IT"S A HOT CHOCOLATE DAY!!

How come my tennis balls don't bounce?

SNOW DAY IN ATLANTA

As the snow began falling yesterday and throughout the night, I knew it was going to be an "indoor" day today.  Mainly because my joints prefer temperatures above 32 degrees.  Having arthritis and Raynaud's Disease, or Phenomenon, can cause a very painful condition to worsen the colder it is outside.  However, as I looked down at Giggles expectant grin I figured a few minutes of romping in the snow was exactly what she wanted.  So, I piled on the long underwear, gloves, sweatshirts, earmuffs, puffy coat, etc., and opened the back door.  She bolted outside and went flying around the yard at Mach 1 speed.  Watching her play and bounce from one snow clump to the next was pure enjoyment!

LUPUS NEWS & RESOURCES

When I'm choosing a topic for a blog post, I'm immediately overwhelmed with an endless number of ideas to write about.  Sometimes it's difficult to narrow it down or focus on just one. I want to share enough to connect with readers but not too much that I put you to sleep!  I try to focus on blogging about personal stories, experiences and adventures to communicate my message.  However, I will leave the medical terminology and research information to the professionals.  And so, frequently I'll provide a link to the websites with the experts or clinical trial/study information.

And sometimes, it's fun just to insert a cute picture of Giggles ..... I call it "stress relief"!  As my blog develops, I will include a section dedicated just for "Lupus News & Resources".  

Here are some of my favorite websites:

The Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org) based in Washington, D.C., is the leading national charitable organization whose mission is providing programs for research, education, support and advocacy to all people affected by lupus.  You can find information on clinical trials, support groups, a physician referral list and current lupus events in your area.

Alliance for Lupus Research (www.lupusresearch.org), based in New York, provides medical information for resources on rheumatologists & mental health, prescription assistance programs, and other programs.

MedlinePlus (www.medlineplus.gov) is an online information service produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine; medical encyclopedia.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (niams.nih.gov) is part of the National Institutes of Health.

WebMD (WebMD.org)  online publisher of news and information pertaining to health, well-being and drugs.

American College of Rheumatology (rheumatology.org) is an organization of medical professionals dedicated to the study and advancement of rheumatology.


As I stated earlier, it's best to leave certain things to the professionals! 

I hope everyone is staying warm, if you're having a snow day, and my prayers are with those in California, surviving the wildfires.  Please stay safe!