BARK DI TRUTE

Posted by Vernon Lloyd Derby at 22:00 

Dr. Winsome Beverley Christie President of the Pharmaceutical Society  of Jamaica

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2013, )Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. There is no cure for lupus, but medical interventions and lifestyle changes can help control it.

Brittney Taylor Assistant Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica

 Prevalence of Systemic Lupus Erythematous in Blacks

In recent years, SLE has been on radar as that autoimmune disease that is seen on the rise amongst both sexes of all ethnic groups. Interestingly, approximately ninety percent (90%) of SLE cases are seen in women. Of all the ethnic groups the rates appear to be higher inblack women. (Danchenko et al.,2006).

An ethnic diverse study conducted in Michigan, concluded that the prevalence of SLE was 10-fold higher in females, with a 1 in 537 approximationsin black females. (Somers et al., 2014) Although, the prevalence appears to be higher in black women, the rates vary for black women living in different areas of the world.For example, reports from an early study done solely on black people in West Africa, proved the prevalence of SLE to be rare however, the ratesin said women living in America, the Caribbean and Europe was relatively high (Symmons DP, 1995).

Kevar Bennett  Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica.

Sang-Cheol B et al. highlighted in a review, that the prevalence of SLE progressively increased as blacks migrated from Africa to both North America and Europe suggesting that dietary and environmental contributions may have influenced the rates.  A common finding that was noted in various epidemiological studies done over the years;is that the prevalence of SLE in blacks tends to be higher than that observed in otherethnic groups.  (Lewis and Jawad, 2014). According to a study conducted by the University Hospital of the West Indies, Department of Medicine in 2008, a Lupus Registry was established to help with the analysis of the data and it was concluded that a total of 107 patients met the criteria for diagnosis of SLE at the referral centre, 96.3% of them female. Positive antinuclear antibodies[ANA ] (90.7%), arthritis (70.0%), malar rash (53.5%) and a positive dsDNA (40.1%) were the more frequent manifestations and diagnostic indices of the disease. Up to 41.7% of the SLE population suffered some form of complication.

SLE AND COVID

Several autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) result from immune-mediated inflammation and tissue damage caused by immune system dysregulation. As a result, patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease have been identified as a vulnerable population at risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Although a strong antiviral immune response is needed for viral clearance, hyperactive immunity has been linked to cytokine storm and tissue damage in COVID-19 patients . Both SLE and COVID-19 have been shown to manifest multi-organ complications of interstitial pneumonia, cytopenia, arthralgia, myocarditis, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis . Due to similarities in disease characteristics, treatment of patients with SLE may provide insights into development of therapeutic options for COVID-19.

Lupus treatment

The treatment modalities will focused on two types of lupus: Discoid lupus and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Discoid lupus is a skin problem that causes raised red areas (called "plaques") and scars on the skin. Discoid lupus can happen anywhere on the skin but usually happens on the upper body. The most common places for discoid lupus are the face, neck, scalp, and ears.

 Symptoms of discoid lupus: red, scaly plaques. These plaques tend to slowly expand at the edges and then heal. When they heal, they leave behind discolored skin and sunken scars. Discoid lupus on the scalp can cause hair loss.

Sometimes, people with discoid lupus also have lupus in other parts of the body. This is called "systemic lupus." But most people with discoid lupus just have lupus in their skin.

Treatment involves mainly topical applications but can include corticosteroids and medication similar to those used for the more generalized systemic lupus erythematosus.

• Steroid medicines that come in ointments, creams, or gels – These steroid medicines reduce inflammation and help the skin heal. Examples include fluocinonide or clobetasol.
• Medicines called calcineurin inhibitors that come in ointments or creams. Examples include pimecrolimus (brand name: Elidel) and tacrolimus (brand name: Protopic).
• Steroid medicines that come as injections, are given locally into the portion of skin that is affected.          

