sarcoidosiscoaching-blog

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I have a new tumblr account, please follow me there

I have a new account please follow me at themediamixer.com and check out my blog (a beautiful persistence)

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These are a few of the items that you can order to donate dollars toward sarcoidosis awareness.  You can do so by going to the following web address to order your favorite fund raiser item: http://www.sonyawardempowers.com/EliteCustomProducts.en.html

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How You Can Help - Sarcoidosis Research

Sarcoidosis is a potentially life threatening disease. It is an inflammatory auto immune disorder that can effect multiple organs in the body. This is the same disease that claimed the lives of the late Bernie Mack, Reggie White, Sean Levert and countless others, Just like Angie Stone and Tisha Campbell I too suffer from Sarcoidosis involving multiple organs. If you are will to help in anyway, please visit my website to get items that will support research efforts. find all instructions at www.facebook.com/brandyourbrilliance

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Sarcoidosis Involving the Skin...

When the Sarcoid granuloma attacks the largest organ of the body - the SKIN - the disease gives credence to its description as a “Mimic Disease”.  The hallmark of Sarcoidosis, the non-caseating granuloma described in microscopic examination of suspect tissue, is the best way to give title to the diagnosis. In Sarcoidosis of the skin, visible markings may not have a classic presentation.  Without a patient history of Sarcoidosis and biopsy report, sarcoidosis of the skin can be confused with other disorders (e.g. psoriasis, warts, blisters, rashes of various types, hair loss, irregular nail growth, or abnormal scar tissue) - the list only gets longer.  Imagine the anguish when skin eruptions are misdiagnosed as a form of syphilis and the lifestyle of the patient gives no rise to such a conclusion.  Skin Sarcoidosis is classified as specific or non-specific, the latter being when no evidence of granuloma is found in tissue biopsy.  

According to D.G. James, M.D.,  purple lupus or lupus pernio was reported by Ernest Besnier, MD, as early as 1889. Besnier described it as a chronic, persistent violaceous skin lesion. Most commonly found on the nose, cheeks, lips, ears or fingers, it can be a very disfiguring form of the disease. It is not limited to the upper areas of the body but can be found in extreme cases in other regions including the buttocks and the thighs.  It is twice as common in females and more often among Afro-ethnic populations throughout the world.  

When present, it is often associated with other systemic forms of Sarcoidosis including the upper respiratory track, bone cysts, lacrimal gland involvement and renal sarcoidosis.

It develops slowly and progressively over the years. Allen Kayne, MD, Dermatologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle WA explains that erythema nodosum (EN)  is a perfect example of nonspecific lesions. This inflammatory process of fatty tissue is seen in many other disorders besides Sarcoidosis.  “When EN and hilar adenopathy are both present in Sarcoidosis, the prognosis tends to be good, especially when the onset is sudden,” said Dr. Kayne. EN appears as red, hot, tender, symmetrical bumps, usually on the shins, but can be seen on other body areas, including the arms and trunk.  

Papule lesions (pimples) are classified as specific.  Waxy or translucent, rounded, brownish or reddish brown clusters of lesions with granuloma formation on microscopic examination, are sarcoid lesions. At the 5th Conference on Sarcoidosis in Seattle, Dr. Kayne explained: “By pressing down on a lesion with a clear glass slide (diascopy) and restricting the normal blood flow in the tissue, the lesion looks yellow and in many instances, you can actually see the granuloma and can better understand how granulomas are responsible for infiltration of the skin.” Thick papules are called nodules and when areas coalesce (fuse, run, grow together) they are known as plaque, a medical term for patch on the skin.

When areas are large enough they can break down the skin causing ulcers to form. Usually chronic sarcoidosis skin lesions do not cause pain or itch.

A little understood manifestation of Sarcoid in some patients is “...Inflammation in old scars and/or tattoos… Scarring from EN or earlier biopsies and/or sites used for inoculation or skin testing, are also susceptible to this inflammatory involvement.”4 

Treatment for skin involvement depends upon the type and extent of the lesions.  A corticosteroid is usually the primary drug prescribed when there is other organ involvement.  Thick lesions may best respond to injection at the lesion site, when delivery of a concentrated dose with minimal systemic dosing is desired. Such is the case when thicker lesions do not respond to steroid based creams and/or systemic therapy.  Topical corticosteroid creams are most effective on thin skin lesions.  Sometimes the skin can be encouraged to absorb more ointment edication by covering the lesions with plastic wrap (e.g. Saran Wrap, etc.) or using a body wrap, advised Dr. Kayne.  This is referred to as occlusion therapy.

There is always the concern of side effects with sysstemic therapy. Such a treatment plan might include steroids, immuno suppressant drugs like methotrexate or azathioprine, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors, or antimalaria drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, especially when there is other organ involvement. 

