Our new campaign called Squeeze In, will provide people with lower limb conditions the motivation, knowledge and guidance to improve their leg health, so they are able to live life to the fullest.
The campaign also emphasises the importance of self-care in boosting self-confidence and empowering those living with a lower limb condition to take control of their leg health.
In lending his support to the initiative, Johnny Vegas shared his own experience of helping his father to manage his venous leg ulcer. He stressed the importance of breaking the taboo around the condition and the value of self-care in preventing escalation, as well as helping to empower people with venous leg ulcers.
Later in life, poor circulation meant that Dad’s mobility suffered, but equally, for someone so seemingly carefree, so did his self-confidence. Despite surviving an aneurysm and beating cancer, and being open in doing so, the condition of his legs was not up for discussion. Any query, comment or attempt to lighten the discomfort of this particular ailment was considered by him to be a bit too below the belt.
As a staunch ambassador of wearing socks with sandals on holiday, I thought my Dad had peaked in terms of leg embarrassment; body shame was something I never thought I would associate with him,” he said reflecting on his dad’s experience. “It became obvious that he felt that this was a stigma.
Given his own experience, Johnny is keen to eradicate this stigma by promoting healthy conversation, as well as healthy living, as a means of better managing venous leg ulcers.
Of equal importance he said is the need to reassure people with venous leg ulcers that they are not a burden and that seeking medical care is a crucial step in managing the condition.
Please don’t take the attitude that you can just ‘walk it off’ or try to forget about,” he said. “Visit your doctor; ask for help – addressing issues early will really help in giving you tips on how you can work preventative measures into your daily routine. It’s like running a car; if you run it into the ground it can often be too late to fix it.
Do you have a lower limb condition?
Join Club Squeeze In today, where you receive exclusive access to our personalised email newsletters to help you mange your leg health, including hints and tips from Johnny Vegas our new squeeze in Ambassador.
You will also have access to a Healthy Living Booklet upon signing up. The booklet is an informative and easy-to-use guide aimed at helping people who are self caring with a lower limb condition to Squeeze In healthier living.
The Healthy Living Booklet explores ways in which people with lower limb conditions, their family and carers, can manage their condition more effectively, it covers; skin care, compression, healthy eating including a meal plan, tips for squeezing in movement and exercise, and the value of maintaining social contact – be it virtual or in person.
To join club squeeze in visit: squeezein.life
Worried about your legs or a family members legs? Visit our common conditions page for more information
