According to The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), May is Lupus Awareness Month. In connection with this, organisations around the world are doing fundraisers and other activities under the theme “Make Lupus Visible,” which is expected to “raise awareness of the physical, emotional and economic impact of lupus, while raising funds to support lupus research, care and support services, and educational resources and programs.” To do its part in the Cayman Islands, the Health Services Authority Cayman Islands (HSA) is hosting a free lupus awareness event at the HSA Hibiscus Room from 4 pm to 6 pm on May 25, 2023.
At this Thursday’s free event, it is understood that attendees will have an opportunity to learn about lupus from local health professionals. In addition, they will hear testimonials from Lupus Warriors.
Persons who have questions about the venue or topics to be covered may email the Lions Club of Grand Cayman at [email protected] or telephone (345) 547-9559.
More about lupus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects many different parts of the body.”
CDC explained further that it is “An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself because it cannot tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.”
Symptoms of lupus, according to the CDC, include the following:
Fatigue or extreme exhaustionMuscle and joint pain or swellingSkin rashesFeverHair lossRecurring mouth soresSensitivity to the sunLung problemsChest pain when deep breathingFingers or toes turning blue or white or feeling numbHeart problemsKidney problemsPsychosis (disruptive thoughts and perceptions about what is or is not real)Blood cell and immunological abnormalities (anemia or clotting problems)Eye diseasesMemory problems
The CDC explains that although there is no cure for lupus, “it can be managed with proper treatment, and people with lupus can go on to live long happy lives.”
Such management should include being physically active, eating healthy meals, getting plenty of rest, avoiding smoking, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
