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OVER 30,000 DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

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Contributed by: Terri Neil on 9/26/2007

Lupus is more prevalent than AIDS, sickle cell, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined

NEARLY 30,000 DIAGNOSED IN

SOUTH FLORIDA

Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter

Engaging Community To Help Find A Cure During

October - National Lupus Awareness Month

While most women are aware of the signs and health risks of breast cancer and heart disease, relatively few are aware of another significant health problem that strikes mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 45. The disease is lupus. October is National Lupus Awareness Month and the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter is undertaking a regional campaign to educate the public and health professionals about lupus and its impact on individuals, families and society. Lupus is incurable and is taking over women's health at an astonishing pace. Lupus deaths have increased 61% since 1980.

Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes out of balance, causing inflammation and serious tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Even though approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus, two-thirds of Americans report they are unaware of lupus or its potentially disabling and life-threatening health effects. People of color are at greatest risk for developing lupus. The disease is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans than among Caucasians. What is most troubling about the lack of awareness of lupus is that early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus often can prevent serious consequences, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, disability or even, death.

Nationally, nearly 2 million have been diagnosed with lupus. Closer to home, the diagnosis is on the rise with nearly 30,000 in Southeast Florida, which is over 33% of the states diagnosed population. Over 6,100 patients have been diagnosed in Palm Beach County; over 8,700 in Broward and a staggering 12,000 in Miami - Dade County. The problem is, however, that lupus is difficult to detect because many initial symptoms of the disease often are dismissed or go misdiagnosed. Because the disease progresses most often over time, it is not uncommon for people with lupus to suffer several years before doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can conclusively determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosis is usually made by a careful review of a person's entire medical history, coupled with an analysis of the results obtained in routine laboratory tests and some specialized tests related to immune status. The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter's website includes a short questionnaire that can help individuals determine whether they need to consult with a doctor about lupus. Visit, www.lupusfl.org to download the questionnaire.

The fight to find a cure is aggressively underway in Southeast Florida as the local Lupus Foundation of America chapter, the second largest in the country is planning several walks and fundraising events to raise money and awareness to fight this debilitating disease.

"One in 185 people have been diagnosed with lupus and right now, lupus is winning," said Joshua Estrin, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation, SE Florida Chapter. "We are engaging the local community to open their eyes and take the time to learn about lupus as eventually someone they know either has or will develop lupus."

Other services are also in place regionally to assist those desiring information on lupus. A Patient Navigator is now available Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Thursdays, 1 PM to 7 PM to answer questions regarding the disease, supply names of doctors who specialize in treating lupus or provide information to patients or family members that have general questions. Twelve regional support groups located throughout South Florida are also meeting regularly to assist patients and their families in coping with lupus. For a complete list of support group meeting times and locations and to learn more about lupus, visit www.lupusfl.org.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter, a not-for-profit autonomous corporation affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America. This chapter, founded in 1978, serves Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami/Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The chapter is dedicated to improving the lives of persons who suffer from lupus in South Florida by providing counseling and referral, support groups, professional and patient education and training, outreach, public information, advocacy and support of research. For more information, call 561-279-8606 or 800-339-0586 or visit www.lupusfl.org.

October Lupus Awareness Activities

Broward Walk for Lupus Now!

Sunday, October 14

Nova Southeastern University

Davie

Registration 8:00 AM

Karaoke with an American Idol, Leslie Hunt

Friday, October 26

Roadhouse Grill, Linton Boulevard and Federal Highway

Delray Beach

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Delray Beach Walk for Lupus Now!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Anchor Park - A1A

Delray Beach

Registration 8:00 AM

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