Spring/Summer 2010 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is Available

The Spring/Summer 2010 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is ready to be downloaded. You can download it at the following link:
http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol17SprSum2010.pdf

The next volume will be coming out mid August 2010.

Please let us know if there are any topics that you'd like our Medical Advisers to cover in their articles. We try to request topics that people are emailing about or that are discussed on our the forum. So if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know and we'll pass it along to the medical advisers.

We are still in need of patient stories (esp about Pregnancy Loss, Men and Teens or Children), recipes, poems, related book reviews, and anything else you think would be of interest for upcoming newsletters. (book reviews, poems, recipes, articles written by family members, etc.) Please submit articles to the following email address: articles@apsfa.org.

Please follow our current guidelines when submitting an article:
• Send your story/article to articles@apsfa.org
• Patient stories and most articles should be approx 500-750 words long and contain a title
• Articles should be written at a 5th-8th grade reading level
• Please try to include a picture when submitting a patient story
• Patient stories should read like an autobiography—generally from diagnosis to present time, but it doesn’t have to

Please use previous patients stories as your guideline. They can be found here: http://www.apsfa.org/newsletters.html

If you have an idea and are not sure if it would fit, please feel free to contact us through our contact page on the website, or email us using the email address below. We are open to any suggestions. Without your help we would not be able to include an APS patient's story in each of our newsletters.

We could also use articles written by medical professionals or medical students. Please contact us if you are interested.

Please remember to check our website for any changes at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/new.htm

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

Signature Tag Fundraiser

Tags, or signature tags are used primarily on forums or in the signature of emails. We are offering customizable tags representing various awareness causes including and related to APS: Lupus, FVL, Thrombophilia, Hughes Syndrome, Heart Attack, Stroke, APS/Lupus, and Infant Loss.

Tags can be ordered for a $5.00 donation to the APSFA using the form below. If you would like multiple tags we are also offering 3 for a $10.00 donation. These donations are tax deductible and you will be receiving a tax receipt via email after your purchase.

Tags will be delivered via the PayPal payment email address, so if you need them sent to another email, please indicate the email address you'd like them sent to in the extra comments section when checking out. If you need a different delivery method than email, please indicate this in the comments section and we will work something out.

Only donations via PayPal will be accepted and only by using the order form below.

Please allow a 72 hour turnaround time from order to delivery.

To order click here: http://www.apsfa.org/fundraisers/tags.htm

© APS Foundation of America, Inc

To order these tags click here: http://www.apsfa.org/fundraisers/tags.htm

If you need a specific size, let us know and we'll make one for you! These are all copyright of the APSFA. DO NOT ALTER THESE GRAPHICS. For HTML codes, please contact us. APSFA ©2005 - 2010. Our copyright Notice can be located here: http://www.apsfa.org/copyright.htm

WARNING: We will enforce our copyright!

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

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

Winter/Spring 2010 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is Available

The Winter/Spring 2010 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is ready to be downloaded. You can download it at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol16WinterSpring2010.pdf

The next volume will be coming out mid May, 2010.

Please let us know if there are any topics that you'd like our Medical Advisers to cover in their articles. We try to request topics that people are emailing about or that are discussed on our the forum. So if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know and we'll pass it along to the medical advisers.

We are still in need of patient stories (esp about Pregnancy Loss, Men and Teens or Children), recipes, poems, related book reviews, and anything else you think would be of interest for upcoming newsletters. (book reviews, poems, recipes, articles written by family members, etc.) Please submit articles to the following email address: articles@apsfa.org.

Please follow our current guidelines when submitting an article:
• Send your story/article to articles@apsfa.org
• Patient stories and most articles should be approx 500-750 words long and contain a title
• Articles should be written at a 5th-8th grade reading level
• Please try to include a picture when submitting a patient story
• Patient stories should read like an autobiography—generally from diagnosis to present time, but it doesn’t have to

Please use previous patients stories as your guideline. They can be found here: http://www.apsfa.org/newsletters.html

If you have an idea and are not sure if it would fit, please feel free to contact us through our contact page on the website, or email us using the email address below. We are open to any suggestions. Without your help we would not be able to include an APS patient's story in each of our newsletters.

We could also use articles written by medical professionals or medical students. Please contact us if you are interested.

Please remember to check our website for any changes at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/new.htm

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

Medical Alert Discount in Honor of DVT Awareness Month

In honor of DVT Awareness Month, for the month of March MedicAlert Foundation is pleased to announce a special $10 discount for individuals diagnosed with Deep-Vein Thrombosis. (Note: offer is not strictly limited to persons with DVT.)

