| Winter Blues |
In this issue |
 Winter Blues
by Charlene Johnson
With the onset of colder weather comes anticipation of the holiday season, celebrations, and for most people, a much-needed break. But once the holiday season is over, Canadians are left with little more than cold weather, poor traffic conditions, and less sunlight. Over the past few decades, researchers have learned more about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the ways in which people from colder climates are more likely to be affected. People with lupus need to be especially aware of their mental health during the winter
|
months, since lupus and certain medications can also affect mental health and cause depression or other mood disorders. Although there seems to be no direct correlation between SAD and Systemic Lupus, people with lupus may also find their depression worsen during the winter months. There are however, many ways to combat and prevent depression from taking over your life.
........Read More |
Send us your feedback at getintheloop@lupuscanada.org
|
|
| In The Know |
|
Got an Event in Your Neighbourhood? Let us post it here!
Got a lupus related event going on in your neighbourhood, send us the information. Contact us at getintheloop@lupuscanada.org
--------
Call for Get in the Loop French writers
As you can see, in this issue we included a story written in French. We love to receive submissions, but we would especially like to have more articles in French to provide a bilingual newsletter for Canadians with lupus. If you would like to be more involved with the newsletter, get in touch with us at getintheloop@lupuscanada.org
--------
WALK-A-BLOCK 2009
As you already may know World Lupus Day is May 10th and it will be coming before you know it. Starting your own lupus walk is not difficult at all. You can get anything and everything you need to aid your walk from Lupus Canada.
If you are interested in starting your own walk you should start getting some corporate sponsors now as well as contacting Lupus Canada to help guide you in the right direction.
It is very rewarding to have the support from your family, friends, community and Lupus Canada. Starting or participating in a lupus walk is a fun way to meet new people as well as get some support that you need to help you cope with your disease.
Join us for Lupus Canada’s 2009 Walk a Block event on May 9th and 10th! Contact Leanne Mielczarek at leanne.mielczarek@lupuscanada.org for further information. |
| Contributors |
Charlene Johnson
Jennifer Huska
Maria Fatsis
Jodie Nimigon
Florence Tewogbade
Tyla Teelucksingh
|
| Feedback from visitors |
|
|
| Take Care of Your Eyes |
| by Florence Tewogbade
 For those of us with lupus, or those of us who know somebody with lupus, chances are you’ve heard of the drug prednisone. Prednisone is a synthetic version of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones that are actually produced naturally in the body. Prednisone is a very useful immunosuppressant, making it an excellent treatment for lupus patients. In spite of all its benefits, prednisone also has just as many side effects, one of them being eye problems (including cataracts). ........Read More
|
| Mary's Story |
My life with lupus
A story of hope and courage
by Maria Fatsis
My name is Mary, I am 26 years old and I was diagnosed with lupus when I was 21. I had been symptomatic for a while joint pain, butterfly rash, and fingers turning blue in the cold. Then, one day on the subway, I saw a huge sign that read, “Lupus – The Disease with a Thousand Faces.” When I read the list of symptoms I realized they were similar to mine. I went to the Lupus Canada website for more information. The more I read, the more I was convinced that this was what I had. I booked an appointment with my family doctor. “I have lupus,” I told him. He sent me for bloodwork and then booked an appointment for me to see a rheumatologist. Her examination and bloodwork confirmed the diagnosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. .......Read More |
| Festive Eating |
| by Jennifer Huska
Well it’s that time of year again folks! The holidays are upon us! Time for festive cheer, celebrating with family and friends, and just having a good time. So let’s get out there and spread some cheer while enjoying these warm holiday recipes.
Recipe #1: Festive Scrambled Eggs
Enjoy this simple, warm breakfast in the morning or any day throughout the holiday season.
Recipe #2: Gingerbread Men
A classic holiday snack!
Recipe #3: Roasted New Potatoes
Try this side with your main course for a change of pace.
.......Read More
|
| Keeping Fit During the Holidays |
by Jodie Nimigon
As we approach the holiday season, we all get a little excited about the pending friendly, warm and romantic time of year – however, we also get a little anxious about all the upcoming social gatherings, final exams (for those in university), and trying to stay healthy. Unfortunately, there are no magic tricks or prescriptions for this one. Trying to balance the number of weeks you have “off” your regular schedule, versus sticking with your usual schedule is what seems to work best.
For example, if you only get a one week holiday break – forget about hitting the gym, instead, stay healthy by getting your sleep and hitting the pavement for lovely walks with family and friends under warm holiday twilight. Also forget about your regularly, strict diet (low sodium, low sugar, etc.) and enjoy all the treats that the holiday season has to offer. In addition, enjoy the limited time you have with friends and family – as long as this does not result in late nights and early mornings every day, which would limit your productivity upon returning from holidays.
.......Read More
|
| Lupus Gluten |
Lupus And Gluten – What’s the Connection?
by Florence Tewogbade
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. For people with an intolerance to gluten, the lower intestine’s villi get damaged in response to the gluten.
As someone who graduated from chef school, the thought of going gluten-free almost seemed impossible. However, my search for relief from my lupus symptoms coupled with severe and frequent stomach pain far outweighed any need I had for any specific food. Under the supervision and approval of my doctor, I decided to go gluten free.
.......Read More |
|
|
|
