What you need to know

What you need to know is that Lupus is not a fun disease. Many don't even know what it is. So I am here to tell you what you need to know.

I come across people daily that think that Lupus is some "thing" or not a big deal or they won't have any idea what it is. Well I am here to tell you all what you really need to know. Since lupus is not easily diagnosed and not as well known like other diseases such as cancer or HIV, it often goes unnoticed and unknown. Let me give you some awareness, that I hope you will share with everyone you know. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

• Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

I am here to tell you what you need to know. If you are a friend or family member of a person that has lupus your support is very much needed. Lupus is a very serious disease that can be fatal. It is not an easy disease to deal with. One day you can be feeling well the next day you can be unable to walk. Your body can literally turn on itself to the point where your vital organs cannot function properly. It is treated with drugs, but realize there has not been a specific lupus drug in over 50 years.

What you need to know is lupus can destroy a person's body, mind and soul. I beg that you make sure that you are not minimizing a person's pain because you are not well educated about this disease. If one does not have the support of family and friends it can really make it that more difficult for the lupus survivor to handle the disease. It is not a joke, there are people dying daily of this horrendous disease and those who are survivors are truly blessed to be able to tell their story and help another.

What you need to know is that a lupus survivor does not want to be treated differently, we don't want to be felt sorry for, we just want to be understood. When we can't get out of bed or when we can't walk as fast as we used to, when we don't sound or act like the person you once knew, when we sound tired, aggravated or upset, know that it is not you. It is the disease and if you could only understand that, life would be that much easier.

What you need to know is lupus is serious, as serious as any other disease you have heard of. There is no cure, you can't just change your eating habits and be ok or just take a supplement and be the epitome of health or just stop working and find tomorrow you are disease free. It is a life change that can be managed but is a struggle from day to day for every lupus survivor.

Today I ask that you take the time to really understand the disease and educate another.


Someone you know has lupus, it is me. Help me today by understanding & respecting me by educating your self and others about this disease.

Spread Lupus Awareness your way, Just Spread it TODAY!

If you have lupus, contact me today, let's keep our support uplifting and inspiring for one another.
Racquel
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing
"I have lupus, lupus does NOT have me!"
http://www.lupusincolor.com

Dear Lupus

My dearest lupus,


It has not been that long since I have seen your face.I just want to say that you are getting on my last nerve. You are all up in my face right now and I really need my space.

So I am asking you politely to vacate my body before I get down right nasty.

Don't say a word just get to steppin!

Sincerely,
Me

Random Thoughts & Rants

Random Thoughts & Rants of the day

I have so many thoughts in my head so I thought I would share them. You can chime in at anytime, I surely won't mind :-)

Random Thought: Why are so many people counting down the days until President Obama is out of office? Like they are imprisoned in an Obama jail. Give me a break stop counting down and start helping out. It starts at home. Stop training your children to believe that a countdown will make it all better in their lives. Why not take a moment to pray that God work through the leadership to lead the country with wisdom, understanding and love. Start the countdown to the coming of Christ, because time is short. Do not countdown what you believe is the fall of a man. Just an FYI President Obama is a man like any other. He puts his pants on one leg at a time like all of us. He is not perfect and he is not free of fault. None of us are and we need to teach our children this. We will never have the "perfect" president. Just because a president does not do things the way you want to see them done does not mean that it will not be done. Just because someone believes in doing things differently does not mean that they are the one that will take something down. Off to another subject....

Directed Thought: Haiti... If you haven't donated, Please do, but make sure it is to a reputable corporation. So many will be out there to try and get rich off of others misfortune and pain so just make sure that you are sending your money to a place that will really give the money to the Haitian people. It is such a sad situation and if you are unable to send money please be sure to send up a prayer for Haiti. It was so reassuring to me to know that God is still in the midst of the Haitian people as they prayed and sang in unison in their time of need. Hallelujah

Rant: I can't stand people who think that everything has to be done their way or the highway. It drives me nuts. I guess sometimes I can be that way, well a lot of times. So at times I can't stand my own faults and pray daily for God to continue working on me.

