Lymphedema is a debilitating disease that if left unchecked can markly impede a patient's movement. Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in the arms and/or legs due to damage to the lymphatic system. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, a leading medical research institution, 'lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to one's lymph nodes. It results from a blockage in one's lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.' VRP Medical Center, a leading hospital in the country, seeks to address the growing number of lymphedema cases in the Philippines when it opened recently its Lymphedema Center. A state-of-the-art clinic, the center promises to address lymphedema cases by offering top notch treatments administered by professional and highly trained medical personnel and doctors such as Dr. Diana Jean Roxas. "VRP is one of the few hospitals that has a Lymphedema Center in the country. We adopt the Gold Standard of treatments and therapies which are also prescribed in developed countries such as the US, Europe, Japan and Australia. In VRP, we have 18 doctors who can treat lymphedema," says Jason Francis Roxas, the Nurse Consultant of the clinic, in an interview for the VRP Medtalk FB Live Series. The center was inaugurated last March 16, 2018 after VRP's 45th founding anniversary. It offered free consultations for the first 10 patients. "Most lymphedema cases are breast cancer and cervical cancer patients. Age ranges are diffused, from as old as 84 years to as young as 6 months old and mostly women. There are 3 stages of the disease. Stage 3 is the most serious and where swelling is present. Stage 0 is where patients normally suffer from early symptoms such as heaviness and tingling sensation in the affected area," Roxas added. He said the clinic prides itself in the quick recovery of its patients. "Normally, a patient can already see positive results after 3 or more therapy sessions." "The center does not only treat the disease but also wants the public to be aware on how to prevent the disease," says Virma Vergel De Dios, president of VRP Medical Center. VRP recently did groundbreaking ceremonies for its new tower building which will house new and innovative services such as a hospitel among others. It also renovated and spruced up its old building, making it a modern sight to behold along EDSA. It refreshed its entire facade and logo which represented its new and improved image. It added 43 new rooms, mostly private rooms, which feature contemporary and eco-friendly designs like LED lights, inverted air-conditioning and low-flow water valves. The improvements also include a refurbished Event & Conference Hall, a new Chapel, four Clinical Department Offices, a bigger Physician's Center and an Open Wellness Area meant to give recuperating patients a place to exercise and commune with nature. For inquiries on the Lymphedema Center, visit the VRP Medical Center at 163 EDSA, 1501 Mandaluyong City with Trunk line number 464-9999, www.vrp.com.ph or their Facebook page through www.facebook.com/vrpmedicalcenter