Women's Chronic Pain More Intense
Men and Women Experience Chronic Pain Differently, but Experts Not Clear on Why
By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Aug. 13, 2010 (San Diego)
"Women's chronic pain is different than men's, and health care providers and therapists need to focus on that, says an expert who talked about those differences at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association.
''Research has shown that women experience significant pain much more than men," says Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, an Atlanta psychologist who often treats women who have pain.
Those aren't the only differences, she says. Women also have more recurrent pain compared to men and it's often more intense and long lasting.
''Women are also more likely to experience multiple pain conditions," she says."
To read the rest of this article, visit: https://www.webmdhealth.com/nl/nlv.aspx?id=gbclt_Ukhyk=&s=11294
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
The good news is the swine flu pandemic is officially over. (Read the press release below.)
As you all read this, remember that flu season is coming up. Alert your primary care physician to reserve your vaccine. Be sure to tell them you need the inactive vaccine (the shot, not the spray), and ask them to call you when the new flu vaccine becomes available. In case they are in short supply, immune supressed patients and their caregivers are high priority recipients for flu vaccine. Be polite, but you are eligible to receive the vaccine early.
I will say it one more time, just to make sure you all know. Immune suppressed patients and their caregivers, should NOT accept the live FluMist vaccine. That is the one they spray in your nose. The potential for catching an opportunistic infection in immuned suppressed prohibits the use of live vaccines.
For more information on this topic for autoimmune patients, see: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/healthconditions/arthritis/index.html
This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Here is the press release announcing the end of the so-called "Swine Flu."
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee and the WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This declaration was based on strong indications that influenza, worldwide, is transitioning toward seasonal patterns of transmission.
In the majority of countries, out-of-season 2009 H1N1 outbreaks are no longer being observed, and the intensity of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus transmission is lower than that reported during 2009 and early 2010. Members of the Emergency Committee further noted that the 2009 H1N1 viruses will likely continue to circulate for some years to come, taking on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus.
This does not mean that the H1N1 virus has disappeared. Rather, it means current influenza outbreaks including those primarily caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus, show an intensity similar to that seen during seasonal epidemics. Pandemics, like the viruses that cause them, are unpredictable. WHO noted that continued vigilance is extremely important, and it is likely that the virus will continue to cause serious disease in younger age groups and pregnant women, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period.
The WHO Director-General ended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). More information about the WHO declaration is available on the WHO website at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2010/h1n1_vpc_20100810/en/index.html.
Implications for United States
This is a formal WHO declaration regarding the end of the pandemic at the global level. The U.S. Public Health Emergency determination for 2009 H1N1 Influenza expired on June 23, 2010.
The only impact on the United States resulting from the WHO declaration will be a cessation in weekly reporting under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization. CDC has reported weekly to IHR since early in the pandemic.
There are no changes for the United States in terms of CDC’s recommendations for the upcoming influenza season and the United States is already proceeding with the understanding that the 2009 H1N1 virus is now part of seasonal influenza virus circulation.
As is customary, beginning in October, 2010, CDC will provide weekly reports of influenza surveillance information throughout the season with the publication of FluView available at www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly .
Protecting Yourself and Others from Influenza
CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.
The U.S. 2010-2011 influenza vaccine will protect against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that caused the first global pandemic in more than 40 years and resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths. In the United States, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against influenza each season. Pregnant women, young children, and anyone with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes and neuromuscular diseases are at especially high risk for influenza-related complications and, therefore, should be vaccinated as soon as vaccine becomes available. Vaccine manufacturers are predicting an ample supply of influenza vaccine for the upcoming 2010-2011 U.S. influenza season.
Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Anyone can get sick from the flu. For more information about influenza and how to protect yourself and your family, visit www.flu.gov.
###
As you all read this, remember that flu season is coming up. Alert your primary care physician to reserve your vaccine. Be sure to tell them you need the inactive vaccine (the shot, not the spray), and ask them to call you when the new flu vaccine becomes available. In case they are in short supply, immune supressed patients and their caregivers are high priority recipients for flu vaccine. Be polite, but you are eligible to receive the vaccine early.
I will say it one more time, just to make sure you all know. Immune suppressed patients and their caregivers, should NOT accept the live FluMist vaccine. That is the one they spray in your nose. The potential for catching an opportunistic infection in immuned suppressed prohibits the use of live vaccines.
For more information on this topic for autoimmune patients, see: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/healthconditions/arthritis/index.html
This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Here is the press release announcing the end of the so-called "Swine Flu."
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee and the WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This declaration was based on strong indications that influenza, worldwide, is transitioning toward seasonal patterns of transmission.
