PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Capitol Hill Day, Oct. 7 & 8 From left: Hunter Bethea, Legal Aid to Senator Bob Corker, (R-TN), April Simpkins, Tennessee Chapter President, and her mother, Myrna, the Chapter Secretary.

Window Decal with Cookbook Purchase

Our cookbooks make great holiday gifts? The first 100 people to order one or more get a FREE window cling. It is never too early to shop!

Scleroderma Student Essay Contest

Choosing scleroderma as a research topic helps to not only spread the word about the disease, but also helps to inform others about how they too can join the fight against scleroderma. You can win a Wii system or even a trip to Boston!

Needymeds Drug Discount Card

A way to save on your prescription medications.

Scleroderma Legislation

Help us pass these bills.

S. 1545

H.R. 2408

Friday, December 4, 2009– Issue #325

eLetter Archive

Jerry A. Molitor, M.D., Ph.D.

Toward the Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis
Warning Signs the Practitioner Needs to Recognize

By Jerry A. Molitor, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a rare condition that first presents with symptoms common to many other diseases. Because of this, diagnosing it can be difficult and take time. This article describes warning signs of possible incipient scleroderma as well as tests that can help the primary care provider identify this serious autoimmune disorder.

Water Exercise

Regular exercise helps keep joints moving, restores and preserves flexibility and strength, and protects joints against further damage. It improves your coordination, endurance and your ability to perform daily tasks (such as walking or writing).

Scarring Alopecia Causes

Cicatricial alopecia is the another name of scarring alopecia or hair loss caused by scarring of the scalp. It refers to a group of diseases that not only destroy the hair follicles, but also replace them with scar tissues, thereby, causing scarring and permanent hair loss. It can affect both men and women, irrespective of their ages. Here is a brief discussion about cicatricial or scarring alopecia causes, as well its symptoms and treatment. More on male hair loss and female hair loss.

NIH Announces First National Research Study Recruitment Registry
Nationwide Registry to "Match" Volunteers with Researchers

Individuals who want to participate in research studies now can connect online with researchers nationwide through the first disease-neutral, volunteer recruitment registry.

Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill.

How to Be Tax-Smart at Year-End

Now that the end of the year is in sight, it is a good time to take time to consider the blessings of the year. It can also be a good opportunity to consider sharing those blessings by making an end-of-the-year gift to the Scleroderma Foundation.

Giving at this time of the year not only allows hope, support and education about the disease to be spread broadly, but it also can be a valuable part of reducing your tax liability.

Your gift can be made to the national office or directly to your local Scleroderma Foundation chapter—whichever you prefer. All gifts received by the national office from donors in a chapter territory are reverted back to the appropriate chapter, unless otherwise designated.

If you would like to discuss making a special gift—large or small—to the Foundation, please call 800-722-4673.

We also have a useful end-of-year planning checklist that provides 10 helpful hints about getting your assets in order.

Thank you for your support of our three-fold mission of support, education, and research.

Learn more about end-of-year planned giving.

Upcoming Events

Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone 978-463-5843 · 800-722-HOPE (4673)

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