If an individual with a history of DVT requires emergency medical attention, emergency responders need to be made aware of current medical conditions and medications so that the individual can be rapidly transported to a proper facility for DVT or PE treatment.

MedicAlert® IDs can save lives in emergencies. We offer free engraving of your medical information i.e. taking Coumadin, Warfarin, etc. - on a genuine MedicAlert bracelet or necklace along with our 24-hour Emergency Response phone number. MedicAlert s medically trained staff is always ready to answer the call and provide your critical information to medical staff during your time of need. In addition, we also notify your family contacts if there is an emergency.

To become a MedicAlert member, call 1-800-432-5378 and mention code 5804 or visit http://www.medicalert.org/dvt to save $10. The $10 discount applies to new Advantage membership enrollment (reg. $39.95) and is valid through March 31, 2010. Choose from over 100 styles of IDs, starting as low as $9.95. IDs not included in the enrollment fee.

The APS Foundation of America, Inc does not make commissions or profits from the Medic Alert. This is being posted purely as a courtesy to you, as an APS patient.

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

From the Desk of Silvia S. Pierangeli, Ph.D, Chair, APLA 2010

Dear APS patients:

We are organizing the 13th International Congress of Antiphospholipid antibodies in Galveston, TX, from April 13th-16th, 2010. We have secured outstanding speakers from all over the world that will contribute to an exceptional scientific program.

Importantly, this year we will have two patients/doctors forum discussion groups. Prof. Munther Khamashta (St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK) and Prof. Michael D. Lockshin (Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY) will conduct those sessions.

Attendance/participation is free for patients. If you wish to register please check our website:
http://www.utmb.edu/apla2010.

Also patients can participate in the scientific sessions of the congress at a special reduced registration fee. Check the website for details.

Accommodation/housing registration information is also available through the website.

Schedule of Patient/Doctors Forum at APLA 2010:

Date/Time Event
Wednesday April 14th, 2010
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Patients and Doctors Forum: Prof. Munther Khamashta

Date/Time Event
Thursday April 15th, 2010
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Patients and Doctors Forum: Prof. Michael Lockshin

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us sspieran@utmb.edu or loterrel@utmb.edu.

We hope to see you in Galveston this coming April!

Silvia S. Pierangeli, Ph.D,
Chair, APLA 2010

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

Faces of APS - The APSFA Needs YOUR Help!

The APSFA is looking for people to submit their photos for "The Faces of APS". Details in the .pdf linked below. Please help us bring awareness to this disease to main stream media!

Deadline: January 4, 2010

http://www.apsfa.org/docs/Faces%20of%20APS.pdf

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

FALL/WINTER 2009 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is Available

The FALL/WINTER 2009 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is ready to be downloaded. You can download it at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol15FallWinter2009.pdf

The next volume will be coming out in late Winter, early Spring, 2010.

Please let us know if there are any topics that you'd like our Medical Advisors to cover in their articles. We try to request topics that people are emailing about or that are discussed on our the forum. So if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know and we'll pass it along to the medical advisors.

We are still in need of patient stories (esp about Pregnancy Loss, Men and Teens or Children), recipes, poems, related book reviews, and anything else you think would be of interest for upcoming newsletters. (book reviews, poems, recipes, articles written by family members, etc.) Please submit articles to the following email address: articles@apsfa.org.

If you have an idea and are not sure if it would fit, please feel free to contact us through our contact page on the website, or email us using the email address below. We are open to any suggestions. Without your help we would not be able to include an APS patient's story in each of our newsletters.

We could also use articles written by medical professionals or medical students. Please contact us if you are interested.

Please remember to check our website for any changes at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/new.htm

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

*Exclusive* 2009 APSFA Holiday Ornament

Our EXCLUSIVE holiday snowflake ornament is now available for purchase in our Cafepress store. This is the 4th in the series and each one is unique! We picked the snowflake to be the symbol on this special ornament because like there are no two snowflakes that are alike, no two APS patients are alike!

Purchase this ornament here: http://www.cafepress.com/apsfoundation/1952386

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

2009 APSFA Giving Tree

We are excited to announce the arrival of our 4th Annual Holiday Giving Tree!

This tree holds a special meaning for the members of the APS Foundation of America, Inc and the community it serves. Since the Giving Tree has been such a big success in the past, we've made it an annual tradition.

How the tree works: When you make a donation using the chart below the tree, you get to chose an ornament or present that coincides with the amount you wish to donate. We will then trim the tree with the ornaments selected. By the end of the season we will have a beautifully decorated tree due to your generous donations!

