tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32452299890777129202024-03-18T02:47:59.125-07:00I Can't Fit My Jeans!!!!!This blog is dedicated to the women who live with an illness, and still manage to live life to the fullest. Living with an illness can be very difficult. I am here to share useful information, experiences and support. We have to take control, and learn to love our life. When my favorite pair of jeans don't fit...I just go buy another pair! ღSimmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-77758950390867609672011-09-23T13:05:00.000-07:002011-09-23T13:05:07.190-07:00Try to Stay Stress-Free!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22xY6t6eEiCdkPYWus84f7Ti07sh8wO64t0tg8eoTmIKgF6cW7ko899e905CjmxS687601HkGhcF2iTvWBa_F0qkNfIPHy-_56lMgDJfUZmOsAU9m-sTn8xp2V3LMjqf8rw-R0c1U/s1600/stress-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22xY6t6eEiCdkPYWus84f7Ti07sh8wO64t0tg8eoTmIKgF6cW7ko899e905CjmxS687601HkGhcF2iTvWBa_F0qkNfIPHy-_56lMgDJfUZmOsAU9m-sTn8xp2V3LMjqf8rw-R0c1U/s320/stress-cartoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stress is one thing that most of us cannot avoid. No matter how hard we try to be stress-free, it always seems to creep up on us. For those of us with lupus, we need to keep stress out of our lives as much as possible. Stress is indeed one of our worst enemies. Being stressed out can cause a flare, which is never good. Stress can also prolong your flare and/or symptoms. Having a free mind and a positive attitude always helps reduce stress. Do everything you can to keep your stress levels down. For me, the first step to doing this is being able to identify stress factors in my life. Sometimes we do not even realize that we are stressed. Learn your body and how your illness reacts to stress, so that you can identify trouble brewing. Remember...Less Stress = Longer Life!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tips to eliminate stress: </span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know what stresses you out.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attempt to eliminate those stress factors.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do something you enjoy when you feel stressed.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try to relax. (warm bath, music, meditation)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk to someone close to you.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Send me a tweet or Facebook message ;0)</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always here to listen!! Take care and try to be stress-free!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-24675948101623407482011-08-03T23:53:00.000-07:002011-08-04T00:05:13.888-07:00July & August Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;">❤</span>August Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;">❤</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children's Eye Health and Safety Month<br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">National Immunization Awareness Month</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">World Breastfeeding Week (1-7)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span style="color: #2c73b4; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">UV Safety Month</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Cord Blood Awareness Month</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td valign="top" width="284"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International Group B Strep Awareness Month</span></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-43390996319038558792011-07-12T11:19:00.000-07:002011-07-30T01:23:59.336-07:00Peer Support Group Meeting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Lupus Supporters,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lupus Star Foundation will be hosting its monthly peer support group meeting this Sunday July 17th at 4pm. The meeting will take place in Ypsilanti, MI at the Lake Shore Apartments Clubhouse (I-94, Rawsonville Rd exit). <a href="https://acrobat.com/#d=qaY9XkYbYBJIb1Zz4x9lIQ">Sharing Hope Meeting Flier</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Lupus Star Foundation support group is open to anyone with a chronic condition, such as Lupus and RA, as well as those with general health issues. Friends and family of people with a chronic condition are also encouraged to attend (with or without the sufferer); it is important that a sufferer’s loved ones understand their condition and know how to support them. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a health condition and would like to connect with people that have similar situations please attend our peer support group meetings. You will have the opportunity to learn new information about Lupus and other illnesses, exchange information and resources, get advice and tips, and be comforted by people who care about you and what you are going through. Even if you feel like you do not need much support or help, your presence and story can be inspirational to someone else. This is your chance to really help someone, and get help if you need it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refreshments and light snacks will be served. Come with your story, questions and an open heart. Lupus Star Foundation is all about helping individuals, spreading awareness, and educating the public!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #403152; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-3053065249662165032011-06-13T08:59:00.000-07:002011-06-13T09:09:12.079-07:00June Awareness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIsrUL1ob9meVAfxUJUfcQBWILz0JRVhhWIcaxMs8JCYf4zhH33yoJgwN5pYff9qJmxSdvv34LKbpt71eVkn5UMMIIXX19EgQ-cfiabn6tROwtDKqG_sSO6MTW23ss9OclncQsoqY/s1600/menshealthmonth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIsrUL1ob9meVAfxUJUfcQBWILz0JRVhhWIcaxMs8JCYf4zhH33yoJgwN5pYff9qJmxSdvv34LKbpt71eVkn5UMMIIXX19EgQ-cfiabn6tROwtDKqG_sSO6MTW23ss9OclncQsoqY/s200/menshealthmonth.