Announcing...
 | | 18th Annual 5K Run and Walk for Lupus |
|
REGISTER NOW
FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL
5K RUN AND WALK FOR LUPUS
Sunday, June 10, 2012 | West Valley College, Saratoga
Also announcing...
|
"DOUBLE THE PACE" FUND CAMPAIGN
As of January 27, 2012, we have reached 51% of our goal. Please help us reach our goal of $68,000 by June 30, 2012.
|
Information contained in this e-Newsletter should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or management of S.L.E. and symptoms by a physician.
Missed a previous issue of this e-Newsletter?
You can now view our ARCHIVES.
Editor: Rene Astudillo
Editorial Assistant: Spandan Chakrabarti |
|
LFNC is an active partner in
|
|
Connect with us on
via "Lupus Online"
|
|
LFNC's Social Media Program is funded through a generous grant from
THE HENRY L. GUENTHER
FOUNDATION
GEORGE H. SANDY FOUNDATION
|
|
|
|
LFNC earns GuideStar Exhange Seal, demonstrating its commitment to financial and organizational transparency to its donors, sponsors, members,supporters and the general public. Click on the GuideStar Exchange Seal above to learn more. GuideStar is the country's leading directory and source of financial information for nonprofits.
|
A Better Understanding of Lupus Medications
While there is presently no cure for lupus, many medications that are used to treat the disease and its myriad of symptoms have been effective in preventing or treating flares, and keeping lupus from damaging the body's organs over time. Back in the 1950's only 50% of lupus patients survived through the first 5 years after being diagnosed with lupus. Today, about 90% of patients survive 10 years or more.
A new class of drug treatment like the newly-approved Benlysta and others in various stages of clinical trials, are designed to directly attack lupus where it starts - by recognizing and inhibiting the production of autoantibodies that damage healthy cells. But standard therapy used by doctors for many years have worked well for many patients. Individually or in combination, these drugs, when tailored to each patient's unique circumstances and health status, can help patients achieve the best quality of life possible.
For the newly-diagnosed patient, or those having to deal with organ involvement or severe complications for the first time, the list of possible medications can be daunting. But to put it simply, lupus medications can be classified into these general categories:
- Medications that block inflammation
- Medications that suppress the immune system
- Medications used for more serious lupus complications such as kidney or other organ involvement
- Medications for skin problems
Understanding the function of each prescribed medication and learning about its possible side effects as discussed with one's doctor or pharmacist can alleviate any unnecessary stress that may arise from the treatment protocols.
Here are several online resources that discuss lupus medications:
|
2012 Spring Lupus Mini-Conference : "Outlook for Lupus Treatment and Research" Saturday, April 28, 2012 | 11am-4pm | Kaiser Redwood City
R. Elaine Lambert, MD,
heads the list of speakers and presenters at LFNC's 2012 Spring Mini-Conference on April 28, at Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City. Lambert is Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California. She works in a private rheumatology practice at Sports Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Medicine Associates in Redwood City. She is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the Northern California Arthritis Foundation Board. She has authored a number of journal articles and book chapters and has lectured nationally on a variety of arthritis-related topics. She has won many awards in both teaching and patient care, including the highest honor awarded at Stanford Medical School's 1995 Graduation, the Rambar Award for Excellence in Patient Care. Lambert will talk about "Early-Adaptor Experiences in the Treatment of Lupus: Benlysta and Other Drugs in the Pipeline."
Other confirmed speakers include:
Dana Hawkes, Clinical Nurse Educator for Human Genome Sciences, will answer questions on the new lupus drug Benlysta.
Nicole Hemmenway, Vice President of the U.S. Pain Foundation and Director of the INvisible Project. She will discuss the impact of Step Therapy/Fail First policies of Health Insurers on lupus patients and others living with chronic pain conditions.
A panel of lupus patients will share their stories of coping with their illness.
Click HERE
to download CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM.
CEU credits available to RNs.
|
|
|
|
You asked for it, you've got it!
(Overwhelming choice based on our recent poll)
LFNC'S CHARITY CAR DRAWING
Win this 2012 Honda Civic Sedan LX plus a chance to win early-bird drawing
prize of a 7-day Cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean on Holland America Line! See DETAILS
|
|
|
