Lymphedema is a progressive and chronic condition resulting from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of the body, causing swelling. Swelling results when the lymphatic system cannot effectively drain protein-rich fluid from the interstitium—a fluid-filled space between internal structures such as organs and muscles and the skin.

Lymphedema swelling may appear in different areas of the body, depending on the severity and advancement of the condition. The most frequently involved areas are the arms and legs, where fluid accumulation is typically most apparent. Lymphedema may, however, involve more sensitive or less conspicuous areas like the genitals, face, and neck. Sometimes the swelling can be in the wall of the chest or even the oral cavity itself, causing inconvenience and functional compromise. The place of swelling depends on the nature of the etiology—either primary or secondary lymphedema—and can actually have a deep impact on a patient's life.

Outside of physical pain and deformity, lymphedema frequently has psychological and social costs. Patients can suffer from pain, decreased mobility, and emotional distress because of swelling that is noticeable or because of ongoing therapy.

Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema: What's the Difference?

Primary Lymphedema is uncommon and usually resultant from birth defects or genetic mutations in the lymphatic system. It occurs in about 1 out of 100,000 individuals.

Secondary Lymphedema is more prevalent, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 individuals in the U.S. It arises as a result of injury or blockage of lymph vessels by external factors, including:

• Cancer therapies (such as radiation or surgery)
• Infections
• Trauma
• Chronic venous insufficiency

Primary lymphedema is comparatively uncommon, occurring in about 1 in 100,000 people. It is a result of congenital or genetic malformations of the lymphatic system. Dr. Manokaran clarifies, "This condition can occur at birth, during puberty, or even later in adulthood. It usually happens without a visible cause but is based on the patient's genetic structure."

Diagnosis is generally based on careful patient history and sophisticated imaging procedures like lymphangiograms, lymphoscintigrams, or MR lymphangiograms, which provide visualization of structural defects in the lymphatic channels.

Treatment starts conservatively with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, and stringent skin hygiene to minimize fluid accumulation and prevent infections. For advanced cases, surgical interventions such as lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) are options. "Microsurgical procedures such as LVA are game-changers for patients whose symptoms don't respond to conservative therapies," explains Dr. Manokaran.

Secondary lymphedema is much more prevalent, affecting about 1 in 1,000 individuals in the United States — frequently as a consequence of cancer therapy, infection, trauma, or surgery. "The etiology is widespread," states Dr. Manokaran, "from parasitic infection in the tropics to post-mastectomy swelling in breast cancer patients."

Infection-related cases can be managed initially with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. But when the condition is chronic, more aggressive interventions are required. These involve surgical removal of fibrotic tissue or advanced reconstructive techniques such as lymph node transfer or super microsurgery, especially when lymphatic function has been severely impaired.

Patient history continues to be a mainstay of diagnosis in secondary lymphedema, since knowledge of the precipitating event can influence the entire treatment strategy.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Though caused by different factors, both forms of lymphedema share common symptoms, such as:

• Swelling in limbs or proximal regions such as the chest, genitals, and face
• Limited range of motion
• Heaviness and tightness of limbs
• Pain, changed sensations, and color changes in the skin

These symptoms can hinder daily functioning, so early identification is important. "Delayed treatment can lead to irreversible tissue damage," warns Dr. Manokaran.

Is Lymphedema Reversible?

Complete healing is still a pipedream, particularly in cases of advanced status. Still, in stage 1 (early-stage lymphedema), usually reversal is feasible through vigilant treatment. The intent is symptom management, diminishment of swelling, and forestalling progression of the disease.

Early detection is important. Those at risk — including cancer patients, those with a family history, or those in endemic areas — need to watch their bodies carefully and take preventative measures such as lymphatic massage and compression garments.

Management Strategies to Live with Lymphedema

Maintain Skin Integrity

Since lymphedema can impair skin health, daily skin care and moisturizing are very important. Even small cuts or scrapes can quickly become infected, so it's important to clean wounds immediately and apply sunscreen and insect repellent when in the sun.

