Be visible to people living with lymphedema and their caregivers
TARGET population = OVER 241 000 people in Québec LAQ promotes DLT and RAMQ program
Only the LAQ informs the public and HP about lymphedema
The LAQ educates patients so that they adhere to their treatments.
Take advantage of all our visibility tools. Become a sponsor and corporate member of the LAQ.
Advertising in L'info AQL and L'AQL Express
Website with interactive map
Social media
ProLymph: the network of professionals
Lymphedema Guide
Sponsored presentations and webinars
Raise awareness of your lymphedema resources in Québec.
THE LAQ
BY YOU and FOR YOU!
A renewed and committed Board of Directors
It is with great pride that I present the renewed Board of Directors who will oversee the Lymphedema Association of Québec (LAQ) for the year 2024-2025. They were elected at our Annual General Meeting on June 19. Together, we are driven by the desire to continue the work we’ve accomplished and to make our organization’s mission even more concrete. We are committed to defending the interests of people at risk and affected by lymphedema, making access to care an absolute priority.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lorna Rock, who served on the Board for 8 years. Lorna has been our memory keeper and a sensitive administrator, attentive to the fundamental needs of the LAQ and the people we serve. Thank you, Lorna, for your exceptional commitment. I would also like to salute Lynda Ouellet, who has been with us through a challenging year, brightening up our meetings with her sense of humour. Thank you, Lynda, for connecting us so directly to the issues of the day.
For the year 2024-2025, the members of the LAQ Board of Directors are:
Rosemary Okuda, newly elected director, patient seat
Dre Anna Towers, newly elected director, patient seat
Sylvain Leclerc, director, industry seat
The members of the AGM elected a Board of dedicated and competent individuals, ready to take on the challenges of the LAQ and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of lymphedema sufferers. Their expertise and commitment are invaluable assets to our association. I am honoured to work with such an exceptional group.
Anne-Marie Joncas, president
DIRECTORS
Maude Jubinville
Sylvain Leclerc Rosemary Okuda Dre Anna Towers Chantale Lapointe
Letellier
Ginette Bardou
Our achievements in 2023-2024
Refocusing, renewing and rallying forces
As we reported at the AGM on June 19, the year 2023-2024 was marked by a series of strategic transformations aimed at strengthening the impact of the LAQ. This period of refocusing has enabled us to refocus our efforts on essential services and governance, ensuring a solid foundation for our future initiatives. This was reflected in the presentation of a new Orientation Plan, committed to 2024-2027.
The relaunch of communications played a crucial role, with the long-awaited return of the printed version of the Lymphedema Guide and the launch of our new website, which was actively promoted to better serve our members.
• More than 110 requests
• Including those received via Facebook
A decisive shift towards a balanced budget was initiated, accompanied by increased solicitation of donations. We also strengthened our ties with industry partners, which contributed to improved social media outreach and an intensified LAQ presence among our target audiences.
We’re very proud of the results we’ve achieved and the tangible impact we’ve had on the lives of the people we help. It is with great enthusiasm that we present to you the achievements of this dynamic and fruitful year.
• 70+ pages of content
• Optimizes patient self-learning
• 6,800 visitors
• More than 613 participants
Facilitation: 7 volunteer therapists, supported by patients
The Lymphedema Guide 2024
• 6,000 copies were distributed in the network
• + a regularly updated virtual version
• + interactive map to locate therapists, manufacturers, retailers and fitters
Monthly virtual newsletters L’info AQL and L’AQL Express
• Nearly 2,000 readers, members and non-members alike
March - Lymphedema Month
• 62 daily posts on Facebook and Instagram
• Reaching 1,700 people a day
Community contribution
• Our volunteers: more than 5,000 hours
• Collaborations with the healthcare network •
LinkedIn and ProLymph
• More than 3,017 subscribers
• Total reach: more than 21,500 people
• More than 300 bilingual publications
• Up to more than 2,066 people per publication
Activism and mobilization
• Response to threats to close the MUHC Lymphedema Clinic
• Petition support
• Presence in print media
• Television coverage
Financial commitment from corporate members
• Exceptional support from our 30 corporate members, who responded in large numbers to the LAQ’s new sponsorship and visibility offer.