In the majority of countries, out-of-season 2009 H1N1 outbreaks are no longer being observed, and the intensity of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus transmission is lower than that reported during 2009 and early 2010. Members of the Emergency Committee further noted that the 2009 H1N1 viruses will likely continue to circulate for some years to come, taking on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus.
This does not mean that the H1N1 virus has disappeared. Rather, it means current influenza outbreaks including those primarily caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus, show an intensity similar to that seen during seasonal epidemics. Pandemics, like the viruses that cause them, are unpredictable. WHO noted that continued vigilance is extremely important, and it is likely that the virus will continue to cause serious disease in younger age groups and pregnant women, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period.
The WHO Director-General ended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). More information about the WHO declaration is available on the WHO website at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2010/h1n1_vpc_20100810/en/index.html.
Implications for United States
This is a formal WHO declaration regarding the end of the pandemic at the global level. The U.S. Public Health Emergency determination for 2009 H1N1 Influenza expired on June 23, 2010.
The only impact on the United States resulting from the WHO declaration will be a cessation in weekly reporting under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization. CDC has reported weekly to IHR since early in the pandemic.
There are no changes for the United States in terms of CDC’s recommendations for the upcoming influenza season and the United States is already proceeding with the understanding that the 2009 H1N1 virus is now part of seasonal influenza virus circulation.
As is customary, beginning in October, 2010, CDC will provide weekly reports of influenza surveillance information throughout the season with the publication of FluView available at www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly .
Protecting Yourself and Others from Influenza
CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.
The U.S. 2010-2011 influenza vaccine will protect against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that caused the first global pandemic in more than 40 years and resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths. In the United States, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against influenza each season. Pregnant women, young children, and anyone with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes and neuromuscular diseases are at especially high risk for influenza-related complications and, therefore, should be vaccinated as soon as vaccine becomes available. Vaccine manufacturers are predicting an ample supply of influenza vaccine for the upcoming 2010-2011 U.S. influenza season.
Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Anyone can get sick from the flu. For more information about influenza and how to protect yourself and your family, visit www.flu.gov.
###
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Haley is feeling better, meeting tonight, event coming
Update on Haley's condition
===========================
I spoke with Haley's father this morning, and she is now free of stroke-like symptoms. She is responsive, mobile and acting like herself.
The family asked me to thank you all for your well wishes. They will be joining our chapter, and perhaps you will meet them at a future event.
The doctors are still figuring out what brought on Haley's sudden onset of non-responsiveness. Her father tells me the doctors are suspecting high blood pressure for these particular symptoms, and looking into what caused it. The long version is there are still mysteries to be solved, and the bottom line is Haley's condition is improved.
Her father is planning to come to the chapter meeting at Deli-Berry tonight to pick up some literature and speak with Meaghan. If any of you can go, I am sure they would welcome any insights into the Wegeners experience.
MEETING TONIGHT
================
I am required elsewhere tonight, so the meeting will be facilitated by my daughter Meaghan, who most of have met at previous meetings.
Deli-Berry (www.deli-berry.com) is located at 2520 Juan Tabo Blvd NE. Just north of Menaul Blvd on the right side of the street. It is right in between to FedEx Office and a new Sprint store. They have some of the best frozen yogurt, and an assortment of healthy menu choices.
Deli-Berry may become a full time Vasculitis supporter!
========================================================
We are also in negotiations with Deli-Berry to set up a permanent awareness and fundraising presence in their restaurant, including a big poster, and a brochure rack on the counter. Those details are still in progress, but your support even now could help make a difference. If you go in there, tell them you read about Deli-Berry on the NMVasculitis website, and encourage the owners to become partners with the Vasculitis Foundation. Make Deli-Berry one of your favorite places to go, and soon you may also be able to support vasculitis research just by eating a sandwich, and a tasty frozen yogurt treat!
AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING EVENT COMING UP NEXT MONTH
=====================================================
In other news, on September 21st, our chapter will be represented at the kickoff picnic for a federal fundraising effort. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) was started in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace for charitable organizations.
The Central & Northern New Mexico CFC serves over 23,000 employees in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sierra , Socorro , Taos, Torrance, Union and Valencia Counties.
If you are reading this, let me say thank you to the many generous donors and federal employees who give of their time to conduct the campaign!
The VF was accepted this year to participate in the national campaign for the first time (you have to apply and be approved). The VF got approved for the Kansas City CFC two years ago because our national office is in Kansas City, Missouri. We were then able to leverage that to the national level.