Sytemic lupus erythematosus treatment depends on symptoms and how the person is feeling. The goals of treatment include:

• Ease your symptoms
• Bring down inflammation
• Prevent and relieve flares
• Prevent organ damage and other health problems

Pain and inflammation associated can be treated with non-prescription drugs such as

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Antimalarial drugs Pain Antimalarial Drugs such as

hydroxychloroquine" or "chloroquine

They might help with skin rashes, mouth sores, and joint pain. They may also lower your chance of blood clots, which is a concern in some people with lupus.

Antimalarial drugs protect against skin damage from ultraviolet rays in sunlight and may protect your body against organ damage linked to lupus.

Corticosteroids

These can be a pill form or IV, they work fast to ease swelling, warmth, and soreness in joints that’s caused by inflammation. They can also prevent long-term organ damage.

Corticosteroids can have serious side effects like:

• Higher chance of infections
• Fragile bones or bone damage, especially in your hips
• Muscle weakness
• Diabetes
• Cataracts

You may also have weight gain, bloating, and mood changes. Your doctor will probably give you the lowest dose they can and taper it off if your symptoms go away for a time.

Immunosuppressive drugs

Like corticosteroids, these drugs curb your immune system, bring symptoms under control, and help prevent long-term organ damage. Your doctor may prescribe them if corticosteroids haven’t helped your symptoms.

Common immunosuppressive drugs for lupus include:

• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

In some cases, you may use immunosuppressive drugs along with corticosteroids. That way, you'll be taking a lower amount of each type of drug, reducing the possible side effects.

With both types of drugs, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks of side effects against how well they ease your lupus symptoms.

Side effects of immunosuppressive drugs

Immunosuppressive can make it hard for your body to fight infections and raise your chances for some kinds of cancer. One particular immunosuppressive drug azathioprine may cause pancreatitis or a form of hepatitis. Cyclophosphamide may lead to bladder problems, hair loss, or fertility problems. Methotrexate can cause nausea, headaches, mouth sores, sun sensitivity, lung infections, and liver damage.

Your doctor may also prescribe one or more of these types of drugs:

• Anticoagulants. These thin your blood to prevent clots, a life-threatening lupus symptom.
• Monoclonal antibodies. Belimumab (Benlysta) is the first drug created just to treat lupus. Given intravenously (in a vein) or subcutaneously (under your skin), it targets specific immune cells. It may help reduce your need for steroid treatment, but it hasn’t been tested thoroughly for the most severe forms of lupus. Rituxan (Rituximab) is another monoclonal antibody that can sometimes treat lupus when other treatments haven’t worked.
• Repository corticotropin injection. A medicine called H.P. Acthar Gel may help your body make its own steroid hormones like cortisol to fight inflammation.

Side effects of other medications

Common side effects of anticoagulants include bloating, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. You may rarely have bruising, a skin rash, a sore throat, back pain, or yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

Monoclonal antibodies might cause problems like headache, nausea, hives, or blood pressure changes. These can usually go away over time.

Acthar Gel may cause swelling, changes in blood pressure or glucose tolerance, mood changes, stronger appetite, or weight gain.

Complementary treatments for Lupus can be supportive and aimed at reducing stress, improving the immune system and reducing inflammation and pain. They may include:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Massage
• Meditation
• Chiropractic treatments
• Herbs and other supplements

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying any alternative or complementary treatments for lupus. Also ask your pharmacist to run a drug interaction on their “system” to see if there are any potential or real interactions.

Lifestyle Changes

A healthy lifestyle will help you feel better and prevent flares. It can also help prevent problems linked to lupus, like kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Try these tips:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Quit smoking (or don't start) to protect your heart and blood vessels.
• Get plenty of rest to ease fatigue, a common lupus symptom.
• Exercise most days to help sleep, mood, and heart health.
• Always use sunscreen when you go out.
• Get pneumonia and flu vaccines to protect against infections.

For Discoid lupus some tips to help cope with the disease include but may not be limited to:

• Staying out of the sun in the middle of the day (from 10 AM to 4 PM), when the sun's light is strongest
• Stay under a sun umbrella, tree, or other shady spot
• Wear sunscreen – Put sunscreen on all parts of the body that are not covered by clothes. Then reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, or after you sweat or swim. It's important to choose a sunscreen that:
• Has an SPF of 30 or greater – SPF is a number that tells you how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UV light.
• Protects against 2 types of UV light, called "UVA" and "UVB." (Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called "broad spectrum.")
• Has not expired or is not more than 3 years old
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants
• Do not use tanning beds
• If you smoke, it's a good idea to quit. Discoid lupus seems to be more severe in people who smoke. Also, smoking seems to make certain medicines for discoid lupus less effective.

