Lupus Society (BC)
#332 - 720 Sixth Street V3L 3C5 Vancouver, BC, Canada

! Exercise & Arthritis: Approximately 95% of lupus patients will experience arthritis. ... Less than 14% of adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are meeting the minimum amount of physical activity recommended. Regular physical activity can help improve pain levels, range of motion, physical function, brain cognition, fatigue and depression, and overall quality of life. Guidelines recommend at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity such as a brisk walk, and muscle strengthening twice per week. Light physical activity such as standing for a few minutes every hour is also recommended. A lack in physical activity, such as sitting too long, can cause an increase in joint pain and higher risk for developing chronic conditions. **Please check with your physician before starting any rigorous physical activity program as each individual’s case is different.** Find out more here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca///chronic-conditions/arthritis

Our fundraising initiative, Shop For A Cause, is continuing through 2022 with two amazing local vendors, the first one being Casual Chic Couture! Owner, Joanne, has a passion for fashion and making others feeling good, while doing good! She is always working with great causes such as the Children's Hospital and BC Lupus Society. Shopping is available online by text or phone (778) 772-0866, through private appointments, sip and shops, home shows, and local... markets/events. Check out her wide selection of fun jewelry and high quality fashions and make sure to mention BC Lupus! A portion of each sale will go to helping BCLS. What a great excuse to do a little shopping! https://www.facebook.com/casualchiccouture https://casualchiccouture.com/

, ! This past year has had its challenges, especially for those living with lupus. We would like to acknowledge and thank every one of you for your support in 2021. We are able to continue to serve the lupus community in BC because of YOU! Let’s continue to bring lupus awareness to all and strive towards finding a cure. We’re so looking forward for what’s to come in 2022 and we couldn’t do it without YOU by our side!

Join us tonight for our final support group meeting of the year! We are looking forward to adding additional support group meeting times in the new year to accommodate more of your schedules! See you tonight!... Sign up to save your spot here: https://mailchi.mp/bclupus.org/sb5fad07mz

Connie Cheung's newest podcast episode - "Autoimmune Flares Happen Despite Your Best Efforts" Listen now:... Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3EwYvRa Apple: https://apple.co/3qFv8Ya Her Website: https://drconniejeon.com/autoimmune-podcast/ Dr. Connie Cheung is a fellow lupie, entrepreneur, and yogi. She shares how she manages and overcomes the struggles with lupus and turns it into an opportunity to be her healthiest self. The goal of her podcast is to empower and inspire those living with autoimmune diseases and help them shift from victim to hero. *Information from these resources may not always be relevant for everyone. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your health and/or lifestyle.**

Looking back on the journey we’ve had with our BC Lupus community, we wouldn’t change a thing. As we grow as a society, we want to thank all of our members for your support. Everything we do is to serve the lupus community in BC the best we can. We are so excited for what’s in store and to grow together one small step at a time. We won’t stop until we can find a cure. Together we can conquer lupus.

, , ! A sincere thank you from the entire BC Lupus Society Board and Team for your unwavering support this past year!

S.M. Sultan, Y. Ioannou, D.A. Isenberg... This study discusses the Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the oral cavity to the stomach and intestines. GI manifestations are common in patients with SLE. While the most common GI manifestations occur in the oral cavity, other manifestations in the GI tract also contribute to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of these symptoms and what they mean offers the best opportunity to improve and aid long-term survival. Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/31R1VAs

Our awesome BCLS duo, Valerie and Brenda, visited Joanne at Casual Chic Couture and tried on some beautiful fashions! Check out their sale! As a part of her 12 Days Of Christmas, Joanne is giving $10 January fashion dollars for every item sold! A percentage of every purchase will go to BC Lupus Society! ... Get your holiday shopping done, collect some January shopping dollars, and give back to the lupus community all at once!! Watch the video now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tod5-BkjbiU

- - The Glitz Room x BC Lupus Society We are so excited to be teaming up with The Glitz Room, our third Shop For A Cause vendor! The Glitz Room is a local business based right here in Burnaby, BC, that sells the everything from makeup mirrors to butterfly hair cilps! Indulge in these little luxuries or surprise someone special this holiday season.... ‘’ % ! A portion of every purchase will be donated to the BC Lupus Society. Local pick up in Burnaby at Brentwood Mall can be arranged. Send a message through Instagram or [email protected] for local pick up. Happy Shopping! SHOP NOW: www.theglitzroom.com www.instagram.com/theglitzroom/

' ! When: 6:30pm PST every Wednesday (sign in 15 minutes before) Where: From the comforts of your own home via ZOOM!... Sign up for free: https://mailchi.mp/bclupus.org/sb5fad07mz Looking forward to seeing you all!

Thank You for having us SweetLegs New Westminster with Katerina We had the best time! Thank you to everyone who came out! We loved meeting each and every one of you!

The December issue of the Lupus Lighthouse Newsletter is out today! If you're a member of the BC Lupus Society, make sure you look out for this in your emails! This issue is packed with information about what BCLS has been up to, what's new, and what's ahead! Also included are lupie-friendly recipes, new research, and more! This is an exclusive member perk! Join BCLS as a member here: https://www.bclupus.org/join-now... By becoming a member, you are supporting our cause, staying in the know, and receiving perks like The Lupus Lighthouse! If you are you just joining as a member today and would like a copy of The Lupus Lighthouse, just send us a quick message after you've joined and we can have the latest issue emailed straight to your inbox!