As in the past, the ornaments are one of a kind and we even have new presents this year!

All Giving Tree donations are tax deductible and need to be made by 12/31/09 to be included for 2009.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity this holiday season!

To make a donation and add an ornament to our tree click here: http://www.apsfa.org/givingtree.htm

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

`Wipeout' TV show player with rare condition dies

`Wipeout' TV show player with rare condition dies
Thu Nov 12, 7:03 pm ET



LOS ANGELES – A contestant who was hospitalized after competing briefly on the game show "Wipeout" died two weeks later of a stroke apparently caused by a rare condition, his father said.

Tom Sparks, 33, was participating in the first segment of an obstacle course Oct. 19 when he complained of knee pain, according to Endemol, the company which produces "Wipeout" for ABC.

Producers had him stop, Endemol said Thursday. On-set medics examined Sparks, noticed he was short of breath and took him to a local hospital.

He was moved to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and underwent several brain surgeries, according to TheWrap.com, which first reported Sparks' Nov. 5 death.

Sparks couldn't be saved because of the brain damage that had occurred, the Web site said, citing an e-mail to alumni from a faculty member at Sparks' alma mater.

Sparks, a former Sun Valley, Idaho, radio disc jockey, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and later earned a master's degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.

In a statement to the Idaho Mountain Express and Guide, Bill Sparks, his father, said doctors determined the stroke probably was caused by antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, known as APS.

APS is associated with recurrent clotting events including premature stroke and heart attack, according to the APS Foundation of America Inc.'s Web site.

"Wipeout" contestants undergo medical examinations before they are cleared for the show, Endemol said. However, the diagnosis of APS requires specialized blood tests, the foundation said on its site.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family," ABC and Endemol said in a joint statement. "This is a tragic loss and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Sparks, who was a runner and recently competed in a marathon, had just married and was competing on "Wipeout" with his wife, Kate, on a couples episode. The show is in production for the third season, premiering next summer.
___

On the Net:
http://www.apsfa.org/
http://www.abc.go.com


Story URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091113/ap_en_tv/us_tv_wipeout_player_dies

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

2009 H1N1 Flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and Seasonal Flu Information for People with Inflammatory Arthritis or Rheumatic Disease

October 15, 2009, 11:00 AM ET

How does arthritis affect how I respond to the flu?

People with certain types of arthritis, called inflammatory or systemic arthritis or autoimmune rheumatic disease, have a higher risk of getting flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. Inflammatory arthritis affects the immune system which controls how well your body fights off infections. Also, many medications given to treat inflammatory arthritis can weaken the immune system. People with weakened immune systems are at high risk for getting more severe illness and complications such as hospitalization with the flu. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are the most common types of inflammatory arthritis.

People with osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, are likely not at increased risk of complications from the flu unless they also have other high-risk conditions for flu such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

If you have one of these types of inflammatory arthritis, you may be at high risk for complications from the flu. You should discuss your risk for complications from the flu with your healthcare provider.

Types of Inflammatory Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Psoriatic arthritis Anti-phospholipid syndrome Polymyalgia rheumatica Systemic sclerosis/scleroderma Spondyloarthropathies Sjögren’s syndrome Polymyositis/dermatomyositis Vasculitis (e.g giant cell arteritis) Necrotising arteritis Sarcoidosis Polyarteritis nodosa

If you are taking one or more of these medications for your arthritis, you may be at high risk for getting the flu or complications from the flu. Note: This list applies to medications that are ingested or injected and does NOT include medications that are applied to the skin such as creams and ointments. Your healthcare provider can clarify if the medications that you take weaken the immune system.

Arthritis medications that weaken the immune system

Steroids (corticosteroids) taken by mouth or intravenously, not applied to the skin or injected into a joint. prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Prednicin-M, Sterapred) prednisolone (Prelone) methlyprednisone (Medrol) hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone) dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)) cortisone acetate (Cortone) betamethasone (Celestone) DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) leflunomide (Arava) sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin) cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf) mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) gold (Auranofin, Ridaura, Myochrysine) chlorambucil (Leukeran) cyclcophosphamide (Cytoxan) Biological response modifiers (biologics) etanercept (Enbrel) infliximab (Remicade) adalimumab (Humira) anakinra (Kineret) abatacept (Orencia) rituximab (Rituxan) tacrolimus (Prograf, FK-506, fujimycin)

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

How can I avoid getting and the flu or giving the flu to others?

The flu is spread from person-to-person by coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. You can take simple actions to protect yourself and others from getting the flu:

• Get a seasonal flu shot now and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot when it becomes available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, seek medical care early. Your health care provider can determine if you need to be treated with antiviral medication.
• Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

Is there a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus and who is it available for?