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April is National Recognized as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. Learn More, Do More!

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Skin Care - Treating Sarcoid of the Skin

SKIN CARE DURING TREATMENT

Skin sensitivity is common with immunosuppressant therapy. 

Here are some things to gently care for your skin:

Use appropriate skin care products that won’t irritate skin, as recommended by 

your doctor.  

Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or scratching 

Wash skin using lukewarm water and mild soap. Pat dry.

Wear loose clothing..

Limit exposure to sun  and always use sunblock.

Consult with your doctor can regarding chronic skin problems.

Sarcoid of the Skin:  Ask your Doctor about Protopic an topical ointment effective in treating sarcoid of the skin

www.harmonysuccess.com

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Sarcoidosis and Vitamin D (Alert)

ATTENTION  SARCOIDIANS

To those with active or inactive disease and those in remission: 

Carefully consider information regarding the interaction of Sarcoidosis, calcium, vitamin D and your particular case.  Discuss these issues with your healthcare provider.  

Researchers, clinicians, groups of Sarcoidians and individuals, continue to explore answers to the question as to whether or not serum levels of calcium and vitamin D (the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D hormone) in Sarcoidians be routinely measured.  

Recent studies indicate that the granuloma, characteristic of this disease, produces a vitamin d binding protein.  Such activity coupled with supplemental calcium/vitamin D compounds and exposure to natural and dietary sources of vitamin D, could precipitate vitamin D toxicity.   

www.harmonysuccess.com

Consensus among concerned parties continues to be elusive.

Sarcoidosis Networking will continue to present the varying perspectives of this topic as the developments present themselves.  The intent is not to promote a particular protocol but to present data so that each individual might make informed decisions in their healthcare.  

Sidney M. Wolfe, M.D., et all, in their publication Worst Pills, Best Pills, 2nd Edition mention the following:  "Early signs of vitamin D toxicity include: constipation, headaches, loss of 

appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea or vomiting, dry mouth and increased thirst, tiredness and weakness, increased frequency of urination.  Late signs of vitamin D toxicity include: bone pain, cloudy urine, weight loss, convulsions, high blood pressure, eyes easily irritated by light, irregular heart-beat, itching, mood or mental changes,muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, severe stomach or flank pain."

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Fuel for the Cure - Remember the SARC's

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL COURSE OF SARCOIDOSIS? In most cases of Sarcoidosis with little or no symptoms, the disease disappears of its own accord, and no treatment is necessary.  If the lung Sarcoidosis is severe, or if the disease spreads to the skin or other organs, then there is a greater chance that the Sarcoidosis will become chronic and resistant to treatment. The most serious outcome of chronic Sarcoidosis is the development of pulmonary fibrosis, where the lung’s tissues become scarred and weakened. The end result is poorly functioning lungs, shortness of breath and severe disability.

  WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SARCOIDOSIS? Physicians cannot cure Sarcoidosis outright but they can treat the symptoms of the disease.  Drugs called corticosteroids are the most common treatment used in fighting Sarcoidosis. However, corticosteroid treatment has multiple side effects and may fail to adequately alter the disease course.  Other drugs that have also been used with varying success to treat Sarcoidosis include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, retinoids, hydroxychloroquine, and thalidomide. These drugs also have side effects.  New and more effective treatments need to be developed through medical research to control, or perhaps even cure Sarcoidosis.

Sonya Ward is a sarcoidosis survivor, advocate and keynote speaker in the Silver Spring, MD area. 

www.harmonysuccess.com

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April 1 0 April 30th is Sarcoidosis Awareness Month...Not many people know about this illness! You may of heard about Bernie Mack, Reggie White and Mahalia Jackson dying from Sarcoid then much like other things its simmers to a quiet place. More and more people are being diagnosed with the once thought to be rare disorder and the truth is we need answers, support and a cure... We need to heighten awareness, now more than ever... Help me find the cure, not only for my self but for countless others that suffer from sarc complications.

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How do people get SARCOIDOSIS?

"Rumored causes of Sarcoidosis"

Exposure to Mold/ Fungi

Exposure to Pigeon Stool (aka the bird disease)

Exposure to the Sap of Pine Trees

Smoking Marijuana

Exposure to Florescent lights

It is not contagious, nor hereditary and is no respecter of person

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Neurosarcoidosis

The question was, what shall we do?  This battle is so hard often too hard.  Sarcoidosis has caused so many problems for my brother who now has a mass on his brain (non-cancerous)

In all matters cry to the hills from where help is established and ushered! I begin by asking the angels to take charge over your brothers health and healing process. Sarcoid is so very evil to say the least.

