Aug. 12--Patients living with autoimmune diseases are often fighting against their own bodies, which mistakenly attack healthy cells instead of germs.
Hoping to make patients' lives a little easier, the Pocono/Northeast Branch of the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania is holding 10 months of free seminars on "Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases." Starting this week, the seminars, which will be held in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, focus on topics that include healthy eating, relaxation, quitting smoking, pain relief and alternative treatments.
"No autoimmune disease can be cured, but they can be maintained well," said Beth Rundell, Lupus Foundation branch director. "Optimal maintenance includes medication as well as these complementary strategies."
About 74,000 Northeast Pennsylvanians have autoimmune diseases, including 10,000 lupus patients, Ms. Rundell said. The seminars, however, will help all patients of an autoimmune disease, which is "a disease where the immune system malfunctions and turns on itself, turns inward," Ms. Rundell said.
"It's the immune system attacking itself," she added.
Helping patients deal with those internal attacks, seminar speakers will share tips, like avoiding the selenium found in shellfish and exploring the anti-inflammatory properties found in red grapes and fish oil, Ms. Rundell said.
While strenuous exercise like jogging can exacerbate joint problems, "water exercises are particularly good for autoimmune patients," she said.
"Autoimmune patients have a different set of issues," said Ms. Rundell, who described the seminars as "sort of tricks of the trade."
Cathy Wilcox, Ph.D., Lupus Foundation patient services director, said autoimmune patients are looking for help beyond doctor-prescribed medication.
"The big idea is not just a lecture and you go away," Dr. Wilcox said of the seminars. "You actually put together a plan that's doable, that's reasonable for chronic illness."
Contact the writer: mreiter@timesshamrock.comScranton workshops will be held at the Lupus Foundation conference room, 615 Jefferson Ave., Scranton. Wilkes-Barre workshops are scheduled for the John Heinz Institute, 150 Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre. All workshops are free and begin at 6 p.m. Call 888-99-LUPUS to register.
-- Optimal Management of Autoimmune Diseases
Scranton: Thursday
Wilkes-Barre: Aug. 20
-- Foods to Enhance Your Health; Guidelines for Autoimmune Patients
Scranton: Sept. 11
Wilkes-Barre: Sept. 10
-- Easy Cooking and Healthy Eating: Practical Tips for Autoimmune Patients
Scranton: Oct. 9
Wilkes-Barre: Oct. 15
-- Relaxation Strategies: Techniques You Can Use Today
Scranton: Nov. 13
Wilkes-Barre: Nov. 12
-- Autoimmune Diseases and the Family: Techniques To Enhance Communication and Coping
Scranton: Dec. 11
Wilkes-Barre: Dec. 10
-- Helpful Hints for a Better Night's Sleep
Scranton: Jan. 8
Wilkes-Barre: Jan. 21
-- Quit Smoking! Two Methods That Work
Scranton: Feb. 12
Wilkes-Barre: Feb. 18
-- Pain Relief: Alternatives and/or Complements to Drug Therapies
Scranton: March 12
Wilkes-Barre: March 18
-- Safe and Simple Exercise Options for Autoimmune Patients
Scranton: April 9
Wilkes-Barre: April 15
-- Exploring Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases: What Are the Options?
Scranton: May 14
Wilkes-Barre: May 13
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