Yes. A vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 flu has been developed and will be available beginning mid-October 2009. People with inflammatory arthritis within any of the following prioritized groups are recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• Persons between the ages of 25 and 64 years old who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems (including with inflammatory arthritis)

Persons age 65 or older (including those with inflammatory arthritis) are not included in these prioritized groups because current studies indicate that the risk for 2009 H1N1 flu infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. We do not expect that there will be a shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. Once the demand for vaccine among the younger groups has been met, however, people age 65 or older with inflammatory arthritis should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu shot.

Do I need to get a flu shot?

Yes, CDC recommends certain persons with weakened immune systems, which includes people with inflammatory arthritis, get flu shots.
People with inflammatory arthritis should get—

• A seasonal flu shot every year. These are available beginning in September.
• The new 2009 H1N1 flu shot when available (see question above). These will begin to be available in mid-October 2009.

People living with inflammatory arthritis should get the "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing fragments of killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people inflammatory arthritis.

The other type of flu vaccine — nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine)—is not currently approved for use in people with inflammatory arthritis. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age.

What should I do when I am sick?

• If you develop flu-like symptoms contact your healthcare provider.
• Avoid contact with others. You should stay home and avoid travel, including not going to work or school, until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or necessities. Your fever should be gone without using fever-reducing medications.
• If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Do not stop taking any medicine you take for your arthritis unless told to do so by your physician.
• Seek medical attention early if you develop symptoms of the flu. Treatment is available for persons with severe disease and those at high risk for complications. Persons with inflammatory arthritis are considered high risk for complications from the flu; therefore, your health care provider may choose to prescribe antiviral medications for you if you get the flu.
• If you are exposed to someone who has flu, consult your health care provider. They may prescribe medication to help prevent you from getting the flu or watch you closely to see if you develop flu symptoms.

For more information:

H1N1 Flu: General information
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Arthritis Foundation Flu: What People with Arthritis Should Know*
http://www.arthritis.org/the-flu.php

H1N1 Advisory for People with Lupus*
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=2681&zoneid=99

Lupus and Influenza Vaccines*
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnliving.aspx?articleid=2688&zoneid=527

* Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at this link.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/arthritis.htm


Keywords: APSFA, APS Foundation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, lupus, stroke, dvt, pe, thrombosis, clot, migraine, hughes syndrome, miscarriage, america, usa, anticoagulant, heart attack, APS, H1N1, flu, swine

13th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies

13th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies
"Antiphospholipid by the Beach"

When: April 13-16, 2010

Four days of the most up-to-date evidence-based medicine and state-of-the-art scientific sessions on Antiphospholipid Antibodies and the Antiphospholipid syndrome.

Participants included: rheumatologists, hematologists, OB-Gyn specialists, neurologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, pathologists, researchers, laboratory scientists and clinicians dealing with Antiphospholipid Syndrome, SLE and other related autoimmune diseases.

There will be a patient session on Wednesday April 14 & 15, 2010 from 5:00-6:30PM CT

URL for more information on costs, hotels & location here: http://www.utmb.edu/apla2010

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

Volume 14 of the APSFA Newsletter - "Antiphospho...What?"

Hello!!

The SUMMER/FALL 2009 volume of our quarterly newsletter, "Antiphospho...What??" is ready to be downloaded. You can download it at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/docs/APSFAVol14SumFall09.pdf

The next volume will be coming out in late Fall, early Winter 2009.

Please let us know if there are any topics that you'd like our Medical Advisors to cover in their articles. We try to request topics that people are emailing about or that are discussed on our the forum. So if there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know and we'll pass it along to the medical advisors.

We are still in need of patient stories (esp about Pregnancy Loss, Men and Teens or Children), recipes, poems, related book reviews, and anything else you think would be of interest for upcoming newsletters. (book reviews, poems, recipes, articles written by family members, etc.) Please submit articles to the following email address: articles@apsfa.org.

If you have an idea and are not sure if it would fit, please feel free to contact us through our contact page on the website, or email us using the email address below. We are open to any suggestions. Without your help we would not be able to include an APS patient's story in each of our newsletters.

Thank you to those people who have submitted articles. If you have submitted an article and we have not used it yet, we will be using it in the near future.

We could also use articles written by medical professionals or medical students. Please contact us if you are interested.

Please remember to check our website for any changes at the following link: http://www.apsfa.org/new.htm

Thank you for your continued support!