If you are bothered by the way discoid lupus looks on your skin, you can use special cosmetic products to make the skin changes less obvious.

 Contributors:

• Dr. Winsome Beverley Christie, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica,
• Kevar Bennett, Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica.
• Brittney Taylor Assistant Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica,

References

Bae SC, Fraser P, Liang M. The epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in populations of African Ancestry. Arthritis & Rheumatism 1998; 41:2091-2099

Danchenko N , Satia JA, Anthony MS. Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparison of worldwide disease burden. Lupus 2006; 15:308-18

Lewis MJ, Jawad AS. The effect of ethnicity and genetic ancestry on epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology 2017; 56:67-77

Somers EC, Marder W, Cagnoli P et al. Population-based incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: the Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance program. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:369-78

Symmons DP. Frequency of lupus in people of African origin. Lupus 1995; 4:176-8

Discoid Lupus

https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/disandproc/3634237?cesid=23AbZOOrhGy&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Fa

 Lupus Treatment

https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/disandproc/4734765?cesid=7oZ8qt5MQEP&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Fa

Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Treatments of Lupus-LUPUS UK

Lupus Treatment: Medications and Alternative Treatments (webmd.com)

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.589474/full

Guan W, Ni Z, Hu Y, Liang W, Ou C, He J, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. New Engl J Med (2020) 382:1708–20. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2002032

HEALTH & WELLNESS MAY 11, 2021 WRITTEN BY: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the Government spent more than $12 million on drugs for lupus patients in the last financial year, and more persons should register and access the support.

Addressing a virtual forum to observe World Lupus Day on Monday (May 10), Dr. Tufton said more than 900 patients benefited.

“It was a commitment kept by the Government to improve the outcomes of persons affected by lupus, by providing specialist care and vital drugs free of cost through the public health system, and now a private system subsidised by the National Health Fund,” the Minister added.

He pointed out that the NHF subsidises more than 120 medications for lupus care, and persons with the disorder can access services at 105 fully operational Drug Serv pharmacies and 49 private/public pharmacies.

Dr. Tufton said the Government has been playing its part to advance services for the patients, by supporting initiatives that improve the awareness and understanding of the disease.

“I salute the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica for the work that it has been doing. I implore all Jamaicans to join together to fight lupus and support persons living with the disease,” the Minister said.

The event was organised by the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ), under the theme ‘Unmasking the Many Faces of Lupus’.

Meanwhile, President of the LFJ, Dr. Désirée Tulloch-Reid, said the best option for persons who are living with the ailment is to control it through treatment and consistent monitoring.

“We don’t have a ‘cure’… but treatment has come a long way. Now it is possible for most people to achieve control of their disease with the right treatment,” she told the forum.

Dr. Tulloch-Reid said the “goal” for all those persons affected is to “gain control of the situation, and maintain control”.

The forum heard from many persons who are living with the disease, medical experts and other persons, who shared their experience with the ailment.

Lupus attacks tissues in various parts of the body, leading to tissue damage and illness. While the ailment affects predominantly young women, both genders can be affected by the illness, including children.

CALLING ALL LUPUS WARRIORS SEND US YOUR PHOTO OF YOUR FACE and help us build a COLLAGE as we showcase the MANY FACES OF LUPUS and help raise awareness about lupus.  We need at least 100 faces!  We can do it!                            Just email or whatsapp your pic to info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org or 8767783892 or tag us on our social media pages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lupusfoundationjamaica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lupusfoundationja/  (make sure to like, follow and share).   Submissions needed by Wednesday May 5, 2021.   This is just an example of what we would like to create This image is courtesy of Lupus Canada 7 Barbados Avenue Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I. 876-754-8458 Helpline 876-778-3892 (Voice/Text/Whatsapp) Email: info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org

Scores of Jamaicans continue to suffer the debilitating effects of Lupus. The Lupus Foundation continues to support the fight against Lupus through its education programmes, advocacy and support to persons to living with the disease. 

