Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Texas
Educational teleconference program on a variety of topics designed to link you with current information about living with lupus. Learn from the comfort of your home.
Ask the Experts is a series of live educational teleconferences and pre-recorded webcasts on a variety of topics designed to provide you with important information about living with lupus. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading lupus experts from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Live teleconferences last one hour and are accessible via a toll-free number. Teleconferences will also be recorded and posted online. Pre-registration is required. Call-in/log-in information will be provided to all registrants one week before the event.
Lupus and Exercise: How to Get Started
When it comes to exercising with an autoimmune disease, it can be difficult to find what works best for you. Maybe you feel hindered by chronic pain and the thought of going to the gym is too much to handle. Maybe you are an avid exerciser but somehow you still end up with a significant amount of flare-ups. Learn what factors are important to consider when exercising with an autoimmune disease; from exercise, intolerance to which kind of exercise is best. Certified Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Daniela Spear, will cover the ins and outs of a healthy exercise routine that will benefit you while living with an autoimmune disease. Lupus and Exercise:
How to Get Started PDF Presentation
Depression and Lupus Fog: What is the difference?
Depression and anxiety are related and common emotional states. Approximately 3-7% of the general population experience depression and anxiety that are related to mental disorders. This talk will focus on identifying depressive symptoms and disorders. I will also distinguish between depression and “lupus fog,” and discuss coping strategies for both issues.
Presenter: Dr. Sharon Boyd-Jackson, Ph.D.
Lupus and the Skin
Presenter: Dr. Victoria Werth, MD
Lupus and the Skin: A Helpful Guide Presentation
Disability: Navigating the Maze
Lupus may affect many aspects of a patient's life, including the ability to work. Disability insurance policies are designed to provide benefits for people living with severe chronic illness, and understanding your rights is the first step to maximizing your security. This presentation will help you navigate the private and group disability maze- including eligibility, filing, and qualifying.
Presenter: Alicia Paulino-Grisham
Lupus and the Kidneys
Dr.Gupta will discuss the various aspects of the kidneys and how lupus can affect them. She will cover kidney function, how kidneys can be damaged, how it is diagnosed and treatments.
Presenter: Dr. Arti Gupta, MD
2019 Previously Recorded Teleconferences
February 2019
Learn about the various cardiovascular disease conditions that affect people with lupus, how to prevent heart disease while living with lupus and learn more about Rheumatologic disease as a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease in women.
Presented by Deborah Crabbe, MD Cardiologist, Temple University Hospital Professor, Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
March 2019
Learn about the different parts of the immune system that can be affected in lupus and about how lupus medications work to suppress the immune system in order to control the disease. From B cells to T cells and everything in between, this will be an "Immunology 101" session. No background in biology required.
Presented by Dr. Rebecca Sadun
April 2019
Description: If your lupus symptoms become so severe that you are unable to work, you should consider filing for Social Security Disability benefits. This presentation covers what lupus patients need to know about their rights and the filing process.
Presenter: Thomas J. Giordano, JR., Esquire
May 2019
Dr. Davila has a passion to treat rheumatic diseases that are often difficult to treat and even diagnose. Join us as she discusses the importance of finding a rheumatologist by going over the history of lupus, signs, symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis.
Presented by Dr.Lesley Davila M.D.
June 2019
Description: Good nutrition is an important part of an overall treatment plan for lupus. Learn how to create a nutritious, well-balanced, and varied diet that takes into account the profound effects of a network as complex as the immune system.
Presenter: Lindsay Sappah, RD LDN CNSC
July 2019
Dr. Samuel Pegram is a rheumatologist in Houston, Texas and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He is the principal investigator and founder of Rheumatic Disease Clinical Research Center and has practiced Rheumatology for more than 20 years. Dr. Pegram has built a reputation for treating complicated cases of lupus in addition to quality clinical trials. He will be presenting on the latest lupus research that is being conducted and some of the typical requirements for enrolling to participate in a clinical trial.
Presenter: Dr. Samuel Pegram
August 2019
The medications prescribed to treat lupus can range from mild to extremely strong, but all medications have side effects. Most often, several medications are used in combination to control lupus. Learn about effective communication with your doctor to ensure the best treatment plan for you.
