The Spring/Summer 2010 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is ready to be downloaded. You can download it at the following link:
http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol17SprSum2010.pdf
The next volume will be coming out mid August 2010.
Please let us know if there are any topics that you'd like our Medical Advisers to cover in their articles. We try to request topics that people are emailing about or that are discussed on our the forum. So if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know and we'll pass it along to the medical advisers.
We are still in need of patient stories (esp about Pregnancy Loss, Men and Teens or Children), recipes, poems, related book reviews, and anything else you think would be of interest for upcoming newsletters. (book reviews, poems, recipes, articles written by family members, etc.) Please submit articles to the following email address: articles@apsfa.org.
Please follow our current guidelines when submitting an article:
• Send your story/article to articles@apsfa.org
• Patient stories and most articles should be approx 500-750 words long and contain a title
• Articles should be written at a 5th-8th grade reading level
• Please try to include a picture when submitting a patient story
• Patient stories should read like an autobiography—generally from diagnosis to present time, but it doesn’t have to
Please use previous patients stories as your guideline. They can be found here: http://www.apsfa.org/newsletters.html
If you have an idea and are not sure if it would fit, please feel free to contact us through our contact page on the website, or email us using the email address below. We are open to any suggestions. Without your help we would not be able to include an APS patient's story in each of our newsletters.
We could also use articles written by medical professionals or medical students. Please contact us if you are interested.
Please remember to check our website for any changes at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/new.htm
Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, newsletter
Showing posts with label antiphospholipid; syndrome; lupus; stroke; dvt; pe; thrombosis; clot; hughes; miscarriage; anticoagulant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antiphospholipid; syndrome; lupus; stroke; dvt; pe; thrombosis; clot; hughes; miscarriage; anticoagulant. Show all posts
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
APS Awareness, Infant Loss Awareness Ribbon & APSFA Logo Lapel Pin Sales
We have new lapel pins available! We now carry 3 different types of lapel pins: Burgundy Awareness Ribbon, APSFA Logo, and Infant Loss Awareness Ribbon. The pins are as shown above. The awareness ribbon pins measure 1 inch in size. They are die struck silver with enamel colorfill. Each pin comes with a clutch back and is individually poly bagged. The APSFA Logo pins measure 1 inch in diameter. Each pin also comes with an APS information card that measures 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches and is printed on heavy paper stock. These cards would be good to leave in a doctor's office or post on a bulletin board. A view of the card can be seen below. Awareness Ribbon Pins are $5.00 each and the APSFA Logo Lapel pins are $7.50 each.
Burgundy is also the ribbon color of the following causes: Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Brain Aneurysm, Cesarean (worn upside down), Factor V Leiden, Headaches, Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation, Hospice Care, Multiple Myeloma, Thrombophilia, William's Syndrome.
Here is a sample of the information card
If you'd like extra Information cards they are 4 for $1.00.
Payments accepted are: Paypal, Credit Cards through Paypal, Money Order, Personal Check, and Cash
To Order go to: http://www.apsfa.org/fundraiser.htm
Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, fundraiser
Friday, October 23, 2009
2009 H1N1 Flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and Seasonal Flu Information for People with Inflammatory Arthritis or Rheumatic Disease
2009 H1N1 Flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and Seasonal Flu Information for People with Inflammatory Arthritis or Rheumatic Disease
October 15, 2009, 11:00 AM ET
How does arthritis affect how I respond to the flu?
People with certain types of arthritis, called inflammatory or systemic arthritis or autoimmune rheumatic disease, have a higher risk of getting flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. Inflammatory arthritis affects the immune system which controls how well your body fights off infections. Also, many medications given to treat inflammatory arthritis can weaken the immune system. People with weakened immune systems are at high risk for getting more severe illness and complications such as hospitalization with the flu. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are the most common types of inflammatory arthritis.
People with osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, are likely not at increased risk of complications from the flu unless they also have other high-risk conditions for flu such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
If you have one of these types of inflammatory arthritis, you may be at high risk for complications from the flu. You should discuss your risk for complications from the flu with your healthcare provider.
