MCC Daily Tribune
World Lupus Day
World Lupus Day is commemorated annually on May 10. It was designed to help us acknowledge that the seemingly random symptoms are a debilitating, chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus remains a complex condition that is still widely misunderstood by the public and even medical professionals. A lupus diagnosis can be quite difficult as the symptoms often mimic other diseases. The predominant symptom is a facial rash that typically looks like the unfolding wings of a butterfly spread across the cheeks.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD LUPUS DAY
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Wear the color purple
The color purple is associated with World Lupus Day. People can show their support by wearing purple clothing or purchasing special wristbands that say 'Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery.' -
Sign the awareness pledge
You can also go to World Lupus Day's official website and sign an awareness pledge. This means you agree to help the medical community and politicians pay more attention to the plight of those affected by lupus. -
Donate
Don't worry if you can't afford to donate much. Every dollar counts.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT LUPUS
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Lupus is an autoimmune disorder
Nobody knows what causes lupus but doctors do understand that the symptoms appear when your immune system isn't working properly. -
Lupus can be diagnosed at any age
Women of reproductive age — between 15 and 44 — are often diagnosed but the disease is not limited to young adults. -
Race is a risk factor
People of African descent are more likely to develop lupus and the disease impacts different populations differently. -
There is no cure for lupus
At this time, scientists have not discovered a cure for lupus. -
Widespread
Over 1.5 million people in the U.S. are affected by lupus according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
WHY WORLD LUPUS DAY IS IMPORTANT
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It raises awareness
The goal of World Lupus Day is to raise awareness and inform people about lupus. Early detection can be improved with information and can potentially save lives. -
It gives people hope and encouragement
Lupus has no cure. World Lupus Day brings people together and demonstrates to sufferers that they are not alone in their battle. -
It encourages further research
Lupus needs to be thoroughly researched to find a cause and a cure so that it can be treated more effectively. More research will hopefully aid in the early detection and better treatment plans.
World Lupus Day - National Today
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
05/10/2023