On May 10, LFJ will be joining in with lupus groups across the world as we observe World Lupus Day 2021 under the theme MAKE LUPUS VISIBLE.  We will be promoting awareness of lupus through the help of community and media partners and on our social media platforms, while seeking to raise funds to continue the work and support our Lupus Warriors.  

LET US ONCE AGAIN UNITE IN THE FIGHT

Help us MAKE LUPUS VISIBLE by participating in one our many activities across the Island leading up to and on World Lupus Day (WLD):

1. PRINT & POSTER CAMPAIGN: Providing posters and literature for Educational displays in partnership with

   1. branches of Jamaica Library Service across the island – including Clarendon, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland Parish Libraries

   2. Lupus Treatment Centres and major Hospitals across the Island

   3. Workplaces, schools, churches, health Centres on request

   4. CALL OR EMAIL US BY APRIL 30, 2021 for materials to make your own display at work or church!

1. RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERVIEWS AND FEATURES facilitated by our Media partners leading up to May 10

   1. TUNE IN AND INVITE A FRIEND TO LISTEN

1. PUT ON PURPLE AND SUPPORT OUR WARRIORS:   We are encouraging all Jamaicans to wear something purple on World Lupus Day Monday May 10 in solidarity with the cause and with those affected by lupus

   1. Drop in and pick up a purple ribbons at LFJ Lupus Learning Centre, – 7 Barbados Avenue

   2. Purchase T-shirts, wrist bands or other merchandise from our office or Online Store

1. SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN:  Leveraging social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with messages, videos and promoting lupus awareness

   1. MAKE SURE to like, follow, subscribe (with notifications) our social media pages to receive and share our Awareness Messages, videos and images! 

   2. TAG US on pics and videos showing what you are doing to MAKE LUPUS VISIBLE in your neighbourhood or Social Media space.  #WorldLupusDay  #LupusFoundationJA

1. FUNDRAISING DRIVE: We are on a drive to raise funds to continue ongoing and new programmes and meet increasing demand for services.  You can help!

   1. Suggest your company as a sponsor and join in as one of Our Caring Companies

   2. Make a donation of any size or encourage your family/friends

   3. Take a donation can to your work place

   4. Share our Sharable posts with links to our Donation page with family and friends

   5. Do your own Crowd-Funding campaign

1. VIRTUAL WORLD LUPUS DAY EVENT:  Monday May 10, 2021 at 7 pm:

   1. Make Lupus Visible: Unmasking the Many Faces of Lupus

   2. Free online virtual event hosted by media practitioner Roxene Nickle of THE EDGE 105 FM

   3. Streaming live on Facebook Live and Youtube

   4. Register today at www.lupusfoundationjamaica.org

On May 10, 2021, LFJ will join in with lupus groups across the world as we observe World Lupus Day 2021 under the theme MAKE LUPUS VISIBLE.  We will be leveraging community and media partners, the power of social media  as well as staging of a special free online event Unmasking The Many Faces of Lupus.  

You can help the effort by sharing your story as a person living with lupus:

Just record a short video/videos, 30 seconds or less for each one or more of the following topics:

• Introduce yourself, eg,  "I am -------, I am ------- years old, and I have lupus"
• When/how were you diagnosed?
• How are you doing now?  What is your strategy to survive or thrive with lupus?
• How long have you been a member of the LFJ? Would you encourage other lupus warriors to join, and why?

You can make your own recording with your camera or smartphone Send in your recording to info@lupusfoundationajamaica.org by April 30, 2021.

Having difficulty?  We can help you!  Just visit the Lupus Foundation Learning Centre (7 Barbados Ave) on Monday April 26, 2021 or Thursday April 29 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and one of our volunteers can assist you with the recording.

Disclaimer: Your video is not guaranteed to be selected for the programme due to limited time slots available. Your video might be edited to tighten your story.  By submitting your video, you have expressly given the Lupus Foundation Jamaica the permission to use your recording for current and future promotions and awareness events conducted by the Lupus Foundation Jamaica.

