Join the Lupus Research Institute: Get into the Loop and Learn About Lupus during May Lupus Awareness Month

NEW YORK, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lupus Awareness Month starts today and the push is on to be on the look-out for this disease. If you often feel tired and achy, ask your healthcare professional if it could be lupus. And if you're a doctor faced with a patient describing these symptoms, don't dismiss her. Too often, lupus is not considered by either patients or healthcare professionals. That's why the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) asks young women, patients, providers and the general public to join our cause: to make sure lupus is recognized and to get people diagnosed and treated quickly and appropriately.

Throughout May, the LRI and the LRI Coalition of patient groups across America are hosting events nationwide to educate the public about lupus diagnosis and treatment. On World Lupus Awareness Day, Thursday, May 10th, the Institute along with NY Coalition member S.L.E. Lupus Foundation will be at America's cross-roads amidst thousands streaming through Grand Central Terminal to distribute educational materials and our signature orange loop bracelets to get the public on-board.

Help raise awareness of lupus:

• Wear orange, the symbol chosen for its association with all we fight to give back to people with lupus -- energy, vitality, cheer, and good health. 
• Get in the Loop by ordering inexpensive orange loop wristbands for friends, family, and colleagues. The loop represents a nationwide community of people who care. Proceeds support vital lupus research.
• Join a clinical trial. Visit www.LupusTrials.org. 
• Create a public service announcement. Post to YouTube and www.Facebook.com/LupusNY.
• Run for a cure! Join 2012 ING New York City Marathon Team Life Without Lupus this November. Details.
• Activate your avatar: Change your profile icon to a lupus awareness image to alert Facebook, Twitter, MSN, Google Talk, Yahoo, and AIM friends about the fight for Life Without Lupus. (To download: right-click image, choose "Save Picture as...")
• Share your lupus story via social media: Use Facebook or YouTube to tell your story. Tweet (or post to Facebook) a lupus fact each day.
• Encourage friends to join our fight.
• Participate in free events nationwide, including:

Two Webinars on Living with Lupus:

Coping with Chronic Illness

Rebecca Hashim, PhD

Access archive online

Lupus and Your Medications

May 17, 12 noon in Spanish; 1 pm in English, Live

Irene Blanco MD

Details on lupusresearchinstitute.org

About Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a complex and serious autoimmune disease affecting 1.5 million Americans. Ninety percent are women ages 15-44, mostly in their childbearing years. In lupus, the immune system, which protects against infection, attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Difficult to diagnose and treat, lupus is a leading cause of premature cardiovascular and kidney disease and stroke among young women.

The Lupus Research Institute (LRI), the world's leading private supporter of innovative research in lupus, pioneers discovery and champions scientific creativity to find solutions to this dangerous autoimmune disease.

SOURCE The Lupus Research Institute