Nicole L. Johnson of Clearfield, an occupational therapist with Clearfield Hospital Home Health, recently earned the designation of certified lymphedema therapist.

For more information about lymphedema care through home health, please contact Ms. Johnson at 814.768.2111.

To become certified, Ms. Johnson enrolled in a 135-hour, two-week course in Florida conducted by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. The course, held in February, covered the spectrum of lymphedema management. Ms. Johnson successfully passed a final examination of course material.

According to the ALS, graduates are versed in the application of basic and advanced techniques of manual lymph drainage, basic and advanced techniques of compression bandaging and are certified in the measurement and fitting of medical compression garments.

Ms. Johnson explained that the lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts and nodes. It filters out organisms that cause disease, produces certain white blood cells and generates antibodies. It also interacts with the blood circulatory system to drain fluid from cells and tissues.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to perform its normal functions. This can create a build up of fluid in the body. Common causes of lymphedema are surgery or radiation treatment for certain types of cancer, such as breast and testicular cancers. Other conditions include inflammatory rheumatism and fibromyalgia.

Ms. Johnson began her career as an occupational therapist at Clearfield Hospital in 1998. She has been with the hospital's Home Health Department since 2001.

For more information about lymphedema care through home health, please contact Ms. Johnson at 814.768.2111.