The APS Foundation of America, Inc Announces World APS Day, June 9th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/7/2010
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

The APS Foundation of America, Inc Announces World APS Day, June 9th

The Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Foundation of America, Inc. (APSFA) urges the public, as well as the medical community, to learn more about this rare disease. APS Awareness Month runs throughout June.

The APSFA is also proud to announce that June 9 is World APS Day. The APSFA would like to bring more attention & awareness to this "rare" autoimmune disease.

APS is an autoimmune disorder. Such illnesses occur when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own substances. In APS, the body recognizes certain components of blood or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies--a specialized protein the body uses to prevent infection--against them. It is the major cause of strokes in persons under 40 years old, blood clots (thrombosis) – which can lead to heart attack or stroke – vision disturbances and repeated, otherwise unexplainable miscarriages.

APS can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. It frequently is found in conjunction with lupus, another autoimmune disorder that primarily targets women.

Please join us in blogging about your experience living with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) - whether you are the patient, caretaker, friend, or loved one of an APS patient. Together, we can bring awareness to this disease. We are also requesting everyone to wear burgundy on June 9th!! Please go to http://www.apsfa.org/worldapsday.htm for more information.

Knowing more about APS can make all the difference. Help us color the world burgundy on June 9th, get in the know and Get in the Flow!

Founded in 2005, the APSFA is the leading United States health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to APS. We are a volunteer-run, community-based, non-profit organization.

For more information Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman at Phone: 608-782-2626 Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org. Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• The key blood tests are Anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA), Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) – a panel of blood clotting tests that may include the dilute Russel Viper venom time (dRVVT), lupus aPTT, mixing studies, and hex phase phospholipid test, platelet neutralization procedure and Antibodies to b2-glycoprotein I (IgG, IgM, IgA).

• The conservative estimate of people at risk from Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is 1% - 5% of the population.

• In pregnancy clotting of the placenta can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Typically, women are not tested for APS until after three consecutive miscarriages.

• The recognition and treatment of APS improves the chances of preventing miscarriage from below 20% to above 80%.

• Some cases are misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis. Some APS patients also have Lupus.

• Founded in 2005, the APS Foundation of America, Inc. is the leading United States nonprofit health agency dedicated to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks. We are a volunteer run, community based 501(c)3 non-profit Public Charity organization and is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, support, public awareness, research and patient services. Our URL is http://www.apsfa.org

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from http://www.apsfa.org.

Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, american, association, press, release

JUNE IS APS AWARENESS MONTH: GET IN THE FLOW!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/01/2010
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

JUNE IS APS AWARENESS MONTH: GET IN THE FLOW!

The Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Foundation of America, Inc. (APSFA) urges the public, as well as the medical community, to learn more about this rare disease. APS Awareness Month runs throughout June.

APS is an autoimmune disorder. Such illnesses occur when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own substances. In APS, the body recognizes certain components of blood or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies--a specialized protein the body uses to prevent infection--against them. It is the major cause of strokes in persons under 40 years old, blood clots (thrombosis) – which can lead to heart attack or stroke – vision disturbances and repeated, otherwise unexplainable miscarriages.

APS often is found in conjunction with lupus, another autoimmune disorder that primarily targets women.

Knowing more about APS can make all the difference. Get in the know and Get in the Flow!

Founded in 2005, the APSFA is the leading United States health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to APS. We are a volunteer-run, community-based, non-profit organization.

For more information Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman at Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org. Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

###

Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, association, american, press, release

APS Awareness, Infant Loss Awareness Ribbon & APSFA Logo Lapel Pin Sales

We have new lapel pins available! We now carry 3 different types of lapel pins: Burgundy Awareness Ribbon, APSFA Logo, and Infant Loss Awareness Ribbon. The pins are as shown above. The awareness ribbon pins measure 1 inch in size. They are die struck silver with enamel colorfill. Each pin comes with a clutch back and is individually poly bagged. The APSFA Logo pins measure 1 inch in diameter. Each pin also comes with an APS information card that measures 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches and is printed on heavy paper stock. These cards would be good to leave in a doctor's office or post on a bulletin board. A view of the card can be seen below. Awareness Ribbon Pins are $5.00 each and the APSFA Logo Lapel pins are $7.50 each.

Burgundy is also the ribbon color of the following causes: Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Brain Aneurysm, Cesarean (worn upside down), Factor V Leiden, Headaches, Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation, Hospice Care, Multiple Myeloma, Thrombophilia, William's Syndrome.

Here is a sample of the information card

Awareness Ribbon Pins are $5.00 and APSFA Lapel Pins are & $7.50 each which covers shipping, tax and a small donation to the APS Foundation of America, Inc.

If you'd like extra Information cards they are 4 for $1.00.
Payments accepted are: Paypal, Credit Cards through Paypal, Money Order, Personal Check, and Cash

To Order go to: http://www.apsfa.org/fundraiser.htm

Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, fundraiser

JUNE IS APS AWARENESS MONTH: GET IN THE FLOW!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/03/2007
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

JUNE IS APS AWARENESS MONTH: GET IN THE FLOW!

The APS Foundation of America, Inc. (APSFA) has declared June as National Antiphospholipid Antibody (APS) Awareness Month. We are educating the public and medical community about this disorder, urging people to Get in the Flow!

This disorder threatens to become more common than Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis.

The APSFA is sending petitions to several states to make June APS Awareness Month. The APSFA will be attending conferences, medical seminars, grand rounds and health fairs to share the patient perspective and provide awareness of APS throughout the month of June and also encouraging the community to Get in the Flow. Individual and APSFA fundraisers will be occurring throughout the country to help promote APS awareness and help support the mission.