TIPS FOR RECORDING AT HOME:

If you are doing your own recording, please note the following tips for a great video:

Instructions on recording video with a smartphone. at home without any equipment WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0URmjXWmQA

Other tips Other Instructions 1. Do not do a selfie holding your camera with your hand. The footage can often be shaky and jarring to the viewer's eyes. 2. Film in a quiet place away from loud noises like traffic, dogs barking or people shouting. 3. Ensure your face is lit by turning on a lamp and pointing it toward your face or filming facing a window. 4. Do not film yourself far away from the camera. You will sound better the closer you are to the video. 5. Read the questions and familiarize yourself with your answers before recording. 6. Ensure the video is in focus so we can see you clearly. 7. Lastly, relax, be yourself and speak from the heart.

APRIL 2021 NEWSLETTER

LFJ NEWS

Click Here to View

Published:Wednesday | March 17, 2021 | 12:13 AMCecelia Campbell-Livingston/Gleaner Writer

Nathaniel Stewart/Photographer

Dr Marsha Smalling, principal of Glenmuir High School, during the virtual launch of her book ‘Powered Up’ on Sunday, March 7.

Dr Marsha Smalling, principal of Glenmuir High School in Clarendon, has been fighting lupus since 2003. On Sunday, during the official launch of her book, Powered Up: Leveraging Six Pillars to Live Out Loud, she gave an insight into her life and how she embraced her autoimmune disease to live out loud.

She shared that at one point while completing a degree, she was in hospital and talking to a professor, and instead of getting an understanding of her situation, she was reminded that she had exams in two days. Refusing to focus on being in the hospital, she took it as a challenge and did what she had to do right there.

“I’m advocating on behalf of those who have been scoffed at; we are more than just a lupus patient. At my diagnosis in 2003, I managed to successfully complete all my degrees while working full-time jobs simultaneously,” she shared.

Commenting on the book, Smalling said she possesses some attributes of a ‘powered’ person, and suggested practical ways in which this can be cultivated.

IMPORTANCE OF EXECUTION

She also had a warning for those who logged in to the virtual launch via Zoom, as well as those who were in the school’s auditorium on Sunday, that it is important to execute and not to just get motivated during the session.

“Until you execute the ideas, you will not enjoy the real impact, and that’s the challenge we have. We come to events like these, then we leave feeling powered up. We feel like we want to conquer the world and as soon as we disconnect from this and something happen, we feel like we want to quit and we go back to the old ways of doing things,” she said.

It is from that background the high school principal said she is offering her story, as well as her experiences in helping others to elevate.

She had a strong message for those suffering from lupus, as she reminded them that although it might disrupt the narrative, having lupus is not a death sentence, nor does it make them lesser or hamper from living a fulfilled life.

“I am doing this for others to strengthen their identities, be proud of who they are and live out loud. I am definitely doing this to demonstrate to future and current employers that they are capable and that we can add real value. I am here to say that if we are not given a seat at the table, we should create our own table, walk with our own chairs and stand tall and make a difference,” she urged.

Guest speaker at the launch, Leighton McKnight, Caribbean regional advisory leader at PwC Jamaica, said his interactions with her have completely changed his life.

After having two adopted daughters and his biological daughter being diagnosed with lupus, which he always thought to be a death sentence, he said discovering she had it and noting how she lived her life gave him hope, which he could offer his own children who looked up to him for encouragement.

“I used her as a benchmark that this thing here can’t hold you back. The book Powered Up is for me from the heart. Faith, hope and charity, that is essentially what this book is about, and at this time in Jamaica, I don’t know who don’t need faith, hope and charity,” he shared.