Adopt Supportive Habits

Loose clothing, resting swollen extremities, and the avoidance of constrictive jewelry can all help alleviate discomfort. Proper sitting — with legs flat and the avoidance of leg crossing — can also facilitate smooth fluid movement. Compression wear for regular travelers, particularly by plane, is highly advisable.

Track Symptoms

A symptom diary assists both patients and practitioners in making adjustments to treatment programs. Be on the lookout for changes in swelling, coloration of the skin, or feelings.

Maintain Emotional Wellness

Chronic illness may have psychological consequences. Meeting with support groups or talking with a mental health professional can bring emotional relief and strengthen resilience. "Patients shouldn't underestimate the value of mental health care to treat lymphedema," asserts Dr. Manokaran.

Nourish the Body

A healthy, balanced diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein benefits the lymphatic system. A healthy intake of water maintains fluid balance in the body.

Although primary and secondary lymphedema are different in cause and treatment processes, both need early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and a multidisciplinary team approach. With greater awareness, patient activism, and improved medical and surgical procedures, living well with lymphedema is absolutely feasible.

Dr. G. Manokaran, MBBS, MS General Surgery, MCh Plastic Surgery at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai in India

We have all heard the phrase ‘Money can’t buy happiness’ however many people do not agree with it. A lot of the troubles they face are due to financial difficulties, so having money could actually be a reason for their happiness. However, a new study shows that while you may be flourishing in life, you may not be as happy.

A new global study suggests that true well-being, or "flourishing," goes beyond simply being happy. Researchers from Baylor and Harvard universities surveyed over 207,000 people across 22 countries and Hong Kong to understand this broader concept.

It is now more than ever a chance to look at the mental health of the current living generations and what factors could affect it.

They looked at how people are doing in areas like their health, their sense of purpose, the strength of their character, and their connections with others, alongside just how happy they report being. This broader view helps us understand overall well-being in a more complete way than just focusing on happiness alone.

What Does It Reveal About The Mental Health Of Youngsters

One of the more concerning findings of this global study was that younger adults, across many of the countries surveyed, reported lower levels of overall flourishing compared to older adults. Many young people expressed that they didn't have a strong sense of purpose in their lives, which is a key component of flourishing.

However, there were some exceptions, with countries like Tanzania and Poland showing better flourishing scores among their younger populations, suggesting that cultural and societal factors might play a significant role in this age-related trend.

Experts suggest that increased competition for good jobs in developed countries could be a source of stress for younger individuals. Additionally, while richer countries often scored higher in financial security, they tended to rank lower in areas like relationships and a sense of meaning in life.

How Is Flourishing Different Than Happiness?

Their "Global Flourishing Study" looked at six important aspects of well-being: how happy people feel, their physical health, their sense of meaning in life, their character strengths, the quality of their relationships, and their financial security. By looking at all these areas together, the study aimed to create a more detailed understanding of what it means for people to be truly thriving in their lives across different cultures and countries.

The study revealed that Indonesia ranked highest in overall flourishing, followed by Mexico and the Philippines. Surprisingly, many countries that often top the World Happiness Report, such as Sweden and the United States, scored only in the middle range for flourishing.

Researchers point out that the findings raise important questions about how economic progress can be achieved without negatively impacting people's sense of purpose, the quality of their relationships, and their character development. Some of the most flourishing countries didn't even rank high in traditional happiness reports, indicating different factors contribute to overall well-being.

Going through chemotherapy can be very difficult for one’s body. To get better, chemo patients get sick regularly to ensure they get better. The Cleveland Clinic explains that side effects of chemo happen as the medicine used to destroy cancer cells can also often affect healthy cells. People experience extreme fatigue, nausea, hair loss, loss of appetite, weakened immune system etc. One of the reassurances is that normal cells can repair themselves allowing your body time to recover.

Another side effect of the treatment is the ‘brain fog’. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is characterized by trouble thinking and creating memories during and after the treatment. Some other symptoms of brain fog include trouble recalling what you’ve said to others or seen particular images and short-term memory loss issues. Experts do not know the cause of this side effect.