VF Executive Director Joyce Kullman, said this to me, and it will apply to any of you who may choose to volunteer, "I really really appreciate you representing the VF. At the kickoff meetings in KC, we connected with several patients/family members who did NOT know we existed. We handed out brochures with the small labels with our CFC # 64445. It was amazing talking to all the federal employees at the kickoff. The goal is to get the employees to designate the VF for support. It comes directly out of their paycheck so it is very easy."
The federal employees have a special program where they get to choose which charities to donate money to, and the Vasculitis Foundation has arranged to be a part of it nationwide. The New Mexico chapter will go to the picnic to present information and answer questions.
There is only room for about four of us at the table. I am going, and Meaghan will likely also go. I would like to invite one or two of you to join me.
Even if you cannot go to this kickoff, keep this event in mind. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, please encourage them to designate all or a portion of their CFC donation to the Vasculitis Foundation! The VF CFC# is 64445.
Ideally, you would just show up and be prepared to speak about your experience with vasculitis. We will not be "asking for money," as much as simply sharing information persuading people how they can help by contributing funds to vasculitis research. If you are interested, then please contact me so we can talk more about how you can help.
Remember, if you ever miss a meeting, you can arrange to meet me anytime you want to talk. Just call me.
That is it for now. I will touch base with Meaghan tonight, and see if any of you went. It would really warm my heart if you do manage to go.
--
Joseph Carpenter
Parent, daughter with CSS (DX March '08)
New Mexico Chapter Leader
Email, Fax, Phone and Postal mail: http://www.nmvasculitis.org/Home/about-cnmvf/contact
Central NM Vasculitis Foundation Chapter - http://www.nmvasculitis.org
Vasculitis Foundation - http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org
===========================
I spoke with Haley's father this morning, and she is now free of stroke-like symptoms. She is responsive, mobile and acting like herself.
The family asked me to thank you all for your well wishes. They will be joining our chapter, and perhaps you will meet them at a future event.
The doctors are still figuring out what brought on Haley's sudden onset of non-responsiveness. Her father tells me the doctors are suspecting high blood pressure for these particular symptoms, and looking into what caused it. The long version is there are still mysteries to be solved, and the bottom line is Haley's condition is improved.
Her father is planning to come to the chapter meeting at Deli-Berry tonight to pick up some literature and speak with Meaghan. If any of you can go, I am sure they would welcome any insights into the Wegeners experience.
MEETING TONIGHT
================
I am required elsewhere tonight, so the meeting will be facilitated by my daughter Meaghan, who most of have met at previous meetings.
Deli-Berry (www.deli-berry.com) is located at 2520 Juan Tabo Blvd NE. Just north of Menaul Blvd on the right side of the street. It is right in between to FedEx Office and a new Sprint store. They have some of the best frozen yogurt, and an assortment of healthy menu choices.
Deli-Berry may become a full time Vasculitis supporter!
========================================================
We are also in negotiations with Deli-Berry to set up a permanent awareness and fundraising presence in their restaurant, including a big poster, and a brochure rack on the counter. Those details are still in progress, but your support even now could help make a difference. If you go in there, tell them you read about Deli-Berry on the NMVasculitis website, and encourage the owners to become partners with the Vasculitis Foundation. Make Deli-Berry one of your favorite places to go, and soon you may also be able to support vasculitis research just by eating a sandwich, and a tasty frozen yogurt treat!
AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING EVENT COMING UP NEXT MONTH
=====================================================
In other news, on September 21st, our chapter will be represented at the kickoff picnic for a federal fundraising effort. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) was started in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the federal workplace for charitable organizations.
The Central & Northern New Mexico CFC serves over 23,000 employees in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sierra , Socorro , Taos, Torrance, Union and Valencia Counties.
If you are reading this, let me say thank you to the many generous donors and federal employees who give of their time to conduct the campaign!
The VF was accepted this year to participate in the national campaign for the first time (you have to apply and be approved). The VF got approved for the Kansas City CFC two years ago because our national office is in Kansas City, Missouri. We were then able to leverage that to the national level.
VF Executive Director Joyce Kullman, said this to me, and it will apply to any of you who may choose to volunteer, "I really really appreciate you representing the VF. At the kickoff meetings in KC, we connected with several patients/family members who did NOT know we existed. We handed out brochures with the small labels with our CFC # 64445. It was amazing talking to all the federal employees at the kickoff. The goal is to get the employees to designate the VF for support. It comes directly out of their paycheck so it is very easy."
The federal employees have a special program where they get to choose which charities to donate money to, and the Vasculitis Foundation has arranged to be a part of it nationwide. The New Mexico chapter will go to the picnic to present information and answer questions.
