LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 31

Fact of the day.............  

Currently, there's

NO CURE 

For Lupus


TOGETHER We Are The CURE!!!


http://www.lupusmustdie.com/

E-mail sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com To get involved, ask questions or share comments

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 30

Fact of the Day........

Individuals with lupus are at increased risk for osteoporosis.  Here’s why: 

• Certain treatments for lupus, such as glucocorticoid medications (Prednisone), which can cause bone loss
• A more sedentary lifestyle due to pain caused by lupus, which can increase osteoporosis risk
• A possible link between lupus and bone loss in general

Furthermore, studies suggest an increase in bone loss and fracture in individuals with lupus. In fact, women with lupus may be five times more likely to experience a fracture from osteoporosis.

One must also consider that weight, genetics, and whether one smokes also contribute to early bone loss. 

Source: http://lupus.about.com/od/livingwithlupus/a/LupusAging.htm

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 29

Fact of the day.....

 

Symptom activity tends to improve with age

  

As a person ages, lupus activity –- or the degree of inflammation and auto-immunity present –- typically declines. This may lead to adjustments in treatment (including a reduction in medication).

On the flip side, severity of the disease can increase, which means the sum of your disease activity in the past, including the damage it has caused. This could lead to physical therapy, joint replacements or other non-pharmacological treatments as you age. 

Source: http://lupus.about.com/od/livingwithlupus/a/LupusAging.htm

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 28

Fact of the day..........

Lupus can be expensive to manage and live with. A recent study found that the average annual cost to provide health care for a person with lupus was $12,643, and was nearly $21,000 when lost productivity on the job due to illness is included.

 

Source: Lupus Foundation of America

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 27

Fact of the day......

Eye disease occurs in approximately 20 percent of people with lupus. The disease can affect the eyeball, the retina, and the muscles that control eye movement.

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 26

Fact of the day......

Lupus can be expensive to manage and live with. A recent study found that the average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus was $12,643, and was nearly $21,000 when lost productivity on the job due to illness is included.

Source: Lupus Foundation Of America

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 25

Fact of the day..........

Since many symptoms of lupus mimic those of other illnesses, lupus often can take three to five years to diagnose. Symptoms of lupus can come and go over time, which makes a definite diagnosis more difficult.

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 24

Fact of the day...........

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can damage any organ in the body and can cause life-threatening consequences. 

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 23

Fact of the day.........

Approximately two-thirds of people with lupus will develop some type of skin complication.  This often is in the form of a rash or sores, most of which will appear on sun-exposed areas, such as face, ears, neck, arms, and legs.

Source: Lupus Foundation of America

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 22

Fact of the day......

It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of all people with lupus, and as many as two-thirds of all children with lupus, will develop kidney complications that require medical care and treatment.

Source: Lupus Foundation of America

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 21

Fact of the day.......

The Risks of Pregnancy for Women With Lupus

Lupus is a disease that most commonly affects women during their childbearing years. In the past, women with lupus were advised not to get pregnant because it was thought to be too dangerous for both mother and baby. Although pregnancy with lupus is still considered high risk, most women with lupus who want to have children will be able to have safe, successful pregnancies.

Source:   http://www.everydayhealth.com/lupus/pregnancy-risks-with-lupus.aspx

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 20

Fact of the day.......

Though researchers don't know precisely what causes lupus, some common threads are seen in the vast majority of lupus cases. Your gender, age, genetic background, and environmental factors can all play a role in your level of risk

Source:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/lupus/index.aspx?xid=m_cc&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=lupus&utm_campaign=EH|CC|Immune%20System|MST&s_kwcid=TC-4324-4805019408-e-423605347

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 19

Fact of the day........

In all, Hispanic and black patients with SLE were twice as likely as whites to also have nephritis, kidney failure and inflammation of the heart lining, all of which complicate the treatment and severity of the disease, according to the researchers

Read more: http://www.healthline.com/healthday/lupus-worse-in-blacks-hispanics-than-in-whites-study-finds#ixzz12t3r0Xs1
Healthline.com - Connect to Better Health

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 18

Fact of the day.........

• Two-thirds of lupus patients in a LFA study reported complete or partial loss of income due to complications with their disease. 

• Annual average cost to provide medical treatment for a person with lupus: $6,000 to $10,000, with some treatment costing several thousand dollars a month. 

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

source: http://lupus.about.com/od/lupus101/a/LupStats.htm

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 17

Fact of the day........

How many people get lupus? And how many die from the disease? And what’s the medical cost of having the disease? Basically, what are some key statistics? 

• Approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus cases: 70%.
• Of individuals diagnosed with lupus, 90% are women.
• Eighty percent develop lupus between the ages of 15 to 45.
• Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color.
• Chance of a parent or sibling having or developing lupus: 20%.