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month is:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ Men's Health Month</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1xiw0v1E2rMhyWiTvzyhY2WFY3VdGn0vh0WvL9A6-xma-aE1rgOXVQS-GDEyhKZJNOSHImID8RzQfCt7CWs0NTkApC9ebSHYCWUsklBrUOXXYPBs-1wcpZpPtshTXUQz3u9QHA93/s1600/men.blueribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1xiw0v1E2rMhyWiTvzyhY2WFY3VdGn0vh0WvL9A6-xma-aE1rgOXVQS-GDEyhKZJNOSHImID8RzQfCt7CWs0NTkApC9ebSHYCWUsklBrUOXXYPBs-1wcpZpPtshTXUQz3u9QHA93/s1600/men.blueribbon.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ Home Safety Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ National Aphasia Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ Cataract Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ National Scleroderma Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ National Cancer Survivor's Day (5)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ World Sickle Cell Day (19)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ National HIV Testing Day (27)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☀ Men's Health Week (13-19)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;">Happy Father's Day! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvhbsod2YrV2tXMhIU8oDNVKmGjwYVJpLHl__sv6cgqCMKHsEBmD_K6jWXIc6NrcytYyaSYJO3Z_aXH99MhrHW8MW84_hZe5EXllNkZkgYrgv96Ck_ncGucQaMEXGT-lNbPaapFml/s1600/men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvhbsod2YrV2tXMhIU8oDNVKmGjwYVJpLHl__sv6cgqCMKHsEBmD_K6jWXIc6NrcytYyaSYJO3Z_aXH99MhrHW8MW84_hZe5EXllNkZkgYrgv96Ck_ncGucQaMEXGT-lNbPaapFml/s1600/men.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-67624177165101791392011-06-06T14:25:00.000-07:002011-06-06T14:28:13.122-07:00Did I have Lupus as a child?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the Lupus Star Foundation <a href="http://www.lupusstar.org/">(Lupus Star Website)</a> peer support group meeting, I mentioned that I might have had lupus long before I was diagnosed. Throughout my childhood I had several issues that were just kind of brushed aside and not paid much attention to. For example, as a child I used to have chest pains quite often. The doctors always said it was just a pulled muscle, because of my sports and dance and such. Ummm, maybe it was pleurisy people. Also, I was very active, but when I ran it was quite painful for my ankles and feet. I just thought I was slow and out of shape. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got a bit older, like high school and my first year of college, I would sometimes have to stop dancing because of exhaustion. I mean I just could not finish performances sometimes. I would faint or come really close to it. This even got me kicked off of the marching band pommerette team. I would run out of practice because I felt so bad and I couldn't keep up. I thought I just sucked. Did I have lupus back then? I probably did, but the doctors did not catch it. They always put the symptoms off as something else. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfJJOCFyBGnYwwyZ3FBWGnT6ul_drr9a3XyMuhTw8NUskLrLGUXkSTlrkBZUQu4LRiXP3sXErJBFYrUZX7R7EGj8rH8vFyi7TkdTh0-bXtLAuWrXzgQb7uxKSC4a4S__W1KerLBBR/s1600/butterfly+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfJJOCFyBGnYwwyZ3FBWGnT6ul_drr9a3XyMuhTw8NUskLrLGUXkSTlrkBZUQu4LRiXP3sXErJBFYrUZX7R7EGj8rH8vFyi7TkdTh0-bXtLAuWrXzgQb7uxKSC4a4S__W1KerLBBR/s200/butterfly+ribbon.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As an adult something finally brought the disease all the way out. Yeah thanks!! Now that I know all the symptoms and different ways to diagnose lupus, I think that I definitely had the lupus all along. Lying dormant within this little girl, that had no idea what lupus was. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is important to take any change in your health seriously. It may seem like nothing, but it could be very serious. You have to take control and understand what is going on with your body. If your chest is hurting, it means that something is wrong. You need to find out what it is. It is not normal for you to have pain for months at a time. Get it checked, and make the doctors figure it out. Don't just believe what they tell you!! They are "practicing", they do not know everything. As my fellow lupus survivor told us "you have to be your own advocate"; he is absolutely right. Get tested and checked out when your feeling "funny", it could save your life. :0)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/76D881B1DEB596141C16B001111D3B9A.png" /></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-26521818102547687772011-05-18T22:15:00.000-07:002011-05-18T22:15:34.999-07:00QUICK FACT 19<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFQ2ibg-KcapnUqU0VFIZJtIohtKzTAWPQ9iPCjW9SKMToUYL0tE6qutHKsDVflewGFvdoOEBdYaTyl_6mV_o-MeIilbTFwCEeto1C0R9HLcvIsF1L8kDaT0AcG17lMP_KsQ8six6/s1600/What+is+lupus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFQ2ibg-KcapnUqU0VFIZJtIohtKzTAWPQ9iPCjW9SKMToUYL0tE6qutHKsDVflewGFvdoOEBdYaTyl_6mV_o-MeIilbTFwCEeto1C0R9HLcvIsF1L8kDaT0AcG17lMP_KsQ8six6/s200/What+is+lupus.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lupus is not related to HIV/AIDS. In lupus, the immune system is overactive, while in HIV or AIDS, the immune system is underactive.