There is only room for about four of us at the table. I am going, and Meaghan will likely also go. I would like to invite one or two of you to join me.
Even if you cannot go to this kickoff, keep this event in mind. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, please encourage them to designate all or a portion of their CFC donation to the Vasculitis Foundation! The VF CFC# is 64445.
Ideally, you would just show up and be prepared to speak about your experience with vasculitis. We will not be "asking for money," as much as simply sharing information persuading people how they can help by contributing funds to vasculitis research. If you are interested, then please contact me so we can talk more about how you can help.
Remember, if you ever miss a meeting, you can arrange to meet me anytime you want to talk. Just call me.
That is it for now. I will touch base with Meaghan tonight, and see if any of you went. It would really warm my heart if you do manage to go.
--
Joseph Carpenter
Parent, daughter with CSS (DX March '08)
New Mexico Chapter Leader
Email, Fax, Phone and Postal mail: http://www.nmvasculitis.org/Home/about-cnmvf/contact
Central NM Vasculitis Foundation Chapter - http://www.nmvasculitis.org
Vasculitis Foundation - http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Healthy Sleep Tips | National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety
Healthy Sleep Tips | National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety
"The following ten tips can help you achieve sleep and the benefits it provides. These tips are intended for "typical" adults, but not necessarily for children or persons experiencing medical problems.
Finally, if you have trouble falling asleep, maintaining sleep, awaken earlier than you wish, feel unrefreshed after sleep or suffer from excessive sleepiness during the day or when you wish to be alert, you should also consult your physician. Be sure to tell him/her if you have already tried these tips and for how long. To check for possible sleep problems, go to our checklist, "How's Your Sleep?""
Despite the "medical problems" disclaimer, sleep affects us in many ways, and is key to successful stress management. Both mentally and physically, both vasculitis patients and the caregivers who support them will do better if they know about ways to improve their sleep habits.
There are other articles that discuss how to maximize the potential of a power nap, to offset interrupted nighttime sleep patterns. Check it out.
"The following ten tips can help you achieve sleep and the benefits it provides. These tips are intended for "typical" adults, but not necessarily for children or persons experiencing medical problems.
Finally, if you have trouble falling asleep, maintaining sleep, awaken earlier than you wish, feel unrefreshed after sleep or suffer from excessive sleepiness during the day or when you wish to be alert, you should also consult your physician. Be sure to tell him/her if you have already tried these tips and for how long. To check for possible sleep problems, go to our checklist, "How's Your Sleep?""
Despite the "medical problems" disclaimer, sleep affects us in many ways, and is key to successful stress management. Both mentally and physically, both vasculitis patients and the caregivers who support them will do better if they know about ways to improve their sleep habits.
There are other articles that discuss how to maximize the potential of a power nap, to offset interrupted nighttime sleep patterns. Check it out.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Prayer request for Haley
Call it prayer, or call it well wishes if you like. Call it sending positive energy, or depending on your faith, do whatever works for you.
I became aware of a new patient today. While we are always responsive to new patients and get them as much information as possible, most often I am contacted by adult patients who are already stable.
In this case, a ten year old girl is in the hospital with Wegeners Granulomatosis. She was diagnosed almost one month ago. She has kidney involvement, and she just had a stroke that affected her brain. Her aunt who called me, tells me the next 72 hours are key for her.
She is seeing the rheumatologist I might recommend to her, who is Courtney Johnson at UNM Children's Hospital.
Her current condition is critical. So, I am doing something I do not always do... I am asking you all to pray for Haley. I have not yet spoken to her parents, so am not at liberty to discuss her full name or details at this time.
However, I feel compelled to ask you to send out whatever positive thoughts you can to a young girl named Haley in hopes that she will pull through this stroke. If you wish to document your well wishes, comment or reply to this blog entry, and I will make sure your words get to the family.
Remember also that we have a chapter meeting on Thursday. It is possible Haley's aunt may be there. If you think you might have something to offer this family by way of support, please consider coming to that meeting. Let me know if you plan to go.
--
Joseph Carpenter
Parent, daughter with CSS (DX March '08)
New Mexico Chapter Leader
Email, Fax, Phone and Postal mail: http://www.nmvasculitis.org/Home/about-cnmvf/contact
Central NM Vasculitis Foundation Chapter - http://www.nmvasculitis.org
Vasculitis Foundation - http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org
I became aware of a new patient today. While we are always responsive to new patients and get them as much information as possible, most often I am contacted by adult patients who are already stable.
In this case, a ten year old girl is in the hospital with Wegeners Granulomatosis. She was diagnosed almost one month ago. She has kidney involvement, and she just had a stroke that affected her brain. Her aunt who called me, tells me the next 72 hours are key for her.