Presenter: Dr. Mohammad Kamran
September 2019
"Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a multi-organ system autoimmune disease, has been shown to affect ethnic minorities more frequently and more severely than other populations. Minorities are 3-4 times more likely to develop SLE and twice as likely to experience severe manifestations such as kidney disease. Finding personalized approaches to treating minority patients starts with quality research. In our talk with Dr. Ashira Blazer, an academic rheumatologist at NYU Langone Hospital, we will explore the presumed causes and contributors to disparities in SLE, future directions in management, and tools to help even the most vulnerable of patients live well."
Presenter: Dr. Ashira Blazer
October 2019
Lupus affects each of us—patients and loved ones alike—and too often we struggle daily with this illness. Join Dr. Phillips for Coping with Lupus—a conversation about living better with this devastating disease. Hear techniques explained and learn new ideas and strategies, which can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Presenter: Dr. Robert H. Phillips
Coping with Lupus Presentation
November 2019
Dr. Antonelli is a rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology at Case Western Reserve University Department of Medicine at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. She is a passionate physician that cares greatly for the lupus community. She will focus the presentation on the correlations of Joint replacement with Lupus. The goal is to give us a better understanding of the topic and learn how to live well with lupus.
Presenter: Dr. Maria Antonelli, M.D.
Joint Replacement with Lupus Presentation
December 2019
This presentation will look at the features of systemic lupus erythematosus and those of people whose diagnosis overlaps with other autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis or polymyositis, scleroderma, and Sjogren syndrome. We will cover how they are similar and different, and the approaches to treatment.
Presenter: Dr. Kathleen M. O'Neil, MD
Lupus and Overlapping Connective Tissue Disease
2018 Previously Recorded Teleconferences
March 2018
Reiki and It's Effects On Lupus
With Bryce Goebel, LRMT, Empowering You to Heal Description
Stress in those living with lupus affects the mind, body, and spirit in negative ways. Reiki treats the whole person, including body, emotions, mind, and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include chronic pain relief, reduction of negative side effects, and relaxation. Join us to learn about Reiki and how to use it to help manage your stress throughout your whole self.
April 2018
The Holistic Approach to Diet and Lupus
With Carrie Holley-Hurt, Holistic Health Coach
In this teleconference, Carrie Holley-Hurt will talk about the connection between diet and inflammation, and provide practical tools so you can create a diet that works for you by improving your quality of life.
May 2018
With Stacy Ardoin, MD, adult and pediatric rheumatologist, OSU Wexner Medical Center, and Nationwide Children’s
Lupus is a complex and multifaceted disease. It is difficult to diagnose because each person has different symptoms of varying degrees and they mimic many other diseases. The diagnosis can take years to confirm. Join us as a lupus expert discusses the process of making a lupus diagnosis. The presentation will provide an overview of the ACR criteria, lupus signs and symptoms, and what a physician considers before making a diagnosis.
June 2018
With Samuel Pegram, M.D., Rheumatologist, The Rheumatic Disease Clinic of Houston
We know more about lupus research today than we did 10 years ago. Join us for this Ask the Experts Session and hear about the latest in lupus research.
July 2018
With Sofia Chaudhry, M.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Approximately 2/3 of people with lupus will experience some type of effect on their skin. Learn about skin rashes and the impact of sun exposure on lupus patients. Basic treatment options and measures that can be taken to help prevent lupus skin rashes will be discussed.
Lupus and Pregnancy
With Dr. David Gazeley, MD, Rheumatologist, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
Pregnancy is no longer considered an impossibility if you have lupus. Advancing technology and a better understanding of the disease and its effects on the boy have improved pregnancy outcomes over the last 40 years. Join us for this session to learn more about lupus and pregnancy.
2017 Previously Recorded Teleconferences
Eating Smart for & Healthy Heart
With: Emily Rubin RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Thomas Jefferson University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Heart disease and stroke are typically associated with risk factors like advancing age, smoking, gender and high blood pressure. However, these factors do not fully explain the increased risk of heart disease and stroke for people with lupus. In fact, research has shown that having lupus, and undergoing treatment can, in itself, be a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular disease. You are not powerless though! One positive lifestyle change you can make to reduce your risk is to eat smart for a healthy heart. Join us and learn more about eating wisely!
Download the presentation (PDF)
March 2017
With: Susan Corbett, PharmD, RPh, and Lupus Thriver
Learn how to manage those different medications and communicate with an important member of your health care team, your pharmacist. Also learn about all the different medications you need to manage day to day and learn tips on avoiding side effects and drug interactions.
Download the presentation (PDF)
April 2017
An Overview of Social Security Disability Benefits
With: Andrew Salata, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration
The presentation will cover an overview of Social Security Disability, from how individuals become eligible for benefits to how to complete the filing process. The presentation will review additional considerations for women receiving Social Security, and how Social Security assists families.
Download the presentation (PDF)
May 2017
Workplace Accommodation for Individuals with Lupus
With: Attorney R. Patrick White, LFA Georgia Chapter Board Chair
People living with lupus may not know their rights in the workplace. This teleconference will address how to work with your employer to put together a plan to prioritize your health issues and determine the types of accommodation you may need at your place of work.
June 2017
With: Dr. Namieta Janssen, Rheumatologist from Houston, TX
This presentation is an overview on how clinical trials work, why it's beneficial to participate, and the latest trials focused on treatment for lupus.
Download the presentation (PDF)
July 2017
Teens with Lupus: Transitioning into Adulthood
With: Austin Dalrymple, DO; Pediatric Rheumatologist & Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Saint Louis University and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
As a teenager living with lupus, learning how to take charge of one’s own healthcare will assist with better health outcomes as an adult. Teens with lupus and their parents will learn more about this transitional time and receive helpful tips and tools to prepare teenagers with lupus to successfully manage their illness through the adult years.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Cardiovascular Disease and Lupus
With George Stojan, M.D.
Heart disease is a major complication of lupus and is now a leading cause of death among people with lupus. There are several ways to decrease your risk for developing lupus-related disease, including reporting changes in symptoms to your doctor right away and having and understanding of the major risk factors. This teleconference will address everything you need to know about how to live heart healthy with lupus.
Download the presentation (PDF)
2016 Previously Recorded Teleconferences
Affairs of the Heart: Lupus and Relationships
February 2016
Presenter: Molly Dennis, MSW, Health Partners Plans
February is Heart Month and we know that the heart and cardiovascular system, like other organ systems of the body, can be affected by lupus. Lupus can also affect affairs of the heart and relationships. Is your life filled with satisfying relationships and love? Do you feel that others understand your lupus and the demands that it places on you? Join us for this teleconference and explore ways to improve interpersonal relationships and build lasting bonds.
Lupus and the Kidneys
March 2016
Presenter: Dr. Michael P. Madaio, Sydenstricker Professor and Chairman, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Did you know that an estimated 40% of all people living with lupus will develop kidney complications? This educational teleconference will address complications, medical evaluation and treatment as it relates to kidney involvement in lupus.
Lupus & Mental Health: How to Know You’re in Trouble
April 2016
Presenter: Stacie Camp Bennett, MA, LPC, LCAS
Life with lupus can be challenging. With symptoms that come and go, disease flares and remissions, and the uncertainty of what each day will bring, it’s normal to experience feelings of unhappiness, frustration, anger, or sadness. However, there is a difference between temporary negative feelings and negative feelings that become overwhelming and long-lasting, which may signal a serious but treatable illness. Join us to learn how to determine the difference and recognize and properly treat symptoms.
Lupus and Primary Care
May 2016
Presenter: Adegbenga A. Bankole MD, FACP, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
The Primary Care Physician plays an important role in quality care to patients with lupus. This teleconference covers the impact of lupus on diseases that are cared for by PCPs, ranging from hypertension to cancer and teach you preventive measures to take.
Lupus and the Thyroid
June 2016
Presenter: Maria Antonelli, MD from Metro Health Hospital
Thyroid problems are common in people with lupus. About 6 percent of people with lupus have underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, and 2 percent have overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. Join us to learn about the effects of thyroid disorders and function and their relationship to lupus.
Lupus & the Bones: Diagnosing & Treating Osteoporosis
August 2016
Presenter: Kathryn M. Diemer, MD, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Women with lupus are at increased risk for osteoporosis and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture. Learn more about bone density, how osteoporosis is diagnosed, and the most common treatments available including calcium, vitamin D and FDA approved medications.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
September 2016
Presenter: Danine Fruge, MD, ABFP, Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa
Take charge of your daily life through proper disease management, communication, and positive lifestyle changes.
Lupus & Dental Health
October 2016
Presenter: Presenter: Diane Earle, DDS, MBA, Kool Smiles
It is important to understand the relationship of oral health to overall health and wellness. Join us to learn about how dental health relates to lupus and managing symptoms.
Stress Management
November 2016
Presenter: Ellen Sichel, Custom Calm, LLC
It is important to understand the relationship of oral health to overall health and wellness. Join us to learn about how dental health relates to lupus and managing symptoms.
2015 Prior Teleconferences
The Lupus-Heart Connection
February 24, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker: Joan M. VonFeldt, M.D., MSEd.
Heart disease and stroke are typically associated with risk factors like advancing age, smoking, gender and high blood pressure. However, these factors do not fully explain the increased risk of heart disease and stroke for people with lupus. In fact, research has shown that having lupus, and undergoing treatment can, in itself, be a substantial risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Listen to the Recording:
Disability and Returning to the Workplace
March 31, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speakers: Jeff Woldanski, AVP of Job Placement Services at Allsup Employment Services, Inc. and Tai Venuti, MPH, Allsup Mgr. of Strategic Alliances.
Most people don’t know much about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), even though it is part of the largest government benefit program in the United States. For people living with a chronic illness such as lupus, understanding SSDI and its impact on health, insurance, future employment, finances and retirement income is essential. We will explain how SSDI works, including program eligibility, ways to break through the current application backlog, and specific information for individuals with lupus. Additionally, we will share how the Ticket to Work program helps people who already have SSDI return to work, and explain why the employment outlook for people with disabilities is brighter than it has been in the past.
Listen to the Recording:
Lupus and the Eyes
April 8, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker: Ricardo N. Sepulveda, M.D.
Dr. Ricardo Sepulveda will discuss how autoimmune diseases including lupus affect the eyes. The effects lupus may have in and around the eyes include changes in the skin around the eyelids, dry eyes, inflammation of the white outer layer of the eyeball (scleritis), blood vessel changes in the retina, or damage to nerves in the muscles controlling eye movement and the nerves affecting vision.
Listen to the Recording:
Living Well with Lupus
May 13, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker:Donald Thomas, M.D., FACP, FACR, CCD
Join us for this teleconference with Donald Thomas, M.D., FACP, FACR, CCD, author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families” as he discusses how to live well with lupus through coping techniques, educating yourself and his “lupus secrets”.
Download Lupus Secrets Handout
Listen to the Recording:
- View the list of National Webcasts.
- Listen to previously recorded teleconference
Lupus and Hair Loss
June 24, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker: Angela Kyei, MD
A lupus diagnosis often brings many physical changes, including hair loss. Hair loss is a common side effect of lupus and can be caused by medications used to treat the disease. Join us to hear Angela Kyei, M.D. speak on hair loss and ways to be proactive in treating it.
Listen to the Recording:
Lupus and the Skin
July 14, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker: Victoria P. Werth, MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Approximately two-thirds of people with lupus will develop some type of skin disease, called cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Skin disease in lupus can cause rashes or sores (lesions), most of which will appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Listen to hear Dr. Victoria Werth discuss how lupus can affect your skin and effective treatment options.
Listen to the Recording:
Lupus and Female Issues: From Puberty to Menopause
August 13, 2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
Speaker: Amber R. Cooper, MD, MSCI
Women living with lupus face a variety of challenges regarding their reproductive health. Dr. Amber R. Cooper, board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, will discuss how lupus, and the medication used to treat the disease, can affect menstrual function, pregnancy, contraception, menopause, and fertility.
Listen to the Recording:
February 26, 2014 - Lupus and Intimacy
Lupus and Intimacy - 02.26.14
Speaker: Lisa Covington, MSW, LCSW-C
Intimacy is important in any relationship, and is necessary in order to gain trust and understanding among one another. Our Intimacy and Lupus teleconference will teach you how to maintain a strong, healthy relationship with your partner, building a long-lasting bond while managing a chronic illness such as lupus.
Download the presentation (PDF)
April 12, 2014 - Lupus and Men
Lupus and Men - 04.12.14
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Shanahan, Shanahan Rheumatology & Immunotherapy
A lot of misinformation exists about lupus—including the incorrect belief that lupus only occurs in women. While there are many similarities on how the disease affects men and women, there are some key differences on lupus affects men. Learn about the unique effects of lupus on males living with the disease.
Download Dr. Shanahan's presentation
April 22, 2014 - Clinical Trial Education
Clinical Trial Education - 04.22.14
Speakers: Karen Obmaces – President of Accurate Clinical Research
Linda Willies – Clinical Trial Participant for more than 7 years
This teleconference will cover understanding how clinical trials work, frequently asked questions surrounding qualifying to be a participant, and the safety once enrolled.
Download Karen Obmaces presentation
Download Linda Willies presentation
May 1, 2014- Living With Lupus: An Insider's Perspective
Living with Lupus: An Insider's Perspective - 05.01.14
Speaker: Pamela Turnbo Thorpe, MD, FACP
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Individual Living with Lupus
Because lupus is a mysterious and complex disease, a diagnosis can be quite scary. However, there may also be a measure of relief in being able to put a name to what may have been years of debilitating symptoms and misdiagnoses. Educate yourself on the basics such as the criteria for diagnosing lupus, understanding laboratory results, treatment options, and other do’s and don’ts to help you live better with lupus. As a Board Certified Internist, our speaker brings professional expertise along with her personal perspective as an individual living with lupus herself.
Download Dr. Pamela Turnbo Thorpe's presentation
Download the Support Group Information:
May 8, 2014- Vivir con Lupus
Vivir con Lupus - 05.08.14
Speaker: Leyka Barbosa, M.D., F.A.C.R.
North Texas Joint Care, P.A.
Esta teleconferencia educativa incluye una introducción al manejo efectivo de la enfermedad y lo básico sobre el Lupus para alguien recién diagnosticado o persona que se pueda beneficiar. Recibirá información médica exacta y al día sobre el Lupus, sus síntomas, tratamientos y técnicas para combatir la enfermedad.
Download Dr. Leyka Barbosa's presentation
Lupus and the Skin - 7.9.14
Speaker: Dr. Frank Santoro
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
University of Connecticut Health Center
Lupus on the skin can come in multiple forms with the most common findings of butterfly rashes, rashes from sunlight, and discoid lesions (scarring, disfiguring lesions). We will discuss the role of the immune, hormonal and environmental factors in the skin disease of lupus. We will review newer therapies and their efficacy in skin disease. Lastly, we will stress the importance of prevention through use of sunscreens, avoidance of the sun and clothing that blocks ultraviolet light.
Download Dr. Santoro's Presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Depression - 8.7.14
Speaker: Beatrice Lazaroff, Ph.D.
Reactions like anger, fear and depression are a normal part of having a chronic illness such as lupus. These emotions are signals from the body and mind that all is not well and that it is time to use your coping skills. When these emotions are dealt with appropriately, they can provide an opportunity to grow and gain new insights into your life.ight.
Download Beatrice Lazaroff's Presentation (PDF)
Nutrition and Rheumatic Diseases - 9.4.14
Speaker: Dr. Roxanne Sukol, Cleveland Clinic
Good nutrition is an important part of an overall treatment plan for lupus. Learn how to create a nutritious, well-balanced, and varied diet that takes into account the profound effects of a network as complex as the immune system.
Download Dr. Sukol's Presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Disability - 10.18.14
Speaker: Lisa Gonzalez Goetz, PA
Gonzalez & Goetz, LLC
This educational teleconference will help you navigate the often frustrating issues surrounding disability. You will learn what SSDI/SSI is, the qualifications, how to apply, what you need to know to be prepared and other related topics.
Download Lisa Gonzalez Goetz's Presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Stress - 11.13.14
Speaker: Cindy Coney
cindyconey.com
Physical and emotional stresses are among the suspected triggers for a lupus flare. People with lupus should reduce stress to help them cope with lupus and improve their overall well-being.
Download Cindy Coney's Presentation (PDF)