Lymphedema -Dietitian Can Play a Critical Role in Helping Patients

Lymphedema – How Dietitians Can Play a Critical Role in Helping Patients with This Condition

Lymphedema is not part of traditional nutrition curriculums and many dietitians are in the dark about lymphedema and how they can help. Lymphedema affects more Americans that ALS, HIV, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and MS combined, yet people with the condition struggle to get a timely diagnosis and treatment. The dietitian can plan a key role, both as an advocate for the patient and as a resource to provide evidence-informed nutrition guidance that can help improve the condition and have a positive impact on quality of life. Special attention will be paid during this session to the impact of cancer on lymphedema, risk reduction strategies as well as nutrition therapy to treat what many say is the most devastating side-effect of their cancer treatment. Join Jean LaMantia, registered dietitian and author as she shares the evidence as well as case studies from her practice.

Learning objectives.

After attending this sessions, participants will be able to:

1. State the 3 main functions of the lymphatic system
2. List key nutrition strategies to improve lymphedema
3. Discuss the risks that cancer treatment presents for development of lymphedema

Speaker : Jean La Mantia,RD

Jean LaMantia is a registered dietitian, cancer survivor and author of three books on the topics of: Lymphedema, Cancer and Intermittent Fasting. She is also the creator of daily and weekly journals to help individuals with lymphedema, lipedema and food sensitivities track and learn about the impact of diet and self-care on their health.

She is the creator and facilitator of Lymphedema Nutrition School, an on-line program to help people living with lymphedema as well as a professional CE course for dietitians and lymphedema therapists to help educate and advocate for nutritional management of lymphedema. She has also created other short courses and webinars on various topics related to lymphedema, lipedema, cancer and complementary therapies.

She lives in Toronto, Canada where she has a virtual private practice. You can find out more about Jean and read her blog at www.jeanlamantia.com