</span></h3>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-58438400087442985032011-05-09T20:45:00.001-07:002011-05-09T20:45:57.773-07:00World Lupus Day 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U82SkPydqe7fOY75AfSBDhoe6DuBw4htO6EBC4YWQNSUdRTD3xq63fISedDBLGSYzzKH8trgWTb5lzFWDlsOLC9PUnguIbWXULtYQ9n_tvfTkE7PJuKZcWIAoF5Sq4HtKJCj907S/s1600/World+Lupus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U82SkPydqe7fOY75AfSBDhoe6DuBw4htO6EBC4YWQNSUdRTD3xq63fISedDBLGSYzzKH8trgWTb5lzFWDlsOLC9PUnguIbWXULtYQ9n_tvfTkE7PJuKZcWIAoF5Sq4HtKJCj907S/s320/World+Lupus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">We all know that May is Lupus Awareness Month, but today just happens to be World Lupus Day. We ask everyone to wear Purple or Orange to spread awareness and support of Lupus. You can find information on <a class="smarterwiki-linkify" href="http://www.worldlupusday.org/" style="color: #435059; text-decoration: underline;">www.worldlupusday.org</a>. Many regions around the world are celebrating World Lupus Day in their own special way. Below you will find information about how the United States (Lupus Foundation of America) is spreading awareness on World Lupus Day. </span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Group:</i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i> Lupus Foundation of America -- National Office</i></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Event: </i></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>World Lupus Day is just one of the featured events in a month-long observance of Lupus Awareness Month in the United States. As part of the observance, the LFA is engaging constituents through its social networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and the LFA Blog to secure commitments by individuals and organizations to do one thing to raise awareness of lupus. The LFA has developed two eCards and is urging people with lupus to </i></span><a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1361" style="color: #435059; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Send an ecard</span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i> to 10 friends on May 10. We're also are asking people worldwide to make a commitment to Band Together for Lupus by </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/457" style="color: #435059; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">signing an online petition</a></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i>Date:</i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><i> May 10th, 2011 </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Personally, I will be sending out more e-cards and spreading awareness on various social websites as always. Make sure you get your purple or orange wristbands and wear them proudly. Also, sign the petition and send out as many e-cards as possible. Let's Celebrate!! Let's Spread Awareness!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://www.lupusstar.org/apps/cafepress_shop/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click Here to purchase Lupus Merchandise</span></a></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-70165900835415685852011-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:002011-05-08T10:20:01.060-07:00May Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Lupus Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI8wBWi1EFcwTEnas97dR4UZYg1N94R5v5GK8pv5yZOii4FT60X9qXC5mOd4leskkR1r3GOvRu-wwEj7z8Ak7hkNx1DM2m26IdmLJwdKIVtyYHSpZe8y_EsmHflUb-PfPd94SLcRB/s1600/NWHW-button-125x125.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI8wBWi1EFcwTEnas97dR4UZYg1N94R5v5GK8pv5yZOii4FT60X9qXC5mOd4leskkR1r3GOvRu-wwEj7z8Ak7hkNx1DM2m26IdmLJwdKIVtyYHSpZe8y_EsmHflUb-PfPd94SLcRB/s200/NWHW-button-125x125.gif" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Arthritis Awareness Month </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Hepatitis Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Employee Health and Fitness Moth</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Healthy Vision Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Mental Health Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ National Women's Health Week (8-14)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Food Allergy Awareness Week (8-14)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ National Women's Check-up Day (9)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ World Lupus Day (10)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (18)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 56px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">❀ Health Safety Awareness Day (27)</span></span><br />
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</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-88286796984606960942011-05-01T20:26:00.000-07:002011-05-01T20:26:28.540-07:00Lupus Awareness Month<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdq0rdHPVtAHdRr4gnMZkl3mx2CpcA8g50jl4yTfFY_UVLRioajaGQ9aBeI9FEzWRMHEFJ1xgxUI3jiPbCmQyForUR_p2cNLFEOzEZ-a4Ys970ViRwuSAAONSjIJhlJ2vTBHqF4CL/s1600/Awareness+Month2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdq0rdHPVtAHdRr4gnMZkl3mx2CpcA8g50jl4yTfFY_UVLRioajaGQ9aBeI9FEzWRMHEFJ1xgxUI3jiPbCmQyForUR_p2cNLFEOzEZ-a4Ys970ViRwuSAAONSjIJhlJ2vTBHqF4CL/s400/Awareness+Month2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://lupusstar.webs.com/">Lupus Star Foundation Website</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-77220610329822636312011-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:002011-04-29T20:50:08.384-07:00Lupus and Your Career<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the economy bouncing back, many of us (myself included) are going to be entering the workforce again. For those of us that are living with Lupus, this poses many challenges besides the quality of our resumes! Many of the butterflies wrestle with themselves about whether or not they should disclose the illness to perspective employers, and if they do, when is the right time? What should I say?