Rant: Women just because it fits you don't have to wear it. You look like boo boo the clown walking around with a skirt too small and too tight. What is the point? I mean if you are looking for a man you won't find one that is thinking of you as a intelligent human being dressed like that. If it doesn't fit don't wear it.

Rant: Men stop wishing your woman is a Michelle Obama or a Laura Bush. She is who God made her to be and if she is your woman you need to be sure to let her know you love her for her. Don't keep comparing your boo to another. Be happy with what you have and always cherish your relationship with her. Couples be sure to realize that a relationship is a partnership and in a partnership communication is the key.

Rant: I wish these bill collectors would stop calling. I have blocked your numbers so if you are reading this stop. I already set up a plan to pay you now let the time come so I can pay you. Sheesh stop calling me every day asking if we are still on for the plan we set up. You aren't my friend I don't need to hear from you every day.

Lastly... Lupus I QUIT YOU, KICK ROCKS, I don't want anything to do with you anymore. You make me sick and I can't stand your ugly face. The next time I see you I am going to give you a flying kick dead in the teeth and bust out all of your fronts. So, be ready, if you plan on coming around anytime soon I am going to beat you senseless. Love Me!

Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Always Be a Blessing

Racquel

a.k.a

Mrs. Understood

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

What are your new year resolutions?

Resolutions for the New Year
By Yvona Fast

Most of us see the New Year as a time for change. It’s a time to set new goals and make new plans, to reflect on the past and look to the future. Consider these ideas a guide for making 2010 a healthier, happier year for yourself, your family, and your community.


Think Positively – Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."


In 2010, I will have a more positive outlook. Have you ever spent a day with a truly negative person? Do you know someone who doesn’t like anything and complains about everything? Dwelling on the negative can lead to depression and an unbalanced view of life. On the other hand, cultivating a positive attitude can help us see joy in the little things. View the struggles and hardships life brings as challenges to produce personal growth and change.



Have Fun – Ecclesiastes 3 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: ..."
In 2010, I will balance work, leisure, and spiritual activities.Do you come home from work unable to interact with the family? Are your evenings spent
with the TV rather than playing with the kids or sharing with your spouse?
As adults, we often become work-centered and lose sight of the importance of leisure activities. Play refreshes body and mind, enabling you to return to work and see life from a fresh perspective. There is a time to work, but we must also take time to play.




Fitness Counts! – 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?";

6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"

In 2010, I will begin and maintain an exercise program. Is your idea of sports and recreation watching a game on television? We now know that
regular exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can also do wonders for the spirit. Relieve stress and reduce tension by exercising it away.

Chill Out – Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

In 2010, I will take time to relax and enjoy the simple things in life.As you walk, do you stop to smell the flowers? Or do thoughts and worries of work and family crowd in? Learn to turn off your nervous tension that drains your energy, resulting in exhaustion. Inability to deal with stress can use up nutrients, deplete the body’s strength, and leave the nervous system turned on.



Get Involved – Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

In 2010, I will become actively involved in ministry at my church and reach out to others in my community. Every Christian should be involved in some area of ministry in her local church. If you are not involved, contact your leaders. They will be happy to help you find a place of ministry in your church body. Everyone needs a ministry, instead of allowing a few to do everything. After finding your place of ministry in the church body, be a responsible citizen in the community. Once you create a positive lifestyle and improve the quality of life for your family, you will become aware of the needs of others. Jesus, our model, came to earth as a servant. By getting involved in your church, community, nation and world, you can make a difference. Use your skills to help those who are less fortunate. The opportunities are endless and are all around you. Seek them out and get involved!



This article originally appeared in the January/February 2003 issue of Woman’s Touch magazine. Reprinted with permission of the author.