Tips on self care, traveling with lymphedema and more.
CRA December news & updates
Don't forget w e offer private yoga sessions for those that need individualized programs.
Holiday Hours
CRA will be closed from 12/24 - 1/1 for the holidays. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

(Massage therapy services with Geri Ruane will continue throughout the holiday)
Upcoming Workshops
Exercise During and After Cancer Treatment

  • Have you made a New Year's resolution to be healthier but do not know how to get started? This presentation by oncology rehab specialist and certified lymphedema therapist Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA will help answer the following questions:

  • How can I safely return to exercise during and after cancer treatment?

  • How can exercise reduce some of the side effects of cancer treatment?
  • What are the benefits of exercise?

  • What type of exercise is best for me?

  • How is my lymphatic system impacted by exercise?

  • Discussion about fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, pelvic floor issues, bone density and more...


When: 
Monday, January 9th at 6PM

Where: Cancer Rehab Austin

1517 W Koenig Ln Bldg. A, Austin, Texas 78756

RSVP Here

3 Holiday Self Care Tips for Joy!

Some advice on self care during the holidays from Certified Wellcoach™ Tracey Lynn Cox, MCHt, CWC  

The impending holidays bring about extra stress, anxiety and feelings that you just don’t need or want. You can still have a good time with all the merriment and fun that is upon us and not be robbed of your joy! Here are 3 SELF – CARE tips for thriving through the season.

Tip #1
- DON'T OVER DO IT - Get those big marbles in your jar first. This is different for everyone. So, I want you to take a moment and discover now what your biggest priority is this holiday season. Now focus your joy on those big marbles! Un-schedule! Nap! Breathe! Meditate!

Tip # 2
- DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW THINGS "SHOULD BE" - Forget these pre-conceived ideas about how "perfect" the holiday should be. You come with this idea because of your past experiences, but you want to live in the moment and have the experience of today, this holiday. Let go! Laugh! Be Present! Say Goodbye! (To guilt!)

Tip #3
- LEAD WITH YOUR HEART - when you lead with your heart, you aren't able to be in your head. So you really connect with the people who are really meaningful in your life. Pick 1 or 2 that are a top priority this holiday seasons. Be love! Journal! Be Intentional! BE! Forgive!

I hope you found value in these tips and that you use them to help you to thrive through this holiday season. BE the PRESENT!

Tracey Lynn Cox, MCHt, CWC

Master Hypnotherapist

Certified Wellcoach™ 

www.traceylynncox.com

https://www.facebook.com/traceylynncox


Education Corner:
Lymphedema and Travel

How does travel impact my lymphatic system?

When traveling on an airplane or in a car for an extended period of time, people may find that they have swelling or their lymphedema may worsen. There are many reasons for this.

  1. Not drinking enough water.
    Hydration is key to a healthy lymphatic system. When we travel we often do not drink enough water and increase our coffee and alcohol intake. This can decrease decrease lymphatic flow. Ensure that you are drinking enough water throughout the day. How do you know you are well hydrated? Your urine should be a light yellow and clear. 

  2. Staying stationary for an extended period of time.
    The main way lymphatic fluid moves through your body is by your muscles contracting and relaxing. If you are not moving then fluid can become stagnant. So get up and walk around as often as possible. You can also perform gentle movements such as shoulder rolls, ankle pumps and making fists to promote circulation.  

  3. Changes in atmospheric pressure.
    There is a decrease in cabin pressure during air flight. This decrease in pressure may cause increased swelling due to a decrease in fluid movement.

  4. Dietary changes while traveling.
    Some people report increased swelling with salty meals. When traveling, people eat out more frequently. Restaurant and packaged foods have a large quantity of salt. This can lead to fluid retention.

  5. Lifting heavy luggage.
    Unless you have been regularly exercising by lifting weights or strength training, lifting a luggage can create a strain and lead to injury or increased swelling. Some straps on bags may cut off circulation. Consider using roller bags or asking for help when lifting bags.

Compression Use

The National Lymphedema Network's recommendations for compression use and travel are:

• "Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphedema should wear some form of compression therapy while traveling by air."

• "Individuals at risk for developing lymphedema should understand the risk factors associated with air travel and should make a decision to wear compression based on their individual risk factors."

If you are at risk for developing lymphedema it is important to be evaluated by a lymphedema therapist to assess your risk, learn if compression is appropriate for you, and be properly fitted for a compression garment. (A garment that does not fit properly may be harmful.)

  • If you are to wear a sleeve during travel, always wear compression on your hand (with a glove or gauntlet) as well. This will ensure that fluid will not consolidate in the hand.

  • Leave your compression on for 1-3 hours after you land to allow your body to adjust.

  • A note from your medical practitioner about your lymphedema may help with going through security smoothly while wearing your garments, prosthesis, or bandages.

Need a lymphedema consult or treatment? Call Angela at 512-524-0964.


Research
Acupuncture For Disrupted Sleep in Women With Breast Cancer

Acupuncture can help women who are dealing with breast cancer sleep more effectively.

Click here to read more

 
" The study showed electro-acupuncture to be comparable to, if not better than, gabapentin in helping to reduce hot flash severity and frequency and improving overall sleep quality (including falling asleep faster and fewer sleep disruptions). 

-T he Journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

"Clinically I've seen improvements in sleep patterns in 3-5 treatments.  At every session, we address other symptoms such as anxiety or pain, which can have major affects on sleep quality as well.  I look forward to working with you to help you feel well rested and free of hot flashes." - Agnes (CRA's acupuncturist)

Agnes Nowakowski, L.Ac [TX], DOM [FL]
512-731-2462


Give to Our Community this Holiday Season
Here are two amazing organizations that could use your gift this season.
Us TOO provides educational resources and support services
to the prostate cancer community at no charge.

Click here to donate

CareBOX provide's free care supplies to cancer patients to help prevent malnutrition, infections, and injuries from falls. 

What Makes CRA Unique?

  • Highly specialized practitioners with advanced training in oncology, lymphedema and pelvic floor.
  • A multidisciplinary approach to healing including physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga and nutrition.
  • A private spa-like, healing, and sensitive environment.
  • Highest quality care, up to date treatments, and greatest patient outcomes.
  • One-on-one 60 minute treatments with a highly skilled doctor of physical therapy.
  • Our clinic will never double book clients.
  • You will never receive treatment from an aid or physical therapy assistant.
  • The entire hour will be devoted to your care and recovery.
  • Shorter wait time to start treatment.

Learn more at: www.cancerrehabaustin.com

Help Us Grow
We would love your help!
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, Facebook 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.

Cancer Rehab Austin | Phone: 512-524-0964 | Fax: 512-524-0936 
email: [email protected]| Website: www.cancerrehabaustin.com