</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a recent MBA grad, I have put some thought into this process and have offered some tips that may help my fellow butterflies and anyone else living with a chronic illness:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Should I say something?</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, it is definitely in your best long-term interest to disclose your illness. We all know that a flare up can occur at anytime. When it hits, we have enough to worry about. Worrying about our job security shouldn't be one of them. That's why it is important for your employer to know what you are dealing with before it becomes a problem. Letting them know in the midst of a health crisis can make you look unreliable and untrustworthy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>So when is the best time?</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You should disclose your illness whenever you feel comfortable. I would say the sooner the better. A few times I have waited a while after I was hired to say something, but I have also mentioned my condition during the interview on several occasions. I would rather know in advance that the organization has a problem with my condition. You will be able to tell by paying attention to non-verbal and verbal cues, even if they do not come out and say so. Even though it is against the law to discriminate, companies can still do it and hide the real reason. So I say if it flows naturally in conversation, and you feel comfortable, TELL them!! If you are lucky you will have a supervisor that is understanding and supportive. I hope that you all will have successful careers, which are fulfilling and make you super duper happy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/153/76D881B1DEB596141C16B001111D3B9A.png" /></span></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-19069292564644772862011-04-18T19:27:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:12:33.844-07:00QUICK FACT 18<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal">In approximately 10 percent of all lupus cases, individuals will have symptoms and signs of more than one connective tissue disease. A physician may use the term "overlap syndrome" or "mixed connective tissue disease" to describe this condition. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Depending on how lupus affects their body, some people with lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin problems, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications.</div></span></h3><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"></div></span></h3><div></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-73608817567412697142011-04-17T21:24:00.000-07:002011-04-29T21:23:17.422-07:00Should I Take the Stronger Medicine?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I have an important decision to make. My Rheumy wants to start taking Methotrexate in order to stop taking Prednisone. If you don't know what Methotrexate is, it is a mild form of chemotherapy. I am not sure that I want to begin to take such a strong and possibly damaging medication. My Rheumy really thinks this will improve my health. She was so excited when I told her to go ahead and write the prescription. I didn't say I would take the pill. I didn't even say I would fill the prescription. She was still very happy. I guess she really believes that this will help me in the long run.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I turned in the prescription, but did not pick it up yet. I will probably get it tomorrow. Still not sure about taking it. It has terrible side effects. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000547/">Info of Methotrexate</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One minute I tell myself "heck no I'm not taking a chemo pill." Then when I am lying down feeling absolutely terrible, with pain all over my body I say "screw it, just try it." I am ready to stop feeling so bad so often. But chemo....geez!!! I am just very confused right now. I have talked to several people that take it and have had no real problems. That is nice to hear. I just don't know! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confused and Losing it,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-13369772864709915482011-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:002011-04-29T21:25:17.648-07:00Volunteers Needed!!! Please Help!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lupus Star Foundation is proud to announce that we have a volunteer opportunity this spring and summer. We will assist CCC Because We Care Foundation with their volunteer program with the Detroit Tigers. We will work the concessions during the 2011 Tigers season and earn money for Lupus Star Foundation. We need as many people to volunteer as possible. The more games we work and the more people we have at the games, the more money we will have donated to us. LSF really needs your help!!!</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 30 games that we can volunteer for, but you can work as many or as few as you would like. Regardless if you plan to work 1 or 25 games, you are required to attend training. You must be 18 years and older. We begin working games on Friday, April 22, 2011 through Wednesday, September 28, 2011. There will be a training session sometime in May. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible. Also, please pass this on to your family, friends and supporters. Email, call, text, post it to your Facebook and Twitter account, whatever you have to do to get volunteers. Anyone can help out!! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to get involved, but this is not the program for you, please contact us. If you would like to donate to the foundation please do so below. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/WEBSCR-640-20110401-1/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/WEBSCR-640-20110401-1/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://lupusstar.webs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LSF Website</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Email: lupusstarfoundation@gmail.com</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Bunches,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-67852321030610799812011-04-10T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:14:02.188-07:00Depressed? What to do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVNsoRkHagkEiEd49EHPccBhcRcSgT1lTLH1xn95kPyoDnGCLQDJwG9Lg3GUP3l79pJX5lb3ilxstgSsG7XGgq1lqttGLjbnan5Hit5o3bg6ilTwq1z7MsCnFr9YtcUrs1RgEUCRn/s1600/depression_graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVNsoRkHagkEiEd49EHPccBhcRcSgT1lTLH1xn95kPyoDnGCLQDJwG9Lg3GUP3l79pJX5lb3ilxstgSsG7XGgq1lqttGLjbnan5Hit5o3bg6ilTwq1z7MsCnFr9YtcUrs1RgEUCRn/s200/depression_graphic.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Depression affects millions of people. There is no single cause that has been identified. It seems to be interactions between genetic, environmental, biochemical and psychosocial factors that play a role. Those of us with lupus or other chronic illnesses may suffer from depression due to a number of reasons. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I personally take medication that causes depression. I also get down about how lupus has negatively affected my life. I had to realize that I was depressed and try to "snap out of it!" We must remember that depression is NOT a personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. It is a real illness, but it can be successfully treated.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and other natural remedies. If you know or think you are depressed you can try these tips for a natural approach to promote healthy living. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Maintain proper sleep hygiene as advised by your health care professional, Eat a well-balanced diet, Manage anxiety as advised by your health care professional, Participate in a structured and supervised exercise program as advised by your health care professional, Set realistic goals for yourself, Create small and manageable tasks & Let others you can trust such as family and friends help you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Here are some other ways to get rid of your depression on your own.</span></span><br />
<div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Do not make important decisions while depressed.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Try to avoid stress.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Take care of your body.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Eat regularly and with pleasure.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Avoid negative thoughts.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Communicate with friends and family, even overcoming yourself.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Report any changes in your health to your psychotherapist.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Do not take drugs or alcohol.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Do not abuse hypnotic drugs.</span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: xx-small;">Information from www.pristiq.com and www.depressionam.com</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Also remember that it is always a good idea to consult your doctor about depression and its treatments. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif, arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana; line-height: 52px;">☺</span></span></div></div></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-55941669916355240512011-04-08T20:24:00.000-07:002011-04-29T21:24:23.581-07:00I Didn't Know She Had Lupus!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://www.celebritytalent.net/sampletalent/photos/sm/14959300.jpg" width="213" /></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercedes Yvette Scelba-Shorte of the second season of America's Next Top Model has lupus. The 29 year old from New Jersey revealed that she had lupus on ANTM. Now working as a model and actress, Mercedes uses her celebrity to spread lupus awareness. She was featured twice on the cover of the Lupus Foundation of America's Lupus Now Magazine. She is a avid spokesperson and advocate of lupus. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember watching the ANTM episode where she revealed that she had lupus. I felt so sorry for her, but I didn't know much about the illness. And that next year (2005) I was diagnosed. Well, I am happy to see that she is thriving as a young talent, and is doing what she can for our cause. She should be an inspiration to us all. We can still achieve our dreams even with lupus weighing us down!! You are much more powerful than your illness, never forget that.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-7684162118048903202011-04-07T15:50:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:50:51.129-07:00World Health Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is World Health Day!! What is World Health Day?