national GP Education Card, there is lots happening, and many opportunities to become involved and contribute to the broader lymphoedema community.

WINTER 2023 -NODE NEWS: CELEBRATING LYMPHOEDEMA  AWARENESS

We are excited to announce that the latest edition of Node News is now available for members. This edition features a compelling article by Jennifer Gilbert a
Clinical Nurse Consultant in Lymphoedema, at ICON Cancer Centre Chermside in Brisbane.

Jennifer's article focuses on the fundamental components of conservative treatment for lymphoedema.Whether you have lymphoedema, know someone with lymphoedema, treat lymphoedema or are interested in learning more about this condition, we believe this article will provide valuable insights. Below is an excerpt from her article.

This first article in the series will consider the components of skincare, exercise and movement. In the next edition of Node News, the second article will focus on lymphatic drainage and compression therapy.

Skin care is arguably the most important because without vigilance to keep the skin in good condition areas of lymphoedema, or areas at risk of lymphoedema, have a heightened incidence of infection. Infection in general and infection of the skin, commonly referred to as cellulitis, can further damage lymphatic function making lymphoedema worse.

Furthermore, skin tends to be dryer where there is lymphoedema, and the skin and underlying tissues can become thicker, rough and fragile. When lymphoedema is severe, the skin develops characteristic changes which require particular care. If the skin is in good condition, well-nourished and moisturised then  it is able to carry our it's functions of protecting from injury, infection and irritants, control body temperature, reduce evaporation, stretch, and it has a role with maintaining our shape and the movement of blood and lymph through the tiny vessels on our skin.

The principle of skin care is to keep the skin, nails and cuticles in good condition, prevent injury and treat any breaks in the skin promptly. We can do this in many ways, such as avoiding cutting the skin even during manicure (don't cut the cuticles), apply moisturising cream every evening before bed, wear washing up gloves so the detergent does not dry the skin and cuticles, wear protective clothing such as long trousers or long sleeves, gloves and enclosed shoes whenever at risk of grazes and injury, such as when gardening and bush walking. Use insect repellents to reduce insect bites, apply sunscreen to prevent sun burn and blistering, and so on.

Keep an eye on the skin; is it looking OK? Are there any wounds? Are they healing well or looking inflamed, sore,hot,swollen, painful, or you are feeling unwell. If so, see a doctor.

To read Jennifer Gilbert's article and explore the latest edition of Node News, please click here. For those who are not yet a member, click here to join.

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 before the end of the financial year 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.

  • Monday 19 June 2023, Bundaberg Support Group, QLD - link here

  • Wednesday 21 June 2023 - Tamworth Support Group, NSW- link here

  • Friday 23 June 2023 - Caboolture Support Group, QLD - link here

  • Monday 26 June 2023 - Hunter/Maitland Support Group, NSW - link here

  • Thursday 29 June 2023 - Northern Sydney Support Group, NSW - link here

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

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

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023-2024

We kindly remind you that 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 accive 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.

Copyright 2023 Lymphoedema Association Australia. All rights reserved.

To visit the Lymphoedema Association Australia website, Please follow the link hereo visit