Throughout the ceremony, it was clear that Smalling had impacted not just her own relatives, but all those she came in contact with her. MC and past student of the school, Kediesha Perry, of the Jamaica Observer, shared how she encouraged her through her own challenges. Family friend Vaughn Johnson also had stories about her impact and her sibling, Phiona Lloyd Henry, who had lots to say.

editorial@gleanerjm.com

MARCH 2021 NEWSLETTER MY LUPUS STORY as submitted through Tell Us Your Story -Georgia, 25 It started with a cold that wouldn’t go away. Then came the swollen lymph nodes, joint pain and unbearable migraines. In September 2017 at the age of 22, after many blood tests, ultrasounds, CT Scans and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with SLE (Lupus) and you could say my life flipped entirely. Most times it feels as if your mind and body are in a constant battle with each other. You want to do a lot, and you think you can, but your body can’t handle it. After recovering from a bad flare at the start of the year, I decided to join the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica. I am extremely excited, thankful and grateful for their various platforms of support thus far. Although I wake up every day in pain, to know I’m not alone is the biggest comfort and the love and support I have from my family and friends always keeps me going. Also knowing that with God, prayer and faith I can do anything and get through my day. Today I am hoping my story will inspire others with the disease to share their own. Together we will fight this! Lupus doesn’t define us! -Georgia, 25 COVID VACCINE F.A.Q.'s  Am I at higher risk of contracting Covid 19 because I have SLE? At this point we do not have information which indicates that Lupus patients are more likely than others to contract covid-19. If I contract Covid 19 am I likely to have a more severe course? Recently emerging data is now showing that there are some patients with Lupus who may have a more severe course, for example persons having a flare (lupus not under control), those on higher doses of steroids or specific medications that suppress the immune system’s response. This is in addition to the higher risk associated with co-morbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Is there a specific Covid 19 vaccine that is best for persons with lupus? Not that we are aware. We do not have studies comparing the safety or efficacy of one vaccine in persons with lupus vs the other. Will I benefit from the vaccine? Due to the risk of severe Covid 19 disease in patients with Lupus, we believe any measure that can mitigate the risk of infection such as a vaccine would be beneficial. Are these vaccines safe? All vaccines have to satisfy rigorous safety requirements before dissemination. Although we have no direct studies on the vaccines in patients with SLE we still expect the benefits of vaccination in protecting against severe covid-19 would outweigh the risks of side effects which so far appear to be mild in most persons (fever, malaise, headache) and transient. Will my medications affect how well the vaccines work? The efficacy of the vaccines may be reduced in individuals on some immunosuppressive medication. What is the lupus foundation doing to advocate for us receiving the vaccine? The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica is in fact lobbying for our Lupus warriors to receive the vaccine as a matter of priority, along with other co-morbid conditions.   UPCOMING EVENTS: April 7 (Wed)  Ask the Expert Live - LUPUS & BONE HEALTH with Dr Patrice Francis-Emannuel, Consultant Endocrinologist   Merchandise is still Available for purchase Show your lupus colours and support when you wear one of our LUPUS Warrior T-Shirts.  Available with 3 sayings, visit our website to get yours, or follow the link below. ORDER NOW SUPPORT THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF JAMAICA - many options available online follow link below.   DONATE ASK THE EXPERT IS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT! EVENTS Ask The Expert Live is Back! Lupus and Bone Health with Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Patrice Francis-Emannuel Just text back to this number or send us an email at: info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org.  Looking forward to your feedback!   Tell Us Your Story! We are collecting stories! LFJ is built on our members and we want to hear from you! We also want to share your stories - of challenges, resilience, overcoming, or just keeping on, as we seek to inspire and encourage other lupus warriors and supporters. What keeps you going? What part has the LFJ played in your journey and what does our LFJ community meant to you? What is your vision for the LFJ for the future? Share what is on your mind/heart: send us an email at info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org under the subject "My LFJ STORY" - You can also send us a text on our helpline 876-778-3892 starting with the words: MY LFJ STORY. Bear in mind your comments may be used in upcoming articles/publications. Click here for more details and tips to get started! 7 Barbados Avenue Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I. 876-754-8458 Helpline 876-778-3892 (Voice/Text/Whatsapp) Email: info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org   Learning Centre Hours Monday - Friday 10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm FOLLOW US:     If you support the Lupus Foundation and would like to add this to your social media pages or email signatures please feel free to copy and paste the icon to the right.

