Are you ready to learn every day of the month?
📅 MARCH 21 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
📖 Explore our Lymphedema Guide!
Looking for reliable information on chronic edema, a certified therapist, or a retailer of compression garments? The Lymphedema Guide has you covered!
💡 Why use it?
✅ Updated annually 📅
✅ Essential reference for people living with chronic edema/lymphedema in Québec
✅ Quick access to key resources
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 20 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💙 Help us make a difference!
🙏 Every donation to LAQ directly supports:
✔️ Raising awareness and educating about chronic edema/lymphedema
✔️ Providing support for those living with the condition
✔️ Developing resources and services accessible to all
🎁 Every donation matters, and a tax receipt is automatically issued.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 19 – COMPRESSION GARMENTS | RAMQ
💰 Did you know that RAMQ can reimburse your compression garments?
If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema, you may be eligible for reimbursement on:
✔️ Compression bandages
✔️ Custom-made or ready-to-wear compression garments
✔️ Essential compression accessories
📑 A medical prescription is required. Talk to your healthcare professional for more details!
📲 Find out more about the program here
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 18 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💙 Join the LAQ community—become a member!
✨ Being a member of LAQ means:
✔️ Exclusive access to resources & a network of specialists
✔️ Connecting with others living with chronic edema/lymphedema
✔️ Ongoing support to help you manage your condition
Your membership also supports LAQ’s mission and strengthens its impact in helping those affected.
📲 Get your 2025 membership now!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 17 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
Find out about our free assistance by telephone or e-mail
💬 Direct access to specialists through the Therapeutic Support Program!
📞 Have questions or concerns? The LAQ offers a unique support service:
🩺 Our volunteer therapists answer your concerns and guide you to the right resources.
📆 Free & available 24/7: Leave a message, and a professional will call you back within 24 to 48 hours. Or write to us: aql@infolympho.ca
📲 Learn more and contact the service here
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 16 – TIPS & TRICKS | COMPRESSION GARMENTS
👕 Compression & chronic edema: the perfect duo!
Compression garments are a cornerstone in managing chronic edema, lymphedema, lipedema, and CVI. But for them to work effectively, proper fit is key!
✅ Ensure your compression garments are:
✔️ Selected based on your specific needs
✔️ Properly fitted to the size & shape of your edema
✔️ Prescribed after evaluation by a specialized therapist
📍 Find a certified therapist near you
📲 Everything you need to know about compression garments
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 15 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💬 Join our support groups!
🤝 You are not alone in living with chronic edema, lymphedema, lipedema, or CVI! The LAQ offers virtual support groups—safe spaces to ask questions, share experiences, or simply listen.
✅ Free and open to all!
💙 Want priority access? Become a member of LAQ and get early registration for our sessions!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 14 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💡 Tip #7: Compression—your essential ally!
👕 Compression garments aren’t just accessories; they’re a key tool for managing chronic edema, lymphedema, lipedema, and CVI daily.
🎯 Why wear them?
✅ Reduce swelling by preventing excess lymph buildup.
✅ Improve lymphatic circulation for better comfort and mobility.
✅ Relieve pain and help prevent complications.
🩺 A well-fitted garment makes all the difference!
Consult a specialized therapist to find the right compression for you, and trust your orthotist to ensure a proper fit.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 13 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💡 Tip #6: Stimulate your lymphatic circulation with lymphatic drainage!
Did you know that certain massage techniques can help improve lymph circulation and reduce heaviness?
👐 Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle and specialized technique that helps redirect lymph fluid to areas where it can circulate better. Performed by certified therapists, it can also be learned as self-massage to extend its benefits at home!
📍 Find a certified therapist near you
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📲 Learn more about this essential approach:
🔗 https://infolympho.ca/en/daily-life/the-reference-treatment/
📅 MARCH 12 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💡 Tip #5: Take care of yourself—your body will thank you!
🛀 Self-care is essential, especially when living with chronic edema, lymphedema, lipedema, or CVI! Adopting healthy habits can improve your well-being and make managing your condition easier.
💆♀️ Simple habits to include in your routine:
✨ Moisturize and protect your skin to prevent infections and irritation.
🖐️ Pay special attention to your hands and feet, as they are often more vulnerable.
💨 Practice relaxation and deep breathing for positive effects on both body and mind.
❤️ Embrace yourself and celebrate every small victory!
📲 Get more self-care tips here
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📅 MARCH 11 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH
💡 Tip #4: Take control of your chronic edema through self-management!
Good news: You can play an active role in managing lymphedema, chronic edema, lipedema, or CVI! 💪 With the right strategies, you can improve your daily comfort.
📌 Knowledge is power!
Understanding your condition and applying best practices are key to effective management.
✅ Discover concrete actions that can make a real difference
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
🏃♀️ 📅 MARCH 10 – TIP #3: GET MOVING!
Exercise is the key! 💪🎉
Staying active promotes lymph circulation and helps manage chronic edema, lymphedema, lipedema, and CVI.
🦵 Why is it important?
The muscles in our legs and arms naturally compress the lymph, aiding its drainage.
🏊♂️ Good news: You don’t need to be an athlete!
Do what you enjoy and what suits your abilities:
☀️ Take a walk in the sunshine
🏊♀️ Swim at your own pace
🧘♀️ Try yoga or gentle stretching
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
🥗 MARCH 9 – TIP #2 NUTRITION & HYDRATION
Eat better to feel better! 🍎💧
A healthy diet and proper hydration can make a real difference in managing lymphedema, chronic edema, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and lipedema.
💡 Our recommendations based on Canada’s Food Guide:
🚫 Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
🧂 Reduce salt, which promotes water retention.
🍭 Cut down on refined sugars and ultra-processed foods.
🥩 Watch your intake of saturated fats, as they put extra strain on the lymphatic system.
