Lets talk about Lupus, a subject that people really hear about and but do not know much about it. Let me give provide you with some FACTS for understanding, why awareness is important:
- Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.
- Lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms come and go, mimic those of other diseases, and there is no single laboratory test that can definitively prove that a person has the complex illness.
- To date, lupus has no known cause or cure. Early detection and treatment is the key to a better health outcome and can usually lessen the progression and severity of the disease.
- Lupus is one of America's least recognized major diseases. While lupus is widespread, awareness and accurate knowledge about it is lacking.
- Research indicates that about 1.5 million Americans have lupus. In fact, more Americans have lupus than AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, or cystic fibrosis, making it one of this country's most prevalent medical problems.
- Ninety percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women, and the onset of the disease usually occurs during childbearing age, between the ages of 15 and 44.
- Lupus is a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease in young women.
- African American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. It is also more common among Hispanic/Latina, Asian and American Indian women. However, lupus also strikes children, men and older adults.
- In 2009, the Lupus Foundation of America moved the annual Lupus Awareness Month observance from October to May. May provides many opportunities, including Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week, and Women’s Health Check-up Day to promote awareness of lupus, and show support for those who suffer from the disease. The warm weather is a good time for outdoor events and represents an opportunity to take charge of your health. The World Lupus Day observance also serves as the marquee event for a month-long series of activities designed to educate the public about lupus symptoms and its devastating impact.
- On March 9, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Benlysta® (formerly called LymphoStat-B™) for the treatment of lupus. Benlysta was developed to disrupt activation of B lymphocytes by interfering with BLyS, a protein required for B cell activity. It is the first new medication approved for lupus in 56 years.
- Increased professional awareness and improved diagnostic techniques and evaluation methods are contributing to the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. With current methods of therapy 80-90% of people with non-organ threatening lupus can look forward to a normal lifespan.
I will provide that information later. Learn my involvement with Lupus!
Comment to let me know what you know about Lupus and your results on the quiz!
Until Next time, smiles!
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