!!! BCLS is teaming up with SweetLegs New Westminster with Katerina to host a pop up shop for you this Sunday, December 12th from 11am - 3pm. Our BCLS team will be on site to share lupus information and raise lupus awareness. Best of all, you'll get to shop the cutest leggings and athleisure up close and in person! A portion of every purchase will go towards BCLS. ... Warm beverages and sweets will be available for all. Come hang out with us and bring a friend too! WHEN: Sunday, December 12th, 2021 from 11am - 3pm WHERE: 434 6th Street, New Westminster (outside of Kaltire) WHY: Shop for a cause, grab a snack, support BC Lupus Society, get to know what we're all about! Looking forward to seeing you all!! SHOP NOW: www.ShopTheSweetestThing.com https://www.facebook.com/SweetLegsNewWest www.instagram.com/sweetlegsnewwest/ **Make sure to mention BC LUPUS in the notes section at checkout **

The Covid-19 vaccine. Should you take it? Rheumatologist Dr. Amanda Steiman offers her expert opinion on this frequently asked question. Bottom line: get informed regularly as knowledge about the vaccine evolves quickly and talk to your doctor. Share your thoughts!

TOGETHER WE CAN CONQUER LUPUS. Donate today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3848

T - 16 days until Giving Tuesday! Like many, BCLS has had a challenging year. We are leaning into our tenacity and scrappiness to ensure we are fulfilling our mission. We would be lying if we didn’t say, it’s been tough. We care so deeply to further research for a cure for Lupus, to educate & support those affected by Lupus, and to raise awareness. We truly believe, TOGETHER we can conquer Lupus. That’s why we are reaching out to you. We need your help. In 16 days it is Giv...ing Tuesday. This day is recognized globally as a day to support important causes - you’re all here because you know Lupus is an important cause. Whether it’s $5 or $1000, you’ll be making an impact and moving the needle forward for those affected by Lupus. Giving Tuesday is December 1st, however, the giving can start today. Thank you for your continued support. We are so grateful. TOGETHER WE CAN CONQUER LUPUS. Donate today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3848

The ultimate sacrifice! Herby (BC Lupus director) shaves head for lupus #DoItForLupus

May 10th is World Lupus Day. AnyOne, AnyOrgan, AnyWhere - Lupus is a disease that has no boundaries. Over 5 million people worldwide suffer from Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease where the out of balance immune system ravages healthy tissue and organs with devastating impact. Worldwide, research and awareness is low in spite of the global impact of Lupus. There is no cure. BC is Lighting Up Purple for Lupus Awareness on May 10th. #BCLupus #WorldLupusDay #LupusAwareness #LuvaLupie

Mary De Vera, Professor & Researcher, is currently conducting a study on the impacts of COVID-19 on treatments, care, and mental health in people living with rheumatic diseases. She would love to hear from people living with lupus. If you have a moment, please check out the study website here: www.unifiedcovid.com. Or you can go directly to the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/unifiedrheum... Thank you!

We want your input! Could you please take a couple minutes out of your day to share with us what you value and would like to see from the BC Lupus Society! Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z68SWG2

May 10th is World Lupus Day. AnyOne, AnyOrgan, AnyWhere - Lupus is a disease that has no boundaries. Over 5 million people worldwide suffer from Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease where the out of balance immune system ravages healthy tissue and organs with devastating impact. Worldwide, research and awareness is low in spite of the global impact of Lupus. There is no cure. BC is Lighting Up Purple for Lupus Awareness on May 10th. #BCLupus #WorldLupusDay #LupusAwareness #LuvaLupie

Do You make a Difference? Embrace the spirit of #GivingTuesday & #LuvaLupie. Your gift will directly aid those with Lupus. We can't hold fundraisers so we really need your help... our success depends on you. Lupus BC is giving too - an 80 pg Lupus Help Guide is free for patients, families and medical pros. FB message or email [email protected] to get your copy. Donate bit.ly/GivingTue-BCLupus

Dr. Antonio Avina (BC Lupus research scholar/lupus guru) is being interviewed on Global BC TV today at 6pm talking about hydroxychloroquine, COVID-19

Please share this important news (even if you're not a fan ) https://youtu.be/nmUXntGlqFI

To all lupies and your friends and family. We are in crisis. Please stay home. https://m.facebook.com/groups/1737389009859269?view=permalink&id=2561447660786729

LUPUS & COVID-19 Urgent Info - Learn about it here! https://bclupus.org important hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil update

What's more important than finding a cure for lupus? There is still time to reach our 2019 goal for Lupus Research. Please Donate Now http://bit.ly/bc-lupus-research

Today is GivingTuesday - a day dedicated to giving back and helping others. Please celebrate the spirit of giving by making a donation to lupus research - you will change someone's life! #givingtuesday #bclupus #lovealupie www.bclupus.org

Notice: Annual General Meeting of BC Lupus Society - https://mailchi.mp/bclupus.org/annual-general-meeting-2019 AGM, Refreshments, Meet & Greet the Board of Directors