The summer heat can lead to an increased risk of Lymphedema and increased swelling.

HOW DO I BEAT THE SUMMER RISKS?

• Attempt to stay in the air-conditioning especially from 11am-5pm
  
  
• When overheated, take a cool shower or bath, or use wet washcloths
  
  
• Drink lots of water & avoid salty foods
  
  
• Wear loose, non-constricting clothing
  
  
• Purchase insect repellent with natural components, AVOID DEET as it can irritate the skin. Put repellent on over your garment to avoid irritation of skin under the garment.
  
  
• Use a sunscreen with a high SPF to avoid sunburn 
  
  

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD I MAKE WITH MY COMPRESSION GARMENT?

• Consider a garment for the hotter months, and one for the cooler, to account for the difference in swelling.
  
  
• Sweat, body oils, and sunscreen can cause the material to deteriorate, so be careful when washing.

SHOULD I MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS WITH SWIMMING?

• Swimming is highly recommended for people with lymphedema because of the compressive nature of water.
  
  
• Moisturize before ad after entering chlorine because it dries out your skin.
  
  
• If you have leg lymphedema, wear shoes to avoid fungal infection, especially in community showers.
  
  
• Wear compression garment immediately after exiting the swimming area.

Do you need a certified lymphedema therapist? Call or email CRA today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA.

The Healing Nature of Dance

Taught by board certified dance therapist Barbara Jo Stetzelberger LCSW, BC-DMT

A wide spectrum of people can benefit from Dance/Movement. This workshop aims to help individuals find greater self-understanding, relief from physical and emotional pain and healing, release stress, have tons fun and just dance. 

Date TBD. Keep your eyes peeled for a future email announcing the date and time.

• Our Physical Therapist, Angela, had an interview with Dr. Jarod Carter for his podcast on Cash-Based Physical Therapy.
  
  
• Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA  led a seminar on lymphatic health.
  
  
• CRA was and continues to be a proud sponsor of Victorious Val in her body building competitions. She placed 4th in her first competition this year!
  
  
• Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA and our intern Kathleen Frelier attended an UsToo seminar on sexual health with prostate cancer.
  
  
• Lee Hunsaker hosted a creative writing seminar for cancer survivors at Cancer Rehab Austin.
  
  
• Our Massage Therapist, Geri Ruane, attended a workshop discussing the special needs for adults and children (cerebral palsy and autism) and how massage can be beneficial for them.

• Geri has also been working with her nonprofit, Oncology Massage Alliance - it is their 5 year anniversary 
  www.oncologymassagealliance.org

Geri Ruane LMT, OMT, CLT 

• 300-hour oncology massage certification program from the Peregrine Institute of Oncology Massage Training
  
  
• Oncology massage / hospital and hospice massage education and training from Tracy Walton, Gayle MacDonald, Healwell Integrative Health Therapies, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Enter Integrative Medicine programs
  
  
• Lymphedema and manual lymph drainage certification (Vodder method) from Klose Training and Consultants
  
  
• Breast Cancer Rehab education and training (Axillary Web Syndrome, Scapular Winging, Scar Tissue Release) from Klose Training
• Advanced training in pediatric oncology massage.

Geri is dedicated to provide safe, effective, comfort-oriented massage sessions for her clients.

Oncology massage may reduce nausea, pain, fatigue and stress as well as improve one’s energy, sense of well-being and sleep. Since 2010, she has had have extensive training in working with people in all stages of cancer and with those who have medically complex health issues.  

Yoga calms and harmonizes the body and soul to quell common side effects of cancer treatment. Yoga decreases anxiety, promotes relaxation, improves flexibility and strength, and decreases fatigue.

CRA offers private yoga sessions taught by Kimberly Wharton. Schedule today by calling  (323) 363-3050 or emailing  [email protected]

The mission of Us TOO is to provide hope and improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer through support, education and advocacy/awareness.

Our vision is a world without prostate cancer suffering.

www.ustoo.org

They are doing a talking series on "Sexual Activity After   Prostate  Cancer Therapy - Different But Still Possible". The second part to the series is at St. David'sSouth on August 2, at 7PM. 
Contact Bob Wright for more information: [email protected]

Some ways you can help:

• Let your medical practitioners know about us at your next follow up appointment. 
  
  
• Tell others in your cancer support community that we are here to help.
  
  
• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and share posts that you find interesting or informative.
  
  
• If you have received treatment at CRA we would appreciate a review on Yelp or Google. People rely on reviews to find quality care and practitioners they can trust.
  
  We are so blessed to be in such an amazing Austin community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to make a difference one patient at a time.