Amoena Canada Inc. • Actimed • Apotheca Fourniture Médicale • Axo physio • Bauerfeind • Canadian Ortho • Centre Ortho Joly • Centre Ortho Larouche • Clinique Beaudoin • Équilibre • Équilibrum • Essity • Groupe ER • Groupe Kinatex • Juzo • Lab Orthobourg • Lab Orthométrix • Linotrade • Marchildon • Medi • Médibas • Médicus • Nathalie Côté • Orthèses Novacorps • Paragdim • Pouliot • Rééducactive • Sigvaris • Slawner • Stéphanie Ménard
Fundraising campaigns
• Lymphedema Walk/Grand défoulement September 9, 2023: $9,100
• Employer donation appeal: Fondation Tenaquip$5,000 for a 5th consecutive year
ON LAQ’S RADAR
Lymphatic drainage to the rescue for lymphedema and neuropathy
Neuropathy, a condition that wreaks havoc on the nerves, often manifests as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet. Its origins are diverse, ranging from diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency to chemotherapy, cancer, injuries, infections, kidney disease, inflammatory diseases, and mysterious idiopathic causes. For anyone experiencing these symptoms, a consultation with a doctor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
Become a LAQ member HERE
cises to strengthen the body, while occupational therapists provide essential support with mechanical aids like walking sticks and mobility walkers.
Peripheral neuropathy, a subset of neuropathy, specifically affects the peripheral nervous system—a vast network extending beyond the brain and spinal cord to the organs and limbs. This form of neuropathy disrupts the transmission of signals between the limbs and the central nervous system, often resulting in severe pain and impaired circulation. The lack of proper motor signals can leave hands and feet feeling cold and painful, exacerbating the discomfort. Fortunately, several treatments can alleviate these symptoms. Lymphatic drainage stands out as a highly recommended therapy, enhancing circulation and toxin removal when muscles fail to perform adequately. Additionally, allied health services, such as physiotherapy, offer tailored exer-
Contrary to popular belief, neuropathy can also affect the upper limbs. In this respect, the link between breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and peripheral neuropathy such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) remains controversial. A systematic review of 17 studies found no conclusive evidence that BCRL predisposes patients to developing peripheral neuropathy. Interestingly, while lymphedema can worsen neuropathic pain, treatments for lymphedema appear to alleviate it. Carpal tunnel release is deemed safe for BCRL patients, suggesting it doesn’t exacerbate lymphedema or influence neuropathy progression. The nuanced relationship warrants further exploration.
Navigating neuropathy requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical intervention with supportive therapies to improve quality of life.
ON LAQ’S RADAR, Following...
Taking care of your feet
Foot care is essential, especially for lymphedema sufferers, and even more so if they are also managing diabetes. Wounds Canada offers a practical guide for diabetic patients and their families to help them maintain foot health at home. Lymphedema and diabetes can lead to foot problems such as ulcers, which, if not properly treated, can lead to serious infections and even amputations. Preventing these ulcers is the best strategy for avoiding serious health complications. This guide, useful even for those without diabetes, offers essential advice on keeping your feet healthy.
Therapeutic management strategies at the crossroads of lymphedema and diabetes
FOR MEMBERS ONLY
Become a LAQ member HERE
The article “Lymphedema and Diabetes: Understanding the Connection and Management Strategies” from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies offers an in-depth and illuminating analysis of the intersection between these two distinct medical conditions. Highlighting how diabetes, well known for its effects on blood sugar regulation, can exacerbate lymphedema – a condition marked by swelling due to lymphatic obstruction – this article highlights crucial health challenges for patients. People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to developing secondary lymphedema due to their increased susceptibility to infection, slow wound healing and chronic inflammation.
An effective management of both conditions is essential to minimize complications and improve quality of life. The article suggests key strategies, such as care coordination between specialist healthcare professionals, lifestyle modifications including regular exercise and a balanced diet, meticulous skin care and the use of compression garments to improve lymphatic drainage.