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

source: http://lupus.about.com/od/lupus101/a/LupStats.htm

SAL LUPUS WALKATHON

We are so excited about our 1^st Annual TOGETHER We Are The Cure LUPUS WALK Saturday, May 26^th 2012 at Liberty Park in Renton, WA

 
There will be entertainment, games, face painting, raffles, prizes and lots of FUN!! Bring your friends, family, pets, neighbors and coworkers to walk and make a difference! Registration: 9:00AM  Start time: 10:00AM

  

We WALK to spread awareness, to give hope, to inspire, to make a change and to FIND A CURE!

It's easy to Register to Walk to join an existing team or you can also create your own personal team in honor of or in memory of a loved one. 

www.lupusmustdie.com

May is Lupus Awareness Month and to show our commitment to this cause, we will be raising funds in support of the LUPUS MUST DIE movement!  The purpose of this movement is to unite those affected by lupus to be the voice within our own community.  This great movement will begin in the states of California, Georgia, Maryland/DC, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington. This spark of hope will unite many voices, all singing the same song to create more awareness, to give hope and to find a cure.  Since there is little to no publicity about this illness, it is up to us…..Together We Are The Cure!!

If you have been affected by Lupus and live in one of the states above, please contact us at info@sistersagainstlupus.org for additional information on joining the Lupus Must Die movement

FACTS ABOUT LUPUS

For those of you who are unfamiliar with lupus, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body are affected.

• More then 1.6 million people across the nation suffer lupus
• Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color
• Lupus is chronic disease with no cure 

Want more facts??...... Click HERE 

Please visit http://www.lupusmustdie.com/ or email us at info@sistersagainstlupus.org  

Together, We Are The Cure!

Lupus AWARENESS DAY 16

Fact of the day..........

WOW.....

A survey from the LFA discovered that over 50% of respondents suffered for more than four years before their lupus was properly diagnose.

Source: http://lupus.about.com/od/lupus101/a/LupStats.htm

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 15

Fact of the day........

What are other risk factors?

Other risk factors include exposure to sunlight, certain prescription medications, infection with Epstein-Barr virus, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Source:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 14

Fact of the day.........

Can a fetus have lupus??

A rare condition, neonatal lupus occurs when a mother passes autoantibodies to a fetus. The unborn and newborn child can have skin rashes and other complications with the heart and blood. Usually a rash appears but eventually fades within the first six months of the child's life.

Source:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/
Email questions and comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

SAL is wishing a happy (Belated) mothers day to all the mothers!  

For all the mothers who suffer and have to live a life with Lupus, we pray you continued strength and encourage you to keep on pushing forward!!!! To all the daughters and sons, husbands, continue to support, love and be there, your play a BIG role and know that all your deeds do not go unnoticed!! Moms, you are often times the glue that holds everything & everyone together, and we want to THANK YOU for all you've done and everything you still do regaurdless of Lupus.   Happy Mothers day from Sisters Against Lupus. 

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 13

Fact of the day.....

Have you heard of Drug-induced lupus??

Drug-induced lupus is caused by a reaction with certain prescription drugs and causes symptoms very similar to SLE. The drugs most commonly associated with this form of lupus are a hypertension medication called hydralazine and a heart arrhythmia medication called procainamide, but there are some 400 other drugs that can also cause the condition. Drug-induced lupus is known to subside after the patient stops taking the triggering medication. 

Source:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/

Email all questions and comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 12

fact of the day.....

Can you inherit a lupus gene?

Since lupus is known to occur within families, doctors believe that it is possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus. There are no known genes, however, that directly cause the illness. It is probable that having an inherited predisposition for lupus makes the disease more likely only after coming into contact with some environmental trigger. 

source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/

Image of lupus rash

Lupus rash is red or purplish and mildly scaly, appearing on the face (butterfly or malar rash) and symmetrically on the arms, fingers, or legs.

"Illustration copyright 2002 by Nucleus Communications, Inc."

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 11

Fact of the day.......

Why is Lupus hard to diagnose?

-- Symptoms of lupus often mimic other less serious illnesses and sometimes are dismissed.

-- Lupus fluctuates between periods of increased disease activity (called flares) and periods of decreased disease activity (called remission), where symptoms may not be noticeable.

Make a donation or register to walk today @ www.lupusmustdie.com

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/64182.php

TODAY IS WORLD LUPUS DAY!!

Lupus is an unpredictable and complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage any organ in the body with life-threatening consequences. There are eleven known symtoms of Lupus. It is recommended that if you have four or more of the eleven symptoms, you should consult with a rheumatologist

*Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
*Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
*Sunlight sensitivity
*Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores
*Arthritis pain in joints
*Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving
*Kidney problems
*Neurologic problems
*Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count
*Immune system malfunction
*Antinuclear antibodies 

This is an illness that's getting little to no publicity...  so its up to us!!! LUPUS MUST DIE!!! 

Today is a perfect day to show your support by making a financial donation to help us continue the great work of supporting survivors, spreading awareness and raising funds for research. Donate here -------> www.lupusmustdie.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 10

Fact of the day......

What causes lupus?

-- The exact cause(s) of lupus is not fully understood. -- Lupus is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

-- Researchers have not identified a specific gene(s) believed to be responsible for making a person predisposed to lupus.

