During National Womens Health Week, the Lupus Alliance of LI/Q urges all women to learn more about lupus.

The Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate urges the public to learn more about lupus during National Women’s Health Week from May 13-19.

Bellmore, NY – Over 2 million Americans have lupus; a devastating, life-threatening autoimmune disease that as of yet has no known cure, and that disproportionately affects more women than men. In fact, nine out of ten patients are women, and about 80% of all diagnosis occurs in young women between the ages of 15 and 35. Lupus affects more Americans than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and leukemia; however, the media coverage and the public knowledge of lupus pales in comparison to the aforementioned diseases.

Too few people understand the seriousness of this confusing disease, including the individuals who have it.  Lupus’ milder symptoms-such as achy joints, fevers, hair loss and skin rashes-often are ignored because they mimic those of less serious illnesses. Its more serious symptoms such as seizures, kidney failure, cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, mouth and nose ulcers, debilitating fatigue and more often do not appear at the same time; making diagnosis difficult for many doctors. For many, it can take up to five years and seven or eight doctors later to receive a proper diagnosis. 

That is why during National Women’s Health week the Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate urges all women to take the lupus self screening test…one minute of your time and eleven questions that could save your life. This life saving test can help determine whether an individual should consult a doctor for further evaluation. Free copies of the Lupus Self-Screening test will be available through the Alliance during National Women’s Health week from May 13-19. The Alliance will also be sending information on lupus, as well as their programs to all of the libraries and hospitals in our area to help spread awareness about lupus and women’s health.

With the misinformation about lupus that has been heard in the media lately due to Anna Nicole Smith’s death as well as Dr. Phil’s misleading comments on his show in March, the Lupus Alliance has made awareness one of their top priorities for the year. The more people who become aware of this potentially life-threatening disease, the more lives can be spared years of pain and misdiagnosis and the more lives can be saved. 

Call the Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate today at 1-800-850-9000 and get your free copy of the lupus self-screening test. For more information on lupus or if you think you have lupus you can also email the Alliance at info@lupusliqueens.org, or visit their website at www.lupusliqueens.org.