She is seeing the rheumatologist I might recommend to her, who is Courtney Johnson at UNM Children's Hospital.
Her current condition is critical. So, I am doing something I do not always do... I am asking you all to pray for Haley. I have not yet spoken to her parents, so am not at liberty to discuss her full name or details at this time.
However, I feel compelled to ask you to send out whatever positive thoughts you can to a young girl named Haley in hopes that she will pull through this stroke. If you wish to document your well wishes, comment or reply to this blog entry, and I will make sure your words get to the family.
Remember also that we have a chapter meeting on Thursday. It is possible Haley's aunt may be there. If you think you might have something to offer this family by way of support, please consider coming to that meeting. Let me know if you plan to go.
--
Joseph Carpenter
Parent, daughter with CSS (DX March '08)
New Mexico Chapter Leader
Email, Fax, Phone and Postal mail: http://www.nmvasculitis.org/Home/about-cnmvf/contact
Central NM Vasculitis Foundation Chapter - http://www.nmvasculitis.org
Vasculitis Foundation - http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org
Thursday, August 12, 2010
1999 Overview of vasculitis diagnosis by AAP
http://www.aafp.org/afp/991001ap/1421.html
This article is dated by a decade, so the treatment protocols will need to be updated. However, the text remains a good overview for the general medical professional who needs to make the diagnosis.
It is also, in my opinion, a useful overview for the patient who is still in the "mystery diagnosis" phase of the vasculitis experience. Feel free to print this and share it withe your primary care physician, or specialist. Especially if any of the symptoms mentioned here seem familiar to your condition.
As always, DO NOT DIAGNOSE YOURSELF. A proper diagnosis requires the experience and training of a medical doctor with the resources for proper medical tests to identify these medical symptoms.
This article is dated by a decade, so the treatment protocols will need to be updated. However, the text remains a good overview for the general medical professional who needs to make the diagnosis.
It is also, in my opinion, a useful overview for the patient who is still in the "mystery diagnosis" phase of the vasculitis experience. Feel free to print this and share it withe your primary care physician, or specialist. Especially if any of the symptoms mentioned here seem familiar to your condition.
As always, DO NOT DIAGNOSE YOURSELF. A proper diagnosis requires the experience and training of a medical doctor with the resources for proper medical tests to identify these medical symptoms.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.1
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Rheumatology Article Aggregator
An aggregator collects information from multiple sources and presents it in a unified way. This tool collects medical articles from different sources, and presents them under their category. E.g. Rheumatology, Pulmonology, etc.
This website was suggested to me by Suzanne DePaolis, a vasculitis patient who finds it useful for helping her keep up with all the medical news related to her condition.
Perhaps you will also find it useful. Here you go.
Rheumatology - MDLinx - Rheumatology Journals, Rheumatology Research Articles
http://www.mdlinx.com/rheumatology/
This website was suggested to me by Suzanne DePaolis, a vasculitis patient who finds it useful for helping her keep up with all the medical news related to her condition.
Perhaps you will also find it useful. Here you go.
Rheumatology - MDLinx - Rheumatology Journals, Rheumatology Research Articles
http://www.mdlinx.com/rheumatology/
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Awareness Idea: Gift cards
What if every vasculitis advocate (patient, family, caregivers, friends) carried with them a booklet with half off coupons for some national chain, like Target, or Subway, or whomever the partnership can be set up with.
Then when they have the vasculitis talk with some new person, they have an immediate way to raise funds for vasculitis with them, right there on the spot.
Ideally, these coupons require someone to put their name and contact information so we can send them more information about vasculitis later as a follow up. But the coupon itself is immediately redeemable, so there is an immediately useful reason for them to buy the coupons.
The advocate submits the money as a donation to the VF, and collectively we might be able to raise an additional several thousand dollars.
I need to share this idea with Bob Sahs, the new Vasculitis Foundation Board President.
I will get back to you guys if this pans out.
--
Then when they have the vasculitis talk with some new person, they have an immediate way to raise funds for vasculitis with them, right there on the spot.
Ideally, these coupons require someone to put their name and contact information so we can send them more information about vasculitis later as a follow up. But the coupon itself is immediately redeemable, so there is an immediately useful reason for them to buy the coupons.
The advocate submits the money as a donation to the VF, and collectively we might be able to raise an additional several thousand dollars.
I need to share this idea with Bob Sahs, the new Vasculitis Foundation Board President.
I will get back to you guys if this pans out.
--
--
Joseph Carpenter
Parent, daughter with CSS (DX March '08)
New Mexico Chapter Leader
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