A little more than a week ago, the government kicked off a Lupus Awareness Campaign ... The campaign targets those who are most impacted by lupus -- young minority women. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have a former colleague who had lupus and despite the difficulties associated with her condition -- she was one of the most vibrant and productive women I have ever known. Lupus was never an excuse to not be fully engaged in life or work and I've always admired this aspect of her personality.
Lupus is often called a 'woman's disease" although it affects men as well. About 1.5 to 2 million people are affected by the autoimmune disorder in which the immune system can't discern between its own cells and tissues and foreign substances. The result can mean damage to various parts of the body, inflammation and pain, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
To learn more, visit empowher.com's lupus page or the Lupus Foundation of America.
Also, womenshealth.gov has a great printable chart to track symptoms of lupus that you can take to your doctor.
You can also visit www.couldihavelupus.com