</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the founding of WHO. Each year, the Organization selects a key health issue, and encourages people from all ages and all backgrounds to hold events that highlight the significance of this issue for good health and well-being. World Health Day provides a unique opportunity for communities from across the world to come together for one day to promote actions that can improve our health." ~World Health Organization </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year's issue is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antimicrobial resistance. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more info visit <a href="http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2011/en/index.html">http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2011/en/index.html</a> </span></div>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-9242645581658272452011-04-07T15:01:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:01:15.279-07:00April & March Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>April</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ National Donate Life Month</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ National Autism Awareness Month</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ National Minority Health Month</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ Alcohol Awareness Month</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ World Health Day (7)</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ World Meningitis Day (24)</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">☂ National Infant Immunization Week (23-30)</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>March </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☁ National Nutrition Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☁ National Endometriosis Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☁ Save Your Vision Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☁ National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month</span></span><br />
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</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-53076824556353581512011-04-02T16:33:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:14:02.191-07:00QUICK FACT 17<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-2101416063543045082010-12-12T21:08:00.000-08:002011-04-07T14:49:54.441-07:00Health Awareness (February, January & December)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>February</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">❤ American Heart Month</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">❤ National Wise Health Consumer Month</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">❤ National Children's Dental Health Month</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 52px;">❤ International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>January</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☃ Cervical Health Awareness Month</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☃ Thyroid Awareness Month</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☃ National Glaucoma Awareness Month</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 52px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">☃ National Folic Acid Awareness Month</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>December</b> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❅ Safe Toys and Gifts Month </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❅ World AIDS Day (1)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❅ National Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week (1-7)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❅ National Handwashing Awareness Week (5-11) </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-55398661190979618672010-12-01T18:19:00.000-08:002011-04-29T21:26:27.180-07:00When do I tell him I have a chronic illness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhXRbN4YAbF0EewqvvLHXpVU0vcJnWDMsNSR80bMCMbpiQzyJ416XPlpdMmZPA0p8g61yoOYq7pCwUR6fjRmUQH3I-U-MuVQpCYrxfsNkdv-NS4lwFFeakEUaCzpSwNpXqWmmXAp3/s1600/cc+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhXRbN4YAbF0EewqvvLHXpVU0vcJnWDMsNSR80bMCMbpiQzyJ416XPlpdMmZPA0p8g61yoOYq7pCwUR6fjRmUQH3I-U-MuVQpCYrxfsNkdv-NS4lwFFeakEUaCzpSwNpXqWmmXAp3/s320/cc+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">A young lady asked me to get other lupie opinions regarding the right time to tell a new love interest about your chronic illness. Well, everyone who responded pretty much said the same thing in some way or another. The overwhelming response was "when you feel comfortable". This is also my advice. If you feel comfortable telling them on the first date then go for it, but if not just hold off until you do. I also think that it is better to let them know as soon as possible. One of the respondents also mentioned that you can weed out a certain type of guy (or girl) by being upfront in the beginning. Some people will run as fast as they can. Well, if they do then it is good that you got rid of them early, because you will eventually need his help and he probably won't give you the support that you need. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">I understand if you feel apprehensive about letting people in too early. It is natural, but you may eventually become more comfortable with sharing your situation with people, even someone that you just began courting. No one can tell you when YOU should share your health condition, only you can determine that. If it takes too long for you to feel comfortable with a certain person then they are probably not the right person for you. