National Conference Update
Scleroderma Bill Promotes Research and Awareness of Scleroderma
Free Lipitor, Viagra, Other Drugs for Jobless
Ocular Manifestations of Scleroderma
Herbal Supplements – Information You Need to Know
New Types of Walking
Upcoming Events
2009 National Patient Education Conference Scholarships
Are Available
Photo of the Week
Stepping Out Walks
Commemorative Stamp for Scleroderma
2009 National Patient Education Conference
Scholarships Are Available.more... |
Photo of the Week
 Brenda Hearn (r) of Albuquerque, New Mexico recently took her battle with scleroderma to the field—the softball field, that is—in an effort to fundraise for the Scleroderma Foundation. Read more.
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Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walks Gearing Up
Find a walk near you! |
Commemorative Stamp for Scleroderma
The Scleroderma Foundation
is pursuing a commemorative stamp for scleroderma.
We
need your help! |
2009 Communications Sponsor |
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Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) |
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Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) |
May 15, 2009 – The Scleroderma Foundation applauds Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) for introducing H.R. 2408, the “Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act” in the House of Representatives yesterday. This bipartisan legislation gives hope to the estimated 300,000 Americans and their families living with this devastating disease.
Scleroderma is a chronic and disabling connective tissue disorder resulting from an overproduction of collagen. The word “scleroderma” means hardening of the skin, which is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. Scleroderma can affect many areas of the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. There is no known cause and no cure. The disease disproportionally impacts women and minorities. African Americans are at a higher risk of developing systemic scleroderma, and women account for 80% of all diagnoses. The estimated total economic impact of scleroderma in the United States is $1.5 billion annually. The direct cost of treatment for patients is more than $460 million annually. |
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Thomas A. Medsger, Jr., M.D. |
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Mary Ann Nirdlinger, M.D. |
"Scleroderma and Cancer," presented by Thomas A. Medsger, Jr., M.D. and "Nutrition and Your Immune System," presented by Mary Ann Nirdlinger, M.D. |
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TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Pfizer Inc. says it will provide 70 of its most widely prescribed prescription drugs—including Lipitor and Viagra—for free to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance. |
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 Abstract: Systemic sclerosis is a chronic multi-system disorder predominantly affecting the skin, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and renal systems. Although the exact etiology is unknown, recent evidence suggests that immune activation play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis.
This is a pdf. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this file. If you don't have Acrobat Reader, download it FREE. This is a technical document. |
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 Herbal supplements are an increasingly popular alternative to standard, Western medications, but there’s a great deal of misinformation surrounding them. Herbal supplements aren’t simply vitamins or nutritional supplements, they’re compounds that can have a significant impact on your body’s functions as well as interact with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you may be taking. In addition, lack of government oversight and regulation makes it difficult to verify what’s actually in the supplement you’re purchasing.
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You’ve tried taking different routes and walking with a friend, but it still feels a little ho-hum.
Try these creative twists to keep walking interesting. To experience a mental and physical workout, try ChiWalking. Stressing good posture and proper breathing, ChiWalking incorporates the principles of tai chi with walking. |
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Deadline for 2009 National Patient Education Conference
Scholarships Is May 28
Thanks to the generous support of Scleroderma Foundation chapters to the Walter A. Coyle Memorial Scholarship Fund and a grant from MediQuest, scholarships will be available to the 2009 National Patient Education Conference in St. Louis. |
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