In addition, patient education plays a vital role in recognizing the signs of infection and implementing appropriate care. This dynamic and informative guide highlights the importance of a collaborative and personalized approach to care, essential to overcoming the challenges posed by the simultaneous management of lymphedema and diabetes. A useful read for all those concerned by these conditions.
INSANE VIDEOS!
Would you like to see Nicole Faccio’s off-the-wall videos (@facciolita) without opening a Tik Tok account ? Check out this site and discover a young woman who’s spreading the word about arm and leg lymphedema in the most liberated way possible!
IN REAL ACTION
Take part in the Grand défoulement and support p eople living with lymphedema.
This year, the LAQ’s Great Annual Fundraiser takes place as part of the Grand défoulement On September 7, 2024, join your friends for a 5 km walk in Montreal’s Parc Frédéric-Bach.
Take part in this great event and raise funds especially for lymphedema. All donations will go towards the LAQ’s programs in support of lymphedema patients.
Can’t walk with us? Support the LAQ Lymphedema team with a donation. A tax receipt will be sent to you immediately. Thank you so much for your generosity! Thank you for supporting the LAQ Lymphedema team!
$500 in 7 days
Double the impact of your contribution!
Did you know that many companies agree to double or even triple their employees’ fundraising through a matching gift program? To take advantage of this program, talk to your immediate superior or contact the person in charge of human resources.
You write to us...
Just to let you know that I’ve just completed the survey regarding my participation in the support group. After the presentation, I would have liked to write a word in the chat. I didn’t know how to do it (it may sound crazy, I’m not very “techno”).
I’m writing to you by e-mail
to thank the people who, from near and far, made this conference, and these conferences throughout the year, a “SUCCESS”. It’s been very interesting. As I’ve seen from the testimonials, I’m not alone in my situation.
Thank you and have a wonderful summer!
Carole
Boissonneault, AQL Member
ILF: view free presentations from the 2023 Conference
The ILF is pleased to announce that access to watch recordings from the main stage at ILF 2023 Conference are now openly accessible.
Anyone who has anything to do with lymphedema can access the site by registering as a free affiliate. Step 1: click here.
Step 2: Once you have received your exclusive code by e-mail, view the presentations online by clicking here.
Topics covered in depth by the panel of experts at the ILF 2023 Congress include, among others:
Cellulitis
-The cellulitis improvement programme
Melanie Thomas
Clinical Director for Lymphoedema Services in Wales
-The financial cost of cellulitis
Ioan Humphreys
Senior research officer and health economist
Using data to change practice
-Partners in fluid — heart failure and lymphoedema
Karen Morgan
National lymphoedema education and clinical lead, Lymphoedema Wales
Clinical Network
Breast cancer lymphoedema
-Canadian practice guidelines for breast cancer-related lymphoedema
Margaret McNeely
Professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy and Oncology, University of Alberta
-Are infusions in the at-risk arm associated with increased risk of breast cancer-related lymphoedema?
Alphonse G. Taghian MD, PhD, FASTRO Professor of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School;
Compression
-Are compression wraps value-based interventions?
Cheryl Pike
National Lymphoedema Innovations Specialist
Obesity
-Lymphoedema, obesity and gut health
Justine C Whitaker, MSc, RN
Senior Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire; Director and Nurse Consultant, Northern Lymphology Ltd
Lipoedema
-Challenges of diagnosing lipoedema
Dr. Kristiana Gordon
Clinical Lead, Lymphoedema Service, St George’s Hospital, London
Children and young people
-Spectrum of primary lymphatic anomalies in children
Isabelle Quéré
Physician and professor of vascular medicine, University of Montpellier
Different solutions
-Lymphoedema patient perceptions, experiences, and outcomes within the healthcare system: a quantitative analysis
Stanley Rockson
Allan and Tina Neil Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BACK TO BASICS
SELF-CARE
We can define self-care as «The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health, well-being and happiness, especially during times of stress.»
Do you take care of yourself?
Living with lymphedema means adopting a lifestyle that incorporates self-care. Self-care is within EVERYONE’s reach.
It’s TRUE, and it’s particularly demanding for lymphedema sufferers.
Compression garments are an essential part of self-management to control and/or improve lymphedema.
But be careful! Your garments must:
• be adapted to your needs
• be fitted according to the volume, extent and shape of your swelling.
The best way to achieve this: Have yourself assessed by a therapist specialized in lymphedema and certified in decongestive lymphatic therapy.
This professional will advise you on:
1. the compression required for your condition.
2. the garment size required for you.
3. the garment style adapted to your particular lymphedema needs.
AND YOU…
• What do you wear to promote lymphatic circulation in your affected limb?
• Do you think you have the right compression, the right garment?
• Do you wear your compression garments as often as recommended?
• What are your fashion tips?
• Are your compression garments visible in summer?
These are some ideas to help you feel better!
• Have you found compression garments that you like for their style?
• What are your practical wardrobe tips?
• Do you keep a pair of rubber gloves in your handbag or car glove compartment?
• What footwear solutions have you found for affected feet?
• Do you use insoles of different sizes to compensate for variations in swelling?
With the Education and Support Group meetings taking a break this summer, we thought we’d support you by offering to brush up on your basics. Don’t forget that you can also benefit from the assistance of our volunteer therapists at any time. You can reach them at 514 979-2463 or aql@infolympho.ca
This service is free of charge! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
LAQ EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS ARE TAKING A SUMMER BREAK. Next meeting: September 2024.
Donations continue growing!!!
Donations continued to grow in June, thanks to you, our members and supporters! Every dollar has the power to help more people with lymphedema. Give generously!
Don in Memoriam
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs. Suzanne Gagnon. The LAQ sincerely thanks you for your generous donation of $250 in memory of a woman of courage. JUNE
WELCOME!
In June 2024, five new regular members joined us:
Denis Caron
Lorraine Desjarlais
Louise Durocher
Jeannette D. Gibara
Dany Roy
We sincerely hope you get the support you need from the LAQ. And we sincerely thank you for your support!
WELCOME TO NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS
New corporate member in Châteauguay
Welcome to SOLUTION CAPILLAIRE SÉLECT, which offers Amoena products.
YOUR EXCLUSIVE ADVANTAGES
• Monthly newsletter L’info AQL
• Printed quarterly Pathways magazine
• Self-management booklet Learning to take charge
• Cellulitis Assistance Card
• Self-measurement guidelines for arms and legs
• L’info AQL Surgery edition
• VIP invitations for support education and groups. plus events
• Your tools are mailed to you AND accessible in your online Member Section
The annual dues for Regular Members are $42.
The Lymphedema Association of Québec is strong because of…
197 regular and professional members 33 corporate members with 66 points of service and 25 years of championing the cause of lymphedema with you!
TIP OF THE MONTH
DIVE INTO SUMMER
Don’t like getting wet in the pool, lake or sea, and you have lymphedema? It’s in your interest to overcome your reluctance.
Immersing your body in water not only refreshes you, it also provides natural compression, counterbalancing the dilating and swelling effects of the sun, heat and air humidity. Movement in the pool has been shown to help circulate lymph and control edema.
Here are a few tips for taming the water:
• You may or may not wear your compression garment in chlorinated water. If you choose to do so, opt for an old garment. This will prevent damage to the new fabric.
• You’re not sure of yourself in water. If you have leg lymphedema, simply walk around the shallow end of the pool, taking deep breaths. To move more confidently in the deep end, equip yourself with an adapted float like the AquaJogger, which keeps your shoulders out of the water.
• For the upper limb: make the water slides from your fingertips down your arm to your torso.
• For the lower limb: make the water slides from the tips of your toes up your leg, towards your abdomen.
• To optimize the benefits of water, sign up for an aqualymphatics course. This training activates all the body’s lymph nodes and lymphatic circulation, according to the part of the body affected. Information: aql@infolympho.ca
• You’re “water shy” and have arm lymphedema. Squat down in the shallow end of the pool so that your shoulders and neck are submerged. Walk in this position, breathing deeply and making your arms dance underwater.
Finally, for any warm-weather activity such as running, volleyball or kayaking, it’s wise to keep a closer eye on the reactions of the lymphedema-affected limb. Find the most important sports-related information to keep in mind on our website.