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">I personally feel relieved when I share my condition, I feel a load off of my shoulders. I can also tell a great deal about a person and/or how they feel about me by their reaction. Having a chronic illness is a sort of blessing when it comes to relationships, because you really find out who really loves and will do anything for you right from the start. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Love,</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGUnc-s-mpK3L5C53yc65JUajU0qX0TcTX2hwmKnU71B0uFIx1sILRN8udYrWG8PkmlnG97Po9ZuUC159OJb5qL3OsGDsoygDHT9NICjokm-moMGqgNt85uanNN8bXkUNGzszlY97/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-33293441658534619722010-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:002010-11-14T13:47:57.849-08:00November Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ American Diabetes Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ COPD Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ Lung Cancer Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ National Family Caregivers Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ National Healthy Skin Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ Diabetic Eye Disease Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ Prematurity Awareness Month</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❋ Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month</span></span><br />
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</span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-10594928547854013162010-11-11T13:12:00.000-08:002011-05-15T12:14:02.193-07:00QUICK FACT 16<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. Nearly two dozen clinical studies are underway to develop new safe, more tolerable and effective treatments for lupus. </span></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-75539069063077580332010-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:002010-10-12T10:53:36.019-07:00October Awareness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">This month is:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Breast Cancer Awareness Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Disability Employment Awareness Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Domestic Violence Awareness Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Down Syndrome Awareness Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Physical Therapy Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ Talk About Prescriptions Month</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ Respiratory Care Week (24-30)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Osteoporosis Day (20)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ National Mammography Day (22)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 44px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">❦ Lung Health Day (27)</span></span></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-17613538293764237622010-10-02T10:49:00.000-07:002011-05-15T12:14:02.195-07:00QUICK FACT 15<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Systemic lupus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus can affect any organ system of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints, and skin.</span></span></span></span></h3>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245229989077712920.post-660471848122934702010-09-05T10:07:00.000-07:002010-09-05T10:09:40.982-07:00Common Medications Used to Treat Lupus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://belaray.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/medication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://belaray.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/medication.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><ul><li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may be used to treat a variety of signs and symptoms associated with lupus. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, or stronger versions can be prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter NSAIDs because some have been associated with serious side effects in people with lupus. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Antimalarial drugs.</span></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> Although there's no known relationship between lupus and malaria, these medications have proved useful in treating signs and symptoms of lupus. Antimalarials may also prevent flares of the disease. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is the most commonly prescribed antimalarial. Side effects of antimalarial drugs include vision problems and muscle weakness.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Corticosteroids.</span></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"> These drugs counter the inflammation of lupus, but can have serious long-term side effects, including weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy. To help reduce these risks, your doctor will try to find the lowest dose that controls your symptoms and prescribe corticosteroids for the shortest possible time. Taking the drug every other day also can help reduce side effects. Corticosteroids are sometimes combined with another medication to help reduce the dose, and therefore the toxicity, of both drugs. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements while using corticosteroids can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.</span></span></span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Retrieved from Mayoclinic.com</span></span></span>Simmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806104082872115501noreply@blogger.com2