💧 Stay hydrated! Eight glasses of water a day help your body better drain lymph fluid.
👉 Everyone is different! Find the balance that works for you.
❓ Are you experiencing symptoms?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
💙 MARCH 8 – LYMPHEDEMA MONTH: CHRONIC EDEMA, A MAJOR ISSUE
Thousands of people from all backgrounds live with chronic and disabling swelling.
Whether linked to cancer, chronic venous insufficiency, or lipedema, chronic edema can lead to lymphedema, a progressive disease with serious complications.
💡 The LAQ is actively working to improve the care of those affected.
🤝 We collaborate with key healthcare stakeholders, including the Centre suprarégional du lymphœdème at the MUHC, a leading resource for understanding and treating chronic edema.
🚨 But the situation is urgent!
Compression garments, essential for preventing complications and improving quality of life, are unfairly subject to counter-tariffs.
It’s time to demand an immediate exemption to ensure fair access to care!
✍️ SIGN AND SHARE the petition to remove extra charges on compression garments
💙 Support our efforts with a donation to the LAQ
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📌 MARCH 7 – TIP #1: CONSULT A CERTIFIED THERAPIST
Healthcare professionals are not always properly trained to treat lymphedema and chronic edema. 🤕 That’s why it’s essential to consult a certified therapist who is a member in good standing of the LAQ!
🔹 You’ll be in the hands of a specialist trained in chronic edema treatment.
🔹 You’ll receive care that follows established standards and is tailored to your condition.
🔹 You’ll get personalized advice to help you manage your daily life more effectively.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
🌍 March 6 – WORLD LYMPHEDEMA DAY 💙
Today, March 6, the LAQ stands with patients, loved ones, and healthcare professionals to demand better care for lymphedema and chronic edema! 🚨
💬 Our key demands:
✔️ End the underfunding of specialized treatments in the healthcare system.
✔️ Ensure equitable access to specialized care for all those affected.
✔️ Waive Canadian counter-tariffs on compression garments for products from the United States.
🤝 Make your voice heard!
📢 SIGN AND SHARE the petition for an exemption from counter-tariffs on compression garments 👇
💙 Support our efforts with a direct donation to the LAQ
➡️ Do not give via change.org!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
👶 March 5 – DID YOU KNOW THAT LYMPHEDEMA ALSO AFFECTS CHILDREN? 💙
When lymphedema appears at birth or during puberty, it is called primary lymphedema. It results from a genetic malformation affecting the structure or function of the lymphatic system.
🔹 It cannot be cured, but with time and appropriate care, it can improve and be better controlled.
🔹 Early diagnosis & medical follow-up = better quality of life for affected children.
💙 Every child deserves the right support to grow up with confidence!
📲 Find out more here _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
📢 March 4 – DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE 4 CAUSES OF LYMPHATIC DYSFUNCTION?
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fluid circulation and immunity. When it malfunctions, it can lead to lymphedema or other conditions associated with chronic edema.
🩺 The 4 main causes:
1️⃣ Lymph node removal (e.g., after cancer treatment).
2️⃣ Damage to the lymphatic vessels (e.g., trauma, infection).
3️⃣ Venous insufficiency overloading the lymphatic system.
4️⃣ Congenital malformation of the lymphatic system (primary lymphedema).
It is important to know that lipedema, a distinct disease, can be complicated by the addition of lymphedema. Whatever the cause, you can take action to reduce risks and better manage the condition!
📲 Learn how here
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
💡 March 3 – TIPS & TRICKS: BODY IMAGE & SELF-CONFIDENCE 💙✨
Living with chronic swelling such as lymphedema, or swelling that can develop as a result of lipedema or CVI, can affect body image and self-confidence. But small daily actions can help you reclaim your body and feel good every day!
🌟 Simple ways to boost your well-being:
✔️ Celebrate a small victory every day! Put on your favorite sweater, treat yourself to a massage, do your nails, or take 10 minutes to stretch.
✔️ Enjoy a guilt-free meal. Cook a dish you love and share it with someone special.
✔️ Be kind to yourself. Swap self-criticism for positive thoughts and acknowledge every little step forward.
📲 More tips here
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________📊 March 2 – LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS MONTH: KEY FIGURES 📢
Did you know that 1.25 million Canadians are living with lymphedema? 😲
Globally, more than 250 million people—women, men, and children of all backgrounds—are affected by this condition.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Many more are living with lipedema or CVI, conditions that cause chronic swelling and require proper management.
📢 The LAQ is the only organization in Québec fully dedicated to supporting people with lymphedema/chronic edema. We’re here to inform, guide, and support you! 💙
📲 You are not alone! 👉 www.infolympho.ca
______________________________________________________________________________________________________📢 March 1st – GET READY FOR LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS MONTH! 🎉💙
Every day in March, we’ll be sharing insights on chronic edema, including lymphedema and other conditions such as lipedema and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can cause lymphedema. Get informed, discover helpful tips, and access resources to better understand, manage, and live with these conditions.
🙏 A huge thank you to our Diamond Partner – Essity, makers of JOBST compression garments, for supporting our awareness efforts all month long!
💡 What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic, degenerative disease of the lymphatic system that can cause pain, chronic swelling, deformities, and serious complications. It is important to know that lipedema and CVI can cause lymphedema, and that for this reason they are managed with a similar approach.
👕 Compression, 👐 lymphatic drainage, 🍏 a balanced diet, and 🚶♂️ physical activity are key pillars of effective management!
🔹 You are not alone—The LAQ is here for you! 💙
© Lymphedema Association of Québec.
* PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION AUTHORIZATION: Reprinting permitted for personal use only. Content may be distributed/shared only with written permission from LAQ. Request authorization at aql@infolympho.ca
