Thanks everyone for the support! I have sincerely enjoyed my journey thus far!  July is LUPUS Awareness Month and I must admit, this one was tough for me!  Lupus is a heredity disorder and often runs in families for generations.  Let’s focus on the signs and symptoms of Lupus and what to do if you suspect you or a loved one may have Lupus.

 

Simplified:  Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues instead of harmful cells.  This act often damages your skin, joints, blood vessels, and some organs.  

What makes this disease so nonspecific is that there are several different types or classifications of Lupus, the most common being  Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, which is broad and affects many different body systems.  

Lupus is a lifelong disease without a current cure, but many different treatment options.  Lupus will have its “quiet and active” cycles where one may feel healthy and then have a flare up.  

During a flare up, you may experience symptoms.  Quiet times, often referred to as “remission”, are when you may have no symptoms.  A period of remission may last anywhere from a month to years. (NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

 

As stated before, Lupus is autoimmune, meaning it is caused by antibodies naturally present in the body. The cause of these cells attacking healthy cells is unknown at this point. Lupus cannot be transmitted or caught.  Risk factors are as follows:

 

The symptoms are very broad and can be a sign of a number of problems, so as always, I suggest a thorough medical history and exam be performed by a Physician!

 

Many women will become alarmed by a very distinguishing symptom of Lupus because it occurs on the face and may not be as vague or as easy to disguise. This symptoms is referred to as Malar or “Butterfly Rash”.

Lupus can be diagnosed by:

A simple blood test that may show inflammation, infection or a common symptom, anemia. Any one test often cannot give a diagnosis of Lupus alone; but by putting symptoms together in a complete clinical picture a doctor can diagnosis and begin treatment.

Treatment can range from:

Simple pain management to immune suppression, as this disorder is different from person to person.

 

Again Community, As I’ve done in the past, I continue to urge you all to find ONE DAY in your year for a health screening by a qualified healthcare professional in your area. 

Knowledge is Power, and Prevention is Key! 

Don’t forget to leave any feedback or comments. Enjoy your summer, and TAKE CARE!

 

Take Care Community Outreach Volunteer Nurse,

Denise Starr, RN, CEN

We invite you to take a look at this article that is related to our "Health Issue of the Month". It discusses a study related to African American Men and Prostate Cancer. The researchers point out factors that may contribute to increased death rates among members of this racial group. It is our goal to help reduce these factors in the community!

Click on the link below to read the article:

2. Maintain a healthy weight (Know your BMI)

3.  EXERCISE (Dance, Walk, Swim, Ride your bike)  

It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.  Hypertension is known as the "silent killer" because many people do not know they have it.  

(Image reference: www.activehealthcareinc.com)

(Image reference: roseknowshealth.com)

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (HTN), High cholesterol, or Diabetes (DM); You have a higher risk for heart disease which often leads to stroke. Heart disease leads to many health alignments.  In this blog, my focus will be STROKE.

(1st image reference:  floydmemorial.com, 2nd image: www.interactivebiology.com)

The Meaning:  

(A) HEMORRHAGIC: or BLEEDING                 

This form of stroke happens when a blood vessel or artery (transport of blood flow) in the brain leaks or burst, many times due to built pressures. This rupture (blood accumulation) then compromises the brains space in the skull leading to compromise = decreased functioning or LIFE! (Reference: WebMD)

This form of stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying blood to an area of brain becomes blocked by a blood clot. This form of stroke is more common and accounts for 80% of strokes that occur.  It is more commonly seen in diabetics. (Reference. WebMD)

(Reference: www.psastroke.org)

Thanks for the chance to share community!  Be educated and empowered! You have people that are educated in healthcare settings, and more importantly at home that love you and will fight for you!  Take Care Community Outreach, Inc is here for you as well!   

Healthy Eating & Physical Activity are the key to helping prevent childhood Obesity.  

As always, we would like to continue to engage the community in our outreach efforts.  If you have a story to tell about obesity or would be interested in volunteering to teach others in our community, please contact us. Simply click here.

         arteries.