Scleroderma Foundation
Scleroderma Foundation eLetter
eLetter #343

Greetings!

ANOTHER CHANCE TO RAISE SCLERODERMA AWARENESS!
 
Share a story about how your child shines, and your family could win $10,000 and a VIP trip to meet Martina McBride at a performance in Nashville! Learn more at:
 
http://www.sunnyd.com/martina-mcbride-tour/#/prizes
The Duke Family Hosts Their 5th "Cooking Up a Storm" Fundraiser
Lauren Duke and Scleroderma Foundation CEO Robert RiggsThe Duke Family of Ocala, Florida, hosted their 5th "Cooking Up a Storm" fundraiser for the Scleroderma Foundation on March 19, 2010. The invitation-only event took place at the Dukes' home in Ocala, and included a catered dinner by national award-winning chef and instructor, Jim Kennedy. Over 140 guests, including Scleroderma Foundation CEO Robert Riggs, were in attendance and enjoyed the musical stylings of a local DJ as well as door and raffle prizes. Learn more at:
Pain Management: Diagnosing the Cause of Pain
Donate Now ButtonVarious techniques are available to determine the cause of pain, including pain measurement tools and X-ray devices. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and ask about your history of illness, injury or surgery. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to assess the intensity and location of your pain. Learn more at:
Two Workshops Added for Conference
2010 National Conference
Some of the 2009 National Conference Scholarship Winners"Gastrointestinal Issues," by Dinesh Khanna, M.D. - People with scleroderma may develop abnormalities of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Any part of the GI tract can be involved in scleroderma, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small or large intestine. Improve your understanding of how to treat and manage gastrointestinal problems in scleroderma. Learn more at:
Some of the 2009 National Conference Scholarship Winners"Juvenile Scleroderma - Medical Aspects," by Thomas J. A. Lehman, M.D. - In this session, parents can get the most up-to-date information about some of the unique challenges faced by children with localized and systemic scleroderma. A better understanding of the biological process of scleroderma coupled with the latest medication, therapy, and research information will enable you to be a more informed and effective partner in your child's care. Learn more at:
"Why I Am Attending the Conference"
Some of the 2009 National Conference Scholarship Winners"I'm looking forward to the 2010 National Conference in Boston because I want to get updates regarding the disease, such as new medicines and/or treatments. Also, I enjoy reconnecting with Conference attendees that I have met over the years. The Scleroderma Foundation serves as a conduit to share information with current and new members of our support group."
- Donna Stone, Oregon & S.W. Washington Support Group
Leader
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation in the Person with Scleroderma, by Janet Poole, OT
Medscape LogoAbstract
Purpose of Review:
The purpose of this review is to examine current evidence for the efficacy of rehabilitation techniques for musculoskeletal impairments in persons with scleroderma.
Recent Findings:The current literature on rehabilitation techniques consists of studies evaluating the effectiveness of paraffin wax treatment, hand and face stretching exercises, connective tissue massage and joint manipulation, splints, and aerobic exercise and resistance training.This article is free, but to read this article, you must have a login and password. Learn more at:
Disease Cause Is Pinpointed With Genome
Two research teams have independently decoded the entire genome of patients to find the exact genetic cause of their diseases. The approach may offer a new start in the so far disappointing effort to identify the genetic roots of major killers like heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's. Learn more at:
Healthfinder.gov
Man exercisingWelcome to healthfinder.gov, a government Web site where you will find information and tools to help you and those you care about stay healthy.
 
Our Content
When making decisions about your health, it's important to know where to go to get the latest, most reliable information.  healthfinder.gov has resources on a wide range of health topics selected from over 1,600 government and non-profit organizations to bring you the best, most reliable health information on the Internet. Learn more at:
Causes Found for Stiff Skin Conditions
By studying the genetics of a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have learned more about scleroderma, a condition affecting about one in 5,000 people that leads to hardening of the skin as well as other debilitating and often life-threatening problems. The findings, which appear this week in Science Translational Medicine, open doors to testing new treatments. Learn more at:
Help for Osteoarthritis: Devices for Living Easier With Arthritis
WebMD LogoLiving with arthritis can be difficult. Assistive devices may make life a little easier.
 
Your Hallways and Doorways
Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, or walkers can help with walking around the home. Here are a few other helpful devices. Learn more at:
www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/living-easier-arthritis-devices?page=3
2010 National
Gold Sponsor
Actelion Pharmaceuticals, 2010 National Gold Sponsor
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