-- Some of the factors that may trigger lupus include infections, antibiotics, ultraviolet light / sunlight, extreme stress, certain drugs, and hormones.

-- Hormonal factors may explain why lupus occurs more frequently in females than in males.

5K Lupus walk is May 26th, 2012.  

Register today at www.lupusmustdie.com 

Source:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/64182.php

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 9

Fact of the day......

A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, including lupus

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist, or you can get an appointment through self-referral.  Evaluation by a rheumatologist is important so that a patient can develop a treatment plan.

Press on the link below to get more info on how to choose a doctor

How do I choose a doctor?

To join the Lupus Must Die movement today CLICK HERE

To visit our website CLICK HERE

To visit our Facebook page CLICK HERE

  
Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 8

  Fact of the day......

 

1.5 million people in America suffer from have lupus

 &

Currently, there is NO CURE for lupus!!!

   Join the Lupus must die movement today    www.lupusmustdie.com

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 7

Fact of the day......

The majority of lupus patients lead normal lives

With careful monitoring of lupus, and treatment adjustments as needed, most lupus patients can lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good disease management quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.

email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

Sources:
"Lupus." Arthritis Foundation. 20 Mar 2007
"Lupus." American College of Rheumatology. 20 Mar 2007
"Statistics About Lupus." Lupus Foundation of America. 20 Mar 2007

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 6

Fact of the day.......

Lupus treatment depends on symptoms & severity of symptoms

No drug can cure SLE, but many different drugs can help control symptoms and relieve discomfort. The choice of drugs depends on the severity of the condition as well as other factors. Patients with mild SLE such as joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes may be helped by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.  While patients with more severe SLE with severe organ complications may require corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Researchers are working to develop new drugs and treatments for SLE.

For questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

Sources:
"Lupus." Arthritis Foundation. 20 Mar 2007
"Lupus." American College of Rheumatology. 20 Mar 2007
"Statistics About Lupus." Lupus Foundation of America. 20 Mar 2007

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 5

Fact of the day......

 

Lupus diagnosis may be difficult

Lupus is considered an unpredictable disease, with no two cases exactly the same. The unique pattern of symptoms associated with lupus has caused some to say that lupus is like a snowflake. No two are alike. There are several symptoms of lupus which mimic other rheumatic diseases (e.g., severe fatigue), making the diagnostic process difficult.

Some patients can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms of the disease are quite variable, ranging from skin rash to fatigue to organ failure.  No single test can determine whether a person has lupus, but several laboratory tests may help the doctor to make a diagnosis.  Most lupus patients produce antibodies to their own tissues, detectable by a blood test which has been available since the 1950s. About 20 percent of patients with lupus do not make the antibodies though and go undiagnosed.

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

Sources: Testing For Lupus, Center News, May 4, 2000; New Diagnostic Test For Lupus To Bridge Detection Gap, PRNewswire, August 7, 2000; FDA Clears For Market New Diagnostic Test For Lupus, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Aug. 28, 2002

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 4

Fact of the day......

There are 11 known symptoms of lupus

• Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
• Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
• Sunlight sensitivity
• Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores
• Arthritis pain in joints
• Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving
• Kidney problems
• Neurologic problems
• Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count
• Immune system malfunction
• Antinuclear antibodies

It is recommended that if you have four or more of the eleven symptoms, you should consult with a rheumatologist.

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

or call 253-293-1244

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 3

Fact of the day.....

Ninety percent of lupus patients are women

Lupus affects roughly 10 times as many women as men. Most often, lupus develops in people 15 to 45 years old and is two-to-three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.  Though lupus is most prevalent among women, it also may affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.

Email questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com

LUPUS AWARENESS DAY 2

May is lupus awareness month!!!!!

We will be updating this site often with facts about lupus...... So, make sure to keep up!

Lupus is a complicated disease. Whether it has been suggested you may have lupus, or you have a definitive diagnosis, you should know these facts about lupus

There are five types of lupus

• 
  
  Systemic lupus erythematosus - affects joints and organs
• 
  
  Discoid lupus - affects the skin
• 
  
  Sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - characterized by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion
• 
  
  Drug-induced lupus - develops after a drug reaction
• 
  
  Neonatal lupus - affects newborns

E-mail questions or comments to sistersagainstlupus@gmail.com or call 253-293-1699

Lupus Awareness Month Day 1

WHAT IS LUPUS? 

 Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues.

In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs.  It begins to turn against itself causing inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.  Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs.

• Lupus is a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). 
• Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening.
• Lupus is not contagious. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• At least 1.6 million Americans have lupus.  
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44).  However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus as well.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.
• There is currently no cure for lupus
• Source: Lupus Foundation Of America 

IT IS UP TO US,

TOGETHER WE ARE THE CURE!! 

We have created the "Lupus Must Die" movement as a way to unite every person affected by lupus to be the voice of awareness within our own community, to create more awareness, to give hope and to find a cure.

Since there is little to no publicity about this illness, it is up to us.....Together We Are The Cure!!

Register today to walk, make a donation and help raise funds for lupus. 

www.LUPUSMUSTDIE.com