The body requires some things to support the fight and the process of healing and while he may already be doing these things, I will share none the less to make sure that he is implementing the 8 principles of life. The Eight Principles of Healthy Living  Nutrition : A healthy diet is an essential tool in the prevention and treatment of disease. Implement a diet rich in unprocessed plant foods that are high in fiber. Exercise : Exercise not only increases strength, but it can boost the immune system, ward off disease and disability and help improve mental health. Useful labor is one of the best exercises. Water : Drinking at least five to eight glasses of water each day can help reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by as much as 50%. Not only does it help to reduce the risk of these killers, but it helps to rid our bodies of toxins and other undesirables. Sunlight : Plants and animals benefit from the sun. It provides the best source of vitamin D, and is suggested to improve metabolism and hormonal balance. In addition, sunlight helps to prevent depression and seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. It is not recommended that one stay in the sun so long that they get burned. Temperance : Remember the old adage; too much of a good thing isn’t good? Taking everything in moderation is considered one of the keys to true wellness and healthy living. Air : A breath of pure, fresh air is a very important element for optimal health. Rest : The human body needs adequate rest to function properly and restore itself. Without adequate amounts of quality rest, our bodies begin to break down. Rest does not only mean sleep; it also means time away from the worries and cares of day-to-day life.  Trust in Divine Power : Many people are aware of a Creative Power beyond themselves. This is evident to them by observation of the natural world in which we live. Studies show the positive benefits of prayer on the outcomes of medical and surgical treatment. Population studies have shown the value of trust in Divine Power in its effects upon social and health experience. For optimal health, this factor is a harmonious component of a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of the body gives the body the fighting chance it deserves. Also I find relief in meditation, I allow the light of healing to entire my entire body and wash away all that is not welcome such as growths etc. May God lead you and your brother and all others toward the answers that sustain life and create the healing zone. Sonya R. Ward www.harmonysuccess.com LOVE is More POWERFUL than sarcoid...one can never get too much!

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Looking for a Sarcoidosis Support Group? Here's a list to get started: http://www.sarcoidosisnetwork.org/groups.htm

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As we approach April (a very important month for SARC LIFE) I want to encourage you to learn and explore and consider holistic practice. Finding a doctor that is open to natural medicine could mean a world of difference. I share an interview concerning fear because fear can keep you from your blessings...you may have to cut and paste this link if it does not work but here goes: http://audio.wgts919.com/breakaway/ward.mp3 I pray it blesses you! Sonya Harmony Success Solutions Success Coach and Wellness Advocate

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April is National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the body's tissues. The inflammation produces small lumps (nodules or granulomas) in the tissues. According to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, although the lungs are affected in more than 90% of people with sarcoidosis, the disease often attacks the heart, eyes, central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Once thought rare, sarcoidosis is now known to be common and affects people worldwide. Learn More at www.harmonysuccess.com

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Product to LIVE for! Natural Vit C Shower Filter

and the benefits are endless

The Elite Boutique takes pride in offering products and services to advance your health, consciousness and life span...take a moment to review this product, it may be well worth the short stay!

Find this at

www.harmonysuccess.com

click The Elite Boutique

then click  Household healing units....

Shower Green - Natural Vitamin C Shower Filter From Shower Green

This item is not available for purchase from this store.

Product Description

Shower Green-Universal Vitamin C Shower Filters are fully approved by the EPA and APHA, and they exceed the new de-chlorination requirements set by the Clean Water Act. Shower Green-Universal Vitamin C Shower Filters have been tested and proven to fully neutralize 99.9% of both chlorine and chloramines found in public tap water. The filters are made with 100% natural, food grade Vitamin C, an essential vitamin for humans and animals alike. Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system, and improve your skin and hair. It is also the safest and least toxic of all known de-chlorination agents. Shower Green-Universal Vitamin C Shower Filters release the exact amount of Vitamin C needed to neutralize the chlorine or chloramines as the water passes through the shower filter...no more...no less. When the water is shut off, the filter stops releasing the vitamin. This economy of vitamin release increases the useful life of the filter significantly. As the Vitamin C is dissolved into the water, it creates absorbic acid. Unlike other filters, this form of de-chlorination doesn't just surround the toxic elements in the water, it actually neutralizes the chlorine and chloramines - transforming them from toxic substances into a harmless compound. In more simple terms, the Vitamin C in the shower filter changes chlorine and chloramine from something that can cause you harm to neutral substances that cause NO HARM. Simultaneously, the same Vitamin C is infused into the water, imparting the anti-oxidant qualities of the vitamin into your body through your skin, hair, and lungs. The Shower Green filter contains roughly 20 grams of Vitamin C and is capable of neutralizing 0.4 ppm chlorine in 10,000 liters (3,000 gallons) of water. The filter's lifespan is independent of the temperature and pressure of water, meaning no matter what your situation is, these filters will last much longer than other shower filter products!