CALENDAR:
Save the date: Dine Out for Lupus - May 14, 2013.
Simply dine out at a participating restaurant (more information coming soon), and your restaurant will donate part of the proceeds to LFNC and lupus research.
Click here to see our full calendar of events and add them to your own calendar here!
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35 Years. $35,000. The Fund Campaign to Beat Lupus.
Since the day we opened our doors 35 years ago, it has truly been a privilege to be a witness not just to the trials that lupus patients face but their triumphs, too. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
We are now asking you to reach out and give to the LFNC so that we can make a greater difference. Our goal is to raise $35,000 through this annual fund campaign, and this campaign helps provide services and education to lupus patients, expand our community outreach, and renew our commitment to advocacy and research. Every dollar counts. No gift is too small. Please give today!
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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: Spandan Chakrabarti
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LFNC is an active partner in
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Connect with us on
via "Lupus Online"
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LFNC's Social Media Program is funded through a generous grant from THE HENRY L. GUENTHER FOUNDATION GEORGE H. SANDY FOUNDATION GLAXOSMITHKLINE |
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Exposure to Certain Natural Bacteria May Protect Against Autoimmune Diseases
Animal research published in the journal Science showed that exposure during childhood to normal bacteria found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may protect against developing autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lupus. The study also provides theories on why certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus, are more common among females.
Researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) found that when female mice at high risk for developing the autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes were exposed to normal bacteria taken from the gut of adult male mice, they were strongly protected against the disease. Only 25% of those female mice given the gut bacteria developed diabetes.
You can read the full study in the Science Magazine.
Though this study is only an animal study, it may hold promises for human research in the near future. If the principles are the same, and the same turns out to be true for humans, both treatment and prevention of lupus and other autoimmune diseases using a natural bacteria may become a reality.
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About That Nasty Flu Going Around...
 flu shots (non-live) are generally safe and effective for lupus patients. It is also recommended, as patients with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk when it comes to the flu. The use of flu shots do not generally increase disease activity.
If you have not yet gotten your flu shot, please consult your physician about getting one. Most insurance plans will cover a flu shot at no expense, and if you do not have insurance, flu shots are available at many pharmacies for a small cost. Please be advised that live virus shots (usually through nasal spray) are not safe for lupus patients, but the widely used traditional shot is.
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Mercedes-Benz Drawing
Our charity car drawing is a great way to help out the Lupus Foundation and support our work in patient services, education and research. Support us by buying tickets right away!
Ticket prices are changing a bit this year: you will be able to buy each ticket for $75, three (3) tickets for $200 and five (5) for $300.
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Researchers have found that exposure to certain normal bacteria can help prevent and protect against autoimmune diseases like lupus, 