We are thrilled to now be offering clients body measurement assessments through our new SOZO Digital Health Platform.
We are offering clients the opportunity to try out our amazing new SOZO machin a pop up clinic on Thursday 31 March from 8.30am-10.30am.
If you have been considered ‘at risk’ of lymphoedema, or have received previous diagnosis of lymphoedema, we encourage you to visit the clinic for a lymphoedema wellness check.
If you have never had a bioelectrical impedance analysis or it has been an extended period since your last bioimpedance scan – this is the perfect opportunity for a review. No need to book! Just turn up.
Lead Therapist Debbie Myers said the SOZO machine enables digital measurement of a number of body indicators, including lymphatic flow.
“The SOZO was purchased primarily to screen for lymphoedema following treatment for cancer, but will also be used in identifying a cancer patient’s risk for malnutrition and sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with impact on physical performance), which require data analysis by our highly skilled nursing team to provide accurate and effective treatment plans by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT),” Debbie said.
The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) position statement on malnutrition and sarcopenia recommends all people with cancer “should be screened for malnutrition and sarcopenia in all health settings at diagnosis and as the clinical situation changes throughout treatment and recovery”.
We agree! And we are delighted to now be able to offer this assessment.
The SOZO Digital Health Platform provides the Bloomhill care team the ability to align with COSA’s position statement through accurate monitoring, ensure that we are delivering exemplary planning care at all times.
“The SOZO machine was purchased with funds raised by clients and community members – thank you as always to our incredible supporters for making this happen,” Debbie said.
“We’ve heard have life-changing, positive effects for some clients’ including those with the quite common condition Lymphoedema.”
As many clients’ would know, lymphoedema is a build-up of fluid which develops due to a blockage or breakdown in the body’s lymphatic (drainage) system.
It can develop within months or even many years after treatment for cancer; usually in the arms and legs but can also occur in the neck, face, chest wall and upper body.
“This is a really fascinating technology,” Debbie said.
“It can even highlight possible malnourishment –a real concern for some people following chemotherapy and radiation, when altered taste is often experienced and clients can avoid eating.”
“Our oncology nurses would provide a referral to our onsite dietitian to immediately work with the client’s nutritional needs at this point, so the data this machine can provide will help clients recognise the need to prioritise nutrition, and access that service.”
Published: 18 March 2022 Author: Nicky Moffat and Debbie Myers Images: SOZO measurement image supplied by Impedimed; Client using Bloomhill’s SOZO by Patrick Woods.
