Beyond the Butterflies: What is Lupus?

This month is Lupus awareness month. Although I know two people who have lupus, before looking into it I did not know much about the disease except that it is a serious autoimmune disease. Starting with that information, a normal immune system responds to foreign substances within the body (like when you got a cold) by killing them and causing no further harm to the body. In an autoimmune disease the response is not normal and it attacks and destroys healthy tissue; and those people who have Lupus experience this abnormal response that causes inflammation, pain and damage to the body. Lupus is characterized by flares and remission, in which symptoms worsen and then improve