However, a new study revealed that having a loving and devoted partner can drastically improve brain fog symptoms in chemo patients.

A Partner’s Role In Chemo Management

Published in the Psychoneuroendocrinology journal, the research found that patients who reported having a fulfilling and happy intimate relationship were more likely to maintain their cognitive abilities and experience less of the mental fogginess often associated with chemotherapy treatment.

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that therapy focused on strengthening the quality of a patient's relationship with their partner might be a helpful way to improve how well they handle the impact of chemotherapy on their thinking and memory skills.

For the study, researchers followed 48 women with breast cancer who were participating in a larger investigation looking at how chemotherapy affects the gut and brain. These patients underwent tests to assess their verbal skills, attention span, and short-term memory both before and after chemotherapy.

Satisfied Relationship = Preserved Brain Function

The key finding was that the more satisfied patients were with their relationship with their partner, the better their brain function held up while they were undergoing chemotherapy. This suggests a strong protective effect of a positive intimate connection on cognitive abilities during this challenging treatment period.

While general social support from friends and family also seemed to offer some benefit, the researchers noted that the link between a highly satisfying relationship and protected brain function was stronger and more consistent. This led them to believe that the intimate partnership is the most crucial social connection for cognitive well-being during chemotherapy.

Love Can Affect Chemo Treatment

The study also revealed that chemotherapy has an impact on the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." Researchers found that levels of oxytocin in the blood significantly decreased while patients were receiving chemotherapy but returned to normal after the treatment was completed.

This temporary drop in oxytocin levels suggests that chemotherapy might be affecting the hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain responsible for producing this hormone that plays a role in social interactions and various other bodily functions.

Overall, the researchers concluded that supporting the intimate relationships of cancer patients through couples therapy could be just as important as providing other forms of support, such as support groups specifically for chemotherapy patients.

Incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can be a challenge—especially for those with picky palates. Yet, these plant-based foods are nutritional powerhouses, and one often overlooked leafy green in particular may deserve a second look: turnip greens.

A cup of cooked turnip greens contains fewer than 60 calories, but don’t let that fool you. This humble vegetable delivers an impressive 4.87 grams of protein, 5.05 grams of fibre, 39.1 milligrams of magnesium, 209 milligrams of calcium, and 29.7 milligrams of vitamin C. Despite this, its naturally bitter taste can be off-putting for many.

Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching, says preparation is key. “You can toss turnip greens into soups or add them to a grain bowl with a tangy dressing to balance out the bitterness,” she suggests. A little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way in making these greens more palatable—and more beneficial to your health.

Why bother with turnip greens? Beyond their robust nutrient profile, they belong to the Brassicaceae family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. This puts them in the same league as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts when it comes to health benefits. Among the most noteworthy is their potential to prevent cancer.

The cancer-fighting power of turnip greens is attributed to their glucosinolate content—naturally occurring compounds that can interfere with cancer development. A 2023 review in Medical Oncology emphasized their usefulness for both cancer prevention and treatment. Another review published in 2009 in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research noted a decreased cancer risk among people who regularly consumed these sulfur-rich compounds.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The calcium and magnesium in turnip greens support strong bones and play a vital role in maintaining healthy muscles, circulation, and nerve function. A 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that eating cruciferous vegetables like turnip greens may lower the risk of cardiovascular death for both men and women.

Vitamin C, another major nutrient found in turnip greens, is known for boosting immune health and aiding in tissue repair. This makes the vegetable an excellent ally in fighting off illness and helping the body heal from injury.

To make turnip greens more enjoyable, Benson recommends cooking methods that enhance their taste while preserving nutrients. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can "cut the bitterness." Garlic and olive oil not only add flavor but help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A and K. While cooking may slightly reduce the greens’ vitamin C content, Benson has a fix: "Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavor even more and help preserve some of the vitamin C in the dish."

Turnip greens might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind, but with the right preparation, they can be both delicious and incredibly good for your health.