Preventing Miscarriages

On June 25th, Judy Smith did an interview with Fox News in Tampa Bay. Judy has had several miscarriages and at one point thought she had MS. It wasn't until her Dr. did a simple blood test that revealed she had a potentially life threatening illness called APS.

She can not stress the importance of the APS Foundation of America, Inc (http://www.apsfa.org), and how it has played a part in helping her cope with this disease. Not only do they have a support group for others with APS, but they are the only "United States nonprofit health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, and young strokes and heart attacks."

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

Please watch this video as it may help someone you know.



http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/health/doctor_jo/Preventing_miscarriages_070809

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

Signs and Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: Get in the Know and Get in the Flow!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/22/2009
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

Signs and Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: Get in the Know and Get in the Flow!

The Antiphospholipid (APS) 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.

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.

While more general practitioners have become familiar with APS in the last few years, many physicians – and most of the public – are still unfamiliar with both its symptoms and the damage it can cause.

People who arrive at emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with the following issues should be tested for APS:

• Heart attacks and strokes in those under 50
• Transient ischemic attacks, known as “mini-strokes.” TIAs last 10 minutes or less and leave no permanent damage.
• Multiple miscarriages and stroke
• Blood clots in the lung (called pulmonary emboli) or deep veins in arms and legs (called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
• Diminishing mental alertness, such as loss of concentration, memory loss and difficulty with reading comprehension
• Migraine headaches
• Partial or total vision loss
• Dizziness
• Seizures

APS shares symptoms with more well-known disorders such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. Diagnosis and treatment delays can cause serious, sometimes fatal complications. A simple blood test can determine whether someone has APS.

The APS Foundation of America, Inc. 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 dedicated to spreading awareness and support to those with the disease.

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

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

###

Public Service Announcement for Week 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRiK_CncGyU



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

APS Often the Culprit Behind Heart Attack and Stroke in Younger Adults

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/15/2009
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

APS Often the Culprit Behind Heart Attack and Stroke in Younger Adults

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.

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.

A heart attack generally occurs when a coronary artery clot blocks the supply of blood and oxygen to heart muscle. There are more than one million heart attack sufferers annually in the U.S.; about half of those stricken die. Unfortunately, many heart attack victims wait two hours or more after symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in death or lasting heart damage.

A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen. There are two broad categories of stroke: those caused by a blockage of blood flow (called “ischemic” strokes) and those caused by bleeding. Ischemic strokes account for about 80 percent of all strokes. They usually are not fatal.

A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is an ischemic stroke that occurs when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted briefly (10 minutes or less). There generally is no lasting damage, but recent research shows that about half of people who experience a TIA have a full-blown stroke within 24 hours.

APS is the leading cause of heart and brain attacks in people under 50. If you have a personal or family history of heart attack or stroke before age 50, ask your primary care physician to test you for APS. It requires only a simple blood test.

The APS Foundation of America 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 dedicated to spreading awareness and support to those with the disease.

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

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

###

Public Service Announcement for Week 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63-5f0G9CCA



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

Press Release: APS Linked to Birth Difficulties (2009)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/8/2009
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org

APS Linked to Birth Difficulties

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.

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.

Even otherwise-healthy women are at higher risk of developing blood clots and preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder that occurs only during pregnancy. In women with APS, blood clots can form in the placenta and starve the baby of nutrition. Placental clots can cause fetal growth problems and distress, premature birth, or miscarriage. Some women with APS have difficulty becoming pregnant at all.

Babies born to women with APS often are delivered between 30 to 35 weeks gestation, or about 5 to 10 weeks early. Low birth weight – between 3 to 5 pounds – is not uncommon, although the babies generally are healthy and thrive after delivery.

Physicians often suggest that women of childbearing age who also are susceptible to blood clots remain indefinitely on a course of low-dose aspirin therapy. Aspirin is a readily available, inexpensive drug to help guard against blood clots. As with gestational diabetes, in which the illness resolves itself once the baby is delivered, it is possible for some women with clotting issues during pregnancy to return to full health post-birth.

APS can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. It frequently 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!

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

###

Public Service Announcement for Week 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2snb2bXUEI



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

JUNE IS APS AWARENESS MONTH: GET IN THE FLOW!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/01/2009
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 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!

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

###

Public Service Announcement for Week 1



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

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) Education

Michael D. Lockshin, MD

Attending Rheumatologist, Hospital for Special Surgery
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
Director, Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease


In this presentation, Dr. Lockshin provides an explanation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and how it can be treated. He then answers questions submitted by patients in attendance.

http://www.hss.edu/conditions_antiphospholipid-syndrome-education.asp

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