CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwired - Mar 22, 2016) - A new initiative of BSN medical aims to bring worldwide awareness to lymphedema, a condition that affects 3-5 million Americans and 140-200 million people worldwide1. This month -- Lymphedema Awareness Month -- is the web launch of LymphCare in the United States, the first community support program supported by healthcare professionals and lymphedema patients designed to connect, educate and empower anyone seeking pertinent information in a safe, interactive environment.
LymphCare successfully bridges the gap between patients and professionals in one central location. The social network offers resources, up-to-date information about therapy solutions, management techniques and insurance, as well as the ability to interact or ask questions through a community forum.
"In honor of healthcare professionals and the millions of lymphedema sufferers, a majority of whom do so in silence, we are extremely proud to support LymphCare, a comprehensive lymphedema program that enables live communication with the larger lymphedema community in one central place," said Todd Healy, president of North America for BSN medical. "In response to an obvious and critical need, LymphCare encourages dialogue, provides advocacy, and educates in a secure community designed for patients, their loved ones, physicians, therapists and fitters alike.
"Because BSN medical understands lymphedema from the perspective of patients and healthcare professionals, we also know first-hand how critical it is to empower patients throughout their lymphedema journey by supporting them with adaptable integrated therapy solutions," continued Healy.
Lymphedema is swelling in one or more extremities that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. In the United States and Western countries, lymphedema occurs most commonly as a complication of lymph node dissection for cancer treatment2. There is no known cure for lymphedema.
"Lymphedema is an understated and often overlooked condition," said Amy Santiago, a global lymphedema ambassador and Mrs. Central Florida International. "After 18 years of misdiagnoses, I was finally diagnosed with primary lymphedema. It was not an easy journey, but I have turned my frustrations and defeat into a passion filled purpose by being the voice of lymphedema and the voice of significance.
"LymphCare provides a central place where we can all come together and share information, learn new techniques, and obtain valuable advice," added Santiago. "It is extremely important to continue to build awareness and encourage others to give voice to their lymphedema story rather than suffer in silence, as I once did."
More About Lymphedema
The lymphatic system is a network of specialized vessels (lymph vessels) throughout the body that collect excess lymph fluid with proteins and waste products from the tissues. This fluid is carried to the lymph nodes, which filter waste products and contain infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. When lymph vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away, localized swelling, (lymphedema), is the result. Primary lymphedema is the result of an anatomical abnormality of the lymph vessels and is a rare, inherited condition. Secondary lymphedema results from an identifiable damage to or obstruction of normally functioning lymph vessels and nodes3.
More About LymphCare
LymphCare is a support program for the lymphedema population initiated by BSN medical where a community of patients and professionals come together via a social network to gather information, connect, and communicate in one place. The website offers professionals a unique way to connect and support their patients, find the latest information on therapy solutions, communicate with a group of like-minded professionals, and support patients outside office visits, as well as refer them to a valuable resource with answers. For patients, in addition to communicating with their caregivers, the program offers the ability to connect and communicate with other patients, ask questions about their diagnosis, and learn facts about lymphedema and how to manage their condition.
About BSN medical
BSN medical is the global integrated medical therapy provider in wound care and related vascular diseases, lymphology and non-invasive orthopedic products. Founded in 2001, the company currently employs approximately 6,100 members of staff, and generated revenues of EUR 861m in 2015. The company aims to provide an integrated therapy-driven approach -- grounded in a broad portfolio of products, enhanced by insights into current therapeutic areas and complemented by a progressive approach to partnerships. Its well-known brands such as Elvarex®, Cutimed®, JOBST®, Delta and Actimove® are among the most trusted in healthcare. With its comprehensive product portfolio, BSN medical addresses patients' needs in the most prevalent conditions in wound care and vascular diseases, and orthopedic treatments. More information: www.bsnmedical.com.
1, 2http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652571/
3http://www.medicinenet.com/lymphedema/article.htm#lymphedema_facts
Contact Information:
Media Contact in the US:
Amy Cook
925.200.2125
amy@amcpublicrelations.net
Media Contact Europe:
Friederike Herrfurth
+352.621.531.674
friederike.herrfurth@bsnmedical.com