Show your Love in Purple This Valentine's week, send a Purple Love Note to a person living with lupus!  Express your wishes for a person or persons living with Lupus, or someone has supported you on your own journey.  

Send us your message in text of 30 words or less or a video of 30 seconds or less to info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org, 8767783892 or via Facebook or Instagram messenger.

We will be posting your messages as post it notes to our social media pages and a create video of members and followers sending their “Purple Love notes to persons  living with Lupus".  Help us celebrate and encourage our warriors and build awareness of Lupus, leveraging the sentiments of Valentine's day to deliver warmth and joy!  

PURPLE LOVE NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT: This February, my purple love note goes out to all the lupus warriors who continue to inspire me with their courage, determination, resilience, patience, grace, and love - that keep them fighting on and encouraging others in the battle. It has been such a privilege to fight alongside you. Blessings and big virtual hugs this Valentine's and always.

Circumstances may cause us to distance but you are only a Purple Love Note away!

FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER Supporting Our Warriors! Supporting our warriors is what we do We are able to stay accessible to our lupus warriors throughout the pandemic, with over 300 direct support contacts with persons across the island providing information about lupus, help finding a treatment centre, accessing member benefits such as pharmacy discounts, counselling and connection with a support network, monthly support group meetings, and distributing care packages to our lupus warriors during the holidays. How can you support Lupus Warriors? Show your Support by purchasing Merchandise.  Donations are always needed and always appreciated. Volunteer, Get Involved Tell Us about your Loved Ones Lupus Journey PURPLE LOVE NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT: This February, my purple love note goes out to all the lupus warriors who continue to inspire me with their courage, determination, resilience, patience, grace, and love - that keep them fighting on and encouraging others in the battle. It has been such a privilege to fight alongside you. Blessings and big virtual hugs this Valentine's and always. SEND PURPLE LOVE  Show your Love in Purple This Valentine's week, send a Purple Love Note to a person living with lupus!  Express your wishes for a person or persons living with Lupus, or someone has supported you on your own journey.   Send us your message in text of 30 words or less or a video of 30 seconds or less to info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org, 8767783892 or via Facebook or Instagram messenger. We will be posting your messages as post it notes to our social media pages and a create video of members and followers sending their “Purple Love notes to persons  living with Lupus".  Help us celebrate and encourage our warriors and build awareness of Lupus, leveraging the sentiments of Valentine's day to deliver warmth and joy!   Circumstances may cause us to distance but you are only a Purple Love Note away!   UPCOMING EVENTS: February Merchandise Sale! February 14 (Sun)  Valentine's Day - post a Purple Love Note to a Lupus Warrior February 18 (Thu) Support Group Meeting (Kingston) - Zoom March 3 (Wed)  Ask The Expert Live Mar 31 (Wed) Support Group Meeting – Lupus Support Group Western Ja   Merchandise is always Available for purchase Show your lupus colours and support when you wear one of our LUPUS Warrior T-Shirts.  Available with 3 sayings, visit our website to get yours, or follow the link below. ORDER NOW SUPPORT THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF JAMAICA - many options available online follow link below.   DONATE   ASK THE EXPERT March 3 @ 6PM Covid-19 Vaccine Update:  Your Questions Answered. ASK THE EXPERT - Every First Wednesday of the month from 6 - 6:30 pm Tell Us Your Story! We are collecting stories! LFJ is built on our members and we want to hear from you! We also want to share your stories - of challenges, resilience, overcoming, or just keeping on, as we seek to inspire and encourage other lupus warriors and supporters. What keeps you going? What part has the LFJ played in your journey and what does our LFJ community meant to you? What is your vision for the LFJ for the future? Share what is on your mind/heart: send us an email at info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org under the subject "My LFJ STORY" - You can also send us a text on our helpline 876-778-3892 starting with the words: MY LFJ STORY. Bear in mind your comments may be used in upcoming articles/publications. Click here for more details and tips to get started! 7 Barbados Avenue Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I. 876-754-8458 Helpline 876-778-3892 (Voice/Text/Whatsapp) Email: info@lupusfoundationjamaica.org   Learning Centre Hours Monday-Wednesday - Friday 10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm FOLLOW US: