Providing Answers, Support and Hope in the Southeastern US
Browse our Ask the Expert Series topics below. They are worth the listen!
Reiki and It's Effects On Lupus
The Holistic Approach to Diet and Lupus
Tools for Living Well with Lupus
Eating Smart for a Healthy Heart
An Overview of Social Security Disability Benefits
Workplace Accommodation for Individuals with Lupus
Teens with Lupus: Transitioning into Adulthood
Let's Talk about Lupus and the Eyes
Cardiovascular Disease and Lupus
Think Again: Coping with Lupus Fog
Wellness Coach: A Healthy Approach to Lupus
Managing the Doctor/Patient Relationship
Lupus and Cognitive Dysfunction
Lupus and Complementary Therapies
Living with Lupus: An Insider's Perspective
Nutrition and Rhuematic Diseases
Disability and Returning to the Workplace
Lupus and Female Issues: From Puberty to Menopause
Affairs of the Heart: Lupus and Relationships
Finances 101: Living with a Chronic Illness
Lupus & the Bones: Diagnosing & Treating Osteoporosis
Workplace Accommodation for Individuals with Lupus
Teens with Lupus: Transitioning into Adulthood
Let's Talk about Lupus and the Eyes
Cardiovascular Disease and Lupus
Lupus and Employment - 02.23.13
with Rachel D. Ziolkowski, Esq.
Senior Counsel
Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank LLP
Learn more about how lupus can affect life on the job, your rights in the workplace, how you can maximize security and benefits and manage stress when dealing with lupus and employment.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Managing the Doctor/Patient Relationship - 03.14.13
with Melissa Hughes, MD
Former GA Chapter Board Member
Part of thriving with lupus is effectively communicating with the members of your health care team so that your care is managed better and in the end, you feel better. As Dr.Hughes states,"You are driving the bus!"
Personal Medical Records Forms- download to help you keep track of your doctor visits, medications, allergies and much more.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Cognitive Dysfunction – 4.18.13
with Michael Parsons, PhD
Cleveland Clinic
As many as half of all people with lupus describe feelings of confusion, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty expressing their thoughts. This collection of symptoms is termed cognitive dysfunction. Learn more about "lupus fog", its symptoms and treatment options.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Living with Lupus – 5.11.13
with Stacy D. Kennedy, M.D., M.B.A.
Rowan Diagnostic Clinic, Salisbury, N.C.
An introduction to lupus and how to manage it effectively for the newly diagnosed or anyone who wants to gain more insight into the disease. Learn more about current, medically accurate information on lupus, its symptoms, treatments and coping techniques.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Overlapping Disease – 09.04.13
with Mark Box, MD
Kansas City Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Health Center
Although lupus most often occurs alone, many people with lupus also have characteristics of one or more of the other connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. This is called overlap disease. Learn more about common connective tissue diseases that may overlap with a lupus diagnosis and how they are treated and managed.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Women's Issues
with Anupama Shahane, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine
Division of Rheumatology
University of Pennsylvania
More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women between the ages of 15 and 45. Having lupus increases your risk of other health problems that are common in women. Women living with lupus also face a variety of concerns from pregnancy to body image issues. Learn how to live better with lupus and cope with issues many women face after a lupus diagnosis.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
with Donald E. Thomas, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, CCD
Arthritis and Pain Associates of PG County
Learn about complementary therapies and lifestyle changes one can incorporate into their daily routine to enhance health and maximize lupus control. Patients will gain a better idea of why rheumatologists make certain recommendations about supplements, herbs, medications, and more.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Lupus and Intimacy - 02.26.14
with 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)
Living with Lupus: An Insider's Perspective - 05.01.14
with 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
Clinical Trial Education - 04.22.14
with 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
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
Vivir con Lupus - 05.08.14
with 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
Pediatric Lupus - 06.04.14
With Dr. Reema Syed
Pediatric Rheumatologist
SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center
Hearing that you have lupus, or that your child has it, can be very frightening. However, by working closely with your health care team, you can learn how to best take care of yourself and the special needs of a child with lupus. Learn about what to expect in the future for a child living with lupus.
Download Dr. Reema Syed's presentation
Lupus and the Skin - 7.9.14
With 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
With 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
With 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
With 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
With 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)
The Lupus-Heart Connection- 2.24.15
February 24, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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:
April 8, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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:
May 13, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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:
June 24, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With 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 15, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
with 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:
September 29, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
With Robert H. Phillips, Ph. D.
When you are first diagnosed with lupus, you will hear about treatment options and the importance of preventing flares—but you may not hear that lupus can have an emotional effect on you as well. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, sad, and anxious, but the good news is there are ways to help you cope with those feelings. Join us for this teleconference with Robert H. Phillips, Ph.D., founder and director of the Center for Coping, author of the Coping with Lupus and Lupus Q&A books and a licensed psychologist as he addresses important questions one might have and offers practical coping strategies to help those with lupus live their lives to the fullest.
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With Arti Gupta, M.D., Dallas Nephrology Associates, Dallas, Texas
Lupus nephritis is the term used when lupus causes inflammation in the kidneys. It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of all people with lupus will develop kidney complications that require medical evaluation and treatment. Dr. Arti Gupta will address diagnosis, monitoring, kidney complications, kidney biopsy, kidney treatment, and kidney prognosis.
Listen to the Recording:
With Carlos Pancorvo, M.D., Dallas Nephrology Associates, Dallas, Texas
Lupus nefritis es el término usado cuando el lupus provoca inflamación en los riñones. Se estima que hasta el 40 por ciento de todas las personas con lupus desarrollarán complicaciones renales que requieren tratamiento y evaluación médica. El Dr. Carlos Pancorvo hablará de el diagnóstico, visitas medicas, complicaciones renales, biopsia renal, tratamiento renal y pronóstico renal.
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Affairs of the Heart: Lupus and Relationships
February 2016
With: 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
With 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 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 & 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.
Finances 101: Living with a Chronic Illness
July 2016
Presenters: Shawn Arrington, President and CEO and Shanna Tedder, Financial Services Educator and Advisor, White Rhino Financial
Everyone should have a financial plan to protect themselves and their loved ones. Living with a chronic illness causes unique day-to-day and long-term financial challenges. The teleconference will empower and educate those living with a chronic illness, their loved ones and caretakers regarding ways to proactively organize their finances and strategically plan for their unpredictable circumstances.
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.
Eating Smart for a Healthy Heart - 02.28.17
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)
Working With Your Pharmacist - 3.22.17
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
Let's Talk about Lupus and the Eyes
With Careen Lowder, MD, PhD, Cole Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic
The latest in prevention, diagnostics and treatment options for a wide spectrum of eye conditions - from the routine to the complex. Learn why Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute is ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 8 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
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)
Think Again: Coping with Lupus Fog
With Pamela Thorpe, M.D. FACP, Lupus Survivor since 2001, Currently Medical Director of Pharmacovigilance in the Pharmaceutical Industry since 2007
As many as half of all people with lupus describe feelings of confusion, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty expressing their thoughts. This collection of symptoms is termed cognitive dysfunction. Learn more about "lupus fog", its symptoms and treatment options.
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Wellness Coach: A Healthy Approach to Lupus
With Erica Daniel – CEO & Founder of Elnspire LLC, Speaker, Author, Coach
Committing to a healthy lifestyle can be overwhelming. Join Erica Daniel as she provides you with a process to work actively towards a better quality of health by providing support, encouragement, education, and tools.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 effet 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.
With Iris Zink, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, RN-BC
Sexual problems are frequent in many people with chronic diseases. Join Iris Zink as she discusses maintaining a healthy intimate relationship despite lupus.
Tools for Living Well with Lupus
With Bené E. Williams, LMSW
Wellness can be defined as an “active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.” Learn tips and how to live well with lupus through self-management skills including communication, stress reduction, physical activity, a healthy diet, and personal responsibility.
Lupus and Adolescence: An Overview, and Issues Pertaining to Transition
With Dr. Philip Khan, MD
This teleconference will cover an overview of issues pertaining to this transitioning period. Lupus can interfere with an adolescent development of independence, peer relationships, and day-to-day normal activities. Adolescence is stressful for healthy teens; add the stress of living with a chronic illness and adolescence can be overwhelming.