Service Organizations
4th Annual “Walk for Lupus” this Saturday, May 16th
May 15, 2015 - 5:24:01 AM



Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - Lupus Awareness month is underway and the 4th Annual Walk will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at at 6:00 a.m. at the Foster B. Pestina Center. Participant donation is a $10 donation. 

The Annual Health Forum will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Foster B. Pestina Center at no cost to the public. Our featured presenter will be Dr. Amit Golding MD, PhD.

LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES:

• Courtesy Call with Dr. Michael Darville at the Ministry of Grand Bahama on Friday, May 1st at 11:00am.

• Our Annual Church Service at Community Life Church with Pastor Cedric Beckles on Sunday, May 3rd at 9:00a.m.

• Our P.O.P. (Put on Purple) for Lupus Initiative which invites the public to purchase a Lupus Bahamas signature purple t-shirt to wear every Friday throughout the month of May.  This further helps Lupus Bahamas raise awareness of Lupus and its’ devastating impact on a growing number of Bahamians by partnering with us in telling the story. The more people who know about the disease, the more support we will have for those living with the disease. All proceeds from this initiative will go towards Lupus Bahamas’ continued efforts for public education. 

• Our 4th Annual “Walk for Lupus!” which will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 6:00 a.m. at the Foster B. Pestina Center at a donation of $10 per registrant. REG FORM ATTACHED BELOW

• Our Annual Health Forum – “Understanding Lupus” will be held on May 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Foster B. Pestina Center at no cost to the public. Our featured presenter will be Dr. Amit Golding MD, PhD. 

Dr. Golding MD, PhD completed his medical and PhD training at John Hopkins University School of Medicine and is currently a faculty member in the Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland.

Our Month End Church Service at Calvary Temple on Sunday, May 31st at 10:00a.m.

We are looking forward to the public’s continued support in our events this year.  For further information you can contact the organization’s president, C. Tamika Lightbourne at telephone 439-6208.  
Email: lupusbahamas.gb@gmail.com.  
Web: facebook.com/lupus.gb.

BRIEF HISTORY OF LUPUS BAHAMAS

Lupus Bahamas has been in existence in Grand Bahama for 5 years.  The ladies began as a support group at the Public Health Authorities, Grand Bahama.  A few short years later that strength was galvanized into an incorporated non-profit organization whose mission is to place priority on education and awareness through research and literature; as quality information is essential for improved health. Also it is our goal is to further enhance the quality of treatments associated with this disease; promoting better healthcare on our island as well as throughout our nation. Our members are individuals who enterprise to assist with this and in our community through providing education & service.  Our vision is to constantly strive to empower and encourage those living with Lupus and to be a recognized organization inspired by a passion for helping all affected by this disease to continue to live great quality lives.  Our mission is to place priority on education and awareness through research and literature, believing that quality information is essential for improved health and to foster learning and research success by working with doctors and medical professionals to promote proper and accurate diagnosis which will further enhance the quality of treatments and healthcare throughout our nation.

FACTS ABOUT LUPUS

1 - Lupus is an autoimmune disease.  In lupus, the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body are affected.

2 - There are five general types of lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus - affects joints and organs
Discoid lupus - affects the skin
Sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - characterized by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion
Drug-induced lupus - develops after a drug reaction
Neonatal lupus - affects newborns

3 - Ninety percent of lupus patients are women.

Lupus affects roughly 10 times as many women as men. Most often, lupus develops in people 18 to 45 years old. Though lupus is most prevalent among women, it also may affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.
Lupus Screening Quiz

4 - There are 11 American College of Rheumatology criteria for Lupus.

Lupus is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases, based on eleven criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology for classification purposes.

Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose, Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest, Sunlight sensitivity, Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores, Arthritis pain in joints, Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving, Kidney problems, Neurologic problems, Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count, Immune system malfunction, Antinuclear antibodies, It is usually recommended that if you have four or more of the eleven criteria, you should consult with a rheumatologist.

5 - Lupus diagnosis may be difficult

Lupus is considered an unpredictable disease, with no two cases exactly the same. The unique pattern of symptoms associated with lupus has caused some to say that lupus is like a snowflake. No two are alike. There are several symptoms of lupus which mimic other rheumatic diseases (e.g., severe fatigue), making the diagnostic process difficult.

6 - Lupus treatment depends on symptoms and severity of symptoms.

Conservative treatment with NSAIDs (i.e., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen) and plaquenil may be appropriate for lupus patients with non-life threatening symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. More aggressive treatment which may include high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs is used when there are severe organ complications. The benefits and risks of treatment must be weighed by each patient and their doctor.

7 - Certain races have an increased risk of developing lupus.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

8 - The majority of lupus patients lead normal lives.

With careful monitoring of lupus, and treatment adjustments as needed, most lupus patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good disease management quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.

9 - A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, including lupus.

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist , or you can get an appointment through self-referral if your health insurance allows it. Evaluation by a rheumatologist is important so that a patient can develop a treatment plan.

© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com -