Knowing more about APS can make all the difference. Get in the know and Get in the Flow!

The APSFA is the only United States health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to APS. We are a volunteer-run, community-based, non-profit organization.

For more information Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman at Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: www.apsfa.org Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

Volume 5 of out Newsletter, "Antiphospho...What?" is available for download!

Volume 5 of out Newsletter, "Antiphospho...What?" is available for download!

written by the APS Foundation of America, Inc. Enjoy!!! :)

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

We still are looking for articles, book reviews, etc...please email us for more information!

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE - EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE - EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!

By: Gale McCarty, MD, FACR, FACP. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ, or its trade name-Plaquenil) has a long and honored history of use in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a general medication to decrease activity of the immune system and decrease symptoms. For years it has been approved for use by the FDA for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and has been used most frequently for skin and joint manifestations. It is considered a mainstay of therapy for any patient with SLE by many lupus experts and rheumatologists. It has many mechanisms of action, some related to decrease in the activity of the immune system, and some related to effects on blood clotting mechanisms. HCQ belongs to the class of drugs call anti-malarials, which includes Chloroquine and Atabrine. (This does not mean that anyone thinks that SLE or APS is caused by the agent that causes malaria-like most discoveries in medicine, it was the chance observation that patients with some autoimmune diseases who got anti-malarial drugs to prevent malaria when traveling to likely areas of infection noted their symptoms improved on HCQ). One of the most complete and excellent reviews of all the literature on the anti-malarials to which all patients and their physicians are directed is Dr. Dan Wallace’s Chapter 59 in the Wallace-Hahn Dubois’ Lupus Erythematosus textbook. Another excellent review on APS therapy in general has been published by Dr. Robert Roubey.

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

INR Monitoring in Patients with Antiphospholipid Antibodies with Finger Stick INR Machines.

INR Monitoring in Patients with Antiphospholipid Antibodies with Finger Stick INR Machines.

by: Stephan Moll, MD. A superb way to monitor INRs (International Normalized Ratio) in patients on oral anticoagulants who do NOT have antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) is though use of “point of care instruments”, where the INR is tested on blood from a finger stick. This method gives fast results and is used by many physicians’ offices and by some patients at home. However, in patients with APLA on oral anticoagulants these instruments may give inaccurate readings.

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

Are Natural Alternatives to Warfarin Safe and Effective?

Are Natural Alternatives to Warfarin Safe and Effective?

Written by: Randy Rauber, Pharm.D Candidate
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Reviewed by: Al Lodwick, RPh, MA. Is there any

evidence to support the use of herbal supplement “blood thinners” in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) as natural alternatives to Warfarin?

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

APS in the Community

APS in the Community

written by Seren Estrada. On April 22nd the APSFA made an appearance at the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica event in Springfield, Virginia.

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

MO-KAN Spreads APS Awareness

MO-KAN Spreads APS Awareness

Written by Dana Stuart. “Mo-Kan” is a phrase commonly used in the Missouri-Kansas region to describe various missions or goals that Missouri and Kansas businesses and residents CAN accomplish together. Frequently used for public service announcements, advertisements, and other miscellaneous uses, “Mo-Kan” has become the unofficial slogan for several alliances, which have formed for some very worthy causes. Now “Mo-Kan” spreads APS Awareness!

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol5Spring2007.pdf

June is APS Awareness Month

June is APS Awareness Month

The Proclamation is a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for APS research, awareness and patient services.

Each year, the APS Foundation of America, Inc (APSFA) will revise the Proclamation to reflect the emerging issues that people with APS around the world must face every day. The Proclamation serves to give a single voice to all individuals affected by this devastating and debilitating chronic disease.

Please join the APSFA in urging your government to adopt and make June APS Awareness Month.

WHEREAS, The APS Foundation of America, Inc. has declared June as National Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Awareness Month and is educating the public and medical community about this clotting disorder and is urging people to "Get in the Flow”; and

WHEREAS, APS is the major cause of young strokes, many miscarriages, both arterial and venous thrombosis, and heart attacks. It has been estimated by some doctors that one third of all of young strokes (defined as under the age of 50) are due to APS. Some doctors believe that 1 in 5 of all Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs), Pulmonary Embolisms (PEs), and even worse, amputations are due to APS. And it is believed that 40-50% of patients with Lupus also have APS. Women are more likely than men to be affected by APS. Some estimates say that 75% to 90% of those affected are women. In obstetrics, it is estimated by some doctors that up to 25% of all women with 2 or more spontaneous miscarriages have APS; and

WHEREAS, the APS Foundation of America, Inc is working to bring a national attention to APS as a common factor in multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes, and heart attacks is vital in order to bring a joint effort to research, funding, early detection, and eventually, prevention and cure for APS; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the APS Foundation of America, Inc. is to offer understanding and support to individuals, family, friends, and care givers of APS; to offer information about and education on APS; to support research regarding APS by keeping the latest information available and referring people to such agencies who do research; to raise funds to provide information and education through public donations, grants, fundraisers, sponsorships, and bequests; and to bring national focus to APS in the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that June is hereby designated as APS AWARENESS MONTH on which the APS Foundation of America, Inc call for increases in public and private sector funding for medical research on APS, targeted education programs for health professionals, patients and the public, and worldwide recognition of APS as a significant public health issue.

Proclaimed This Day, 1 June 2007