Types of Inflammatory Arthritis |
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If you are taking one or more of these medications for your arthritis, you may be at high risk for getting the flu or complications from the flu. Note: This list applies to medications that are ingested or injected and does NOT include medications that are applied to the skin such as creams and ointments. Your healthcare provider can clarify if the medications that you take weaken the immune system.
Arthritis medications that weaken the immune system |
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What are the symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
How can I avoid getting and the flu or giving the flu to others?
The flu is spread from person-to-person by coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. You can take simple actions to protect yourself and others from getting the flu:
- Get a seasonal flu shot now and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot when it becomes available.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, seek medical care early. Your health care provider can determine if you need to be treated with antiviral medication.
- Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Is there a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus and who is it available for?
Yes. A vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 flu has been developed and will be available beginning mid-October 2009. People with inflammatory arthritis within any of the following prioritized groups are recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available:- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
- Persons between the ages of 25 and 64 years old who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems (including with inflammatory arthritis)
Persons age 65 or older (including those with inflammatory arthritis) are not included in these prioritized groups because current studies indicate that the risk for 2009 H1N1 flu infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. We do not expect that there will be a shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. Once the demand for vaccine among the younger groups has been met, however, people age 65 or older with inflammatory arthritis should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu shot.
Do I need to get a flu shot?
Yes, CDC recommends certain persons with weakened immune systems, which includes people with inflammatory arthritis, get flu shots.
People with inflammatory arthritis should get—
- A seasonal flu shot every year. These are available beginning in September.
- The new 2009 H1N1 flu shot when available (see question above). These will begin to be available in mid-October 2009.
People living with inflammatory arthritis should get the "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people inflammatory arthritis.
The other type of flu vaccine — nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine)—is not currently approved for use in people with inflammatory arthritis. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age.
What should I do when I am sick?
- If you develop flu-like symptoms contact your healthcare provider.
- Avoid contact with others. You should stay home and avoid travel, including not going to work or school, until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or necessities. Your fever should be gone without using fever-reducing medications.
- If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Do not stop taking any medicine you take for your arthritis unless told to do so by your physician.
- Seek medical attention early if you develop symptoms of the flu. Treatment is available for persons with severe disease and those at high risk for complications. Persons with inflammatory arthritis are considered high risk for complications from the flu; therefore, your health care provider may choose to prescribe antiviral medications for you if you get the flu.
- If you are exposed to someone who has flu, consult your health care provider. They may prescribe medication to help prevent you from getting the flu or watch you closely to see if you develop flu symptoms.
For more information:
H1N1 Flu: General information
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
Arthritis Foundation Flu: What People with Arthritis Should Know*
http://www.arthritis.org/the-flu.php
H1N1 Advisory for People with Lupus*
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=2681&zoneid=99
Lupus and Influenza Vaccines*
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnliving.aspx?articleid=2688&zoneid=527
* Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at this link.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/arthritis.htmKeywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, H1N1, flu, swine
Sunday, November 23, 2008
2008 APSFA Giving Tree
Welcome to our 3rd annual Holiday Giving Tree. This tree holds a special meaning for the members of the APS Foundation of America, Inc and the community it serves. In the past two years over $3000 were donated to the APS Foundation of America, Inc. during the holiday season.
Each ornament and present signifies a donation made to the APSFA in the name of an individual or group honored at this special time of the year. This donation will enable us to keep our unique non-profit organization operating and help promote awareness of APS.
All donations made by 12/31/08 towards the Giving Tree are tax deductible.
To make a donation and add an ornament to our tree click here: http://www.apsfa.org/givingtree.htm
Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, holiday, fundraiser
*Exclusive* 2008 APSFA Holiday Ornament
This is an EXCLUSIVE holiday ornament for 2008. This design will not be available after December 31, 2008 so get it while you can! Each ornament bought will donate $2.00 to the APSFA.
$7.99
http://www.cafepress.com/apsfoundation/1952386
Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, holiday, fundraiser
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