Yes, Compression Garments Can Be Fun!

Last Sunday, I volunteered all day at the Manhattan JCC for Spa Day, a relaxing and rejuvenating day for breast cancer survivors. It's a very special day that's all about the ladies. As women, I think we're socialized to always be caretakers. Even while undergoing punishing treatments, we still tend to try to take care of all those around us. This event lets women put all those responsibilities aside, at least for a few hours, and focus on themselves.

I had the great pleasure of meeting some terrific ladies, as well as being introduced to some new products and resources. Throughout this week I'll be sharing these with you.

The first product I want to introduce is LympheDIVAs compression garments. Founded by young breast cancer survivors with lymphedema, the company is now run by Rachel Troxell's parents, Dr. Howard and Judy Levin. LympheDIVAs is dedicated to creating medically correct fashion: compression apparel for the savvy and stylish breast cancer survivor with lymphedema.

One of the women at my table during lunch had one of their zebra-striped sleeves - cool! I had never seen anything like it.

My sleeve, which I wear as a precaution while climbing or hiking, is thick and beige - certainly not a fashion statement. I wear it because I've learned that wearing it is far better than the consequences of not wearing it! Most women who've had breast cancer never need a compression sleeve. For those of us who have had problems with lymphedema, compression garments can be a tool to allow us to live a more normal life. I manage to do a number of very high-intensity activities, like rock climbing and windsurfing. My compression sleeve allows me to continue doing those things with less risk of a lymphedema flare-up.

But the idea of wearing something that's colorful and fun is very appealing. Yes, maybe it's a drag that I need to wear a sleeve sometimes, but I love the idea that I could have some fun with it. I will definitely be looking into these sleeves when it's time to replace mine.

Julie

(and I'm adding LympheDIVAs to the Resources page on Life-Cise.com - I think this is a GREAT resource! We can all use a little fun, right?)