There has been contention about how some new treatment options are a costly and whether or not they should be covered by insurance. New research concludes that Psoriasis is more than an aesthetic annoyance; it is a life-altering disorder and not just for the vain.
The National Psoriasis Foundation Access to Care Issue Brief, of January 2011 explains the depth of this disease which puts its sufferers at risk for even more serious ailments in addition to the discomfort of the skin lesions themselves; “people with psoriasis have an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and stroke, independent of other risk factors. A higher prevalence of atherosclerosis, Crohn’s disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity and liver disease are found in people with psoriasis as compared to the general population.â€
And that doesn’t count the life-altering, emotional toll that the disorder has. I used to be a competitive swimmer. I was always very social. I took pride in doing things for myself. At my worst, I had open lesions on 60% of my body. No longer could I enjoy swimming because my skin was no longer a protective covering, it was a sponge. I withdrew from many social activities and turned into a hermit. The nights were sleepless. The once smaller lesions joined together to form continents on my legs, arms and torso. I was in constant pain. No one really thinks about how the skin stretches and contracts as we move about, until you get hit by the worst Psoriasis flare up. I lost my “normal†.
Psoriasis is the nation’s most prevalent autoimmune disease. It is a “genetic, chronic, inflammatory, painful, disfiguring and life-altering disease that requires life-long, sophisticated medical intervention and care,†according to written testimony to the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee.
Come learn about the truth of Psoriasis at The 2011 Los Angeles Walk to Cure Psoriasis is on April 30th in Santa Monica California. We invite you to help us increase awareness and raise funds to research our Cure. Join Us. Make a difference. Come to the Walk.
Walk to Cure Psoriasis will take place April 30, 2011 starting at Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, Calif. 90405
Registration 9:00 a.m.; walks begin at 10:00 a.m.
Walks are: 1K (.62 mi) and 5K (3.1 mi)
Registration is free online and on site! All ages welcome.
Questions? Contact: Walk Coordinator, 877.825.WALK (9255) or www.psoriasis.org/la-walk.
Or, contact the author: sanbernardino@support.psoriasis.org
To be part of or make a donation on behalf of the Support Network Walk Team: http://walk.psoriasis.org/goto/lasupport
