How You Can Make a Difference During Lipedema Awareness Month
Ways you can participate in spreading awareness and getting treatment.
Hey everyone!
Lipedema Awareness Month starts tomorrow, June 1st! Along with new workshops I’m making available (read more at the end of this post), here are some ways that you can help spread the word:
Some ways to participate in Lipedema Awareness Month include
Reading and sharing resources like articles, social media posts, and videos
In the two-plus years I’ve been writing about Lipedema, the information on social media has exploded. As more women learn they have an actual medical condition and not just fat, they have shared with other women and raised awareness in the most organic way.
Of all the social media, Facebook seems to have the most activity. If you’re on FB, do a search for Lipedema, and you’ll find everything from national to local pages, support groups, provider groups, insurance and medical information, and everything in between.
Participating in events like webinars, workshops, and support groups
Many Lipedema groups have ways to engage with other Lipedema women and get information to learn more about managing our condition. Here are some places you can go to find community:
Lipedema Simplified has a tribe community! This month, they have live community groups all over the United States. Check out their site for more information.
Learn more about Lipedema diagnosis
Take the Lipedema Quiz from the Lipedema Project. This is a great quiz that reviews some symptoms to validate whether you have the clinical signs of Lipedema. At the end of the quiz, they will email you the results.
Go to Lipedema.org for a ton of resources, including a brochure they will send you FOR FREE or you can download it.
Advocating for improved healthcare policies and increased research funding
I met Sarah Bramblette at the FDRS conference in April. She is an advocate for Lipedema, a speaker, and worked on passing the Lymphedema Treatment Act in 2022 which directly contributed towards Medicare coverage of compression garments as of January 1, 2024. She also advocates against weight bias and stigma, specifically in health care and the workplace. She works tirelessly to get more care for our condition. Here’s her TEDx talk:
Donating to organizations dedicated to lipedema research, education, and support
You don’t necessarily have to donate money to organizations for research and education. As a Lipedema patient, you can volunteer your time, body, and experience to also help further research and education.
Lipedema.org lists active clinical trials that are recruiting volunteers. If you’re interested, here’s a link:
Early detection and treatment of Lipedema are important to prevent complications and improve quality of life. The best way to do this is to increase awareness of Lipedema, push for more comprehensive treatment, and be seen by the medical and insurance communities as a legitimate and more mainstream disease.
Take care,
Michelle
If you are a free subscriber, consider upgrading your subscription and join the Lipedema and Me community, and get access to workshops! Plus, I have a 20% discount on monthly and annual subscriptions until June 30th. Check it out!