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The National Lymphedema Network, Inc. (NLN), a national non-profit organization established in 1988, and Karin Douglas, a breast cancer and lymphedema activist, are pleased to present: the LYMPHEDEMA ALERT bracelet and necklace, for protection and education.
ALL breast cancer patients, immediately after undergoing surgery which includes axillary lymph node dissection and/or radiation, are at risk, for the rest of their lives, of developing lymphedema. Wearing a LYMPHEDEMA ALERT bracelet is an important step survivors can take to increase their odds of remaining lymphedema-free, or to keep their existing lymphedema under control, while at the same time, educating the medical community.
A Message from Karin Douglas, Lymphedema Activist:
I created the LYMPHEDEMA ALERT Bracelet as a means of alerting healthcare providers not to use an at-risk arm for any invasive testing or blood pressure screening, thus preventing treatment which could cause lymphedema. Certainly, patients who already have lymphedema are wearing the bracelet as well, because, unfortunately, some healthcare providers seem to be drawn like a magnet to the affected arm, disregarding the swelling.
The original LYMPHEDEMA ALERT bracelet is made of jewelry-grade, non-allergenic stainless steel with a link chain that slips over the wrist. On its face are engraved the words: "LYMPHEDEMA ALERT: No Blood Pressure - No Needles into this Arm" and the universal medical symbol.
The purpose of the original LYMPHEDEMA ALERT bracelet is to protect breast cancer survivors from receiving treatment to their affected arm(s) that could trigger the onset of lymphedema or worsen an existing case (such treatment includes blood pressures, injections, blood draws, chemotherapy), and to educate health care providers, many of whom even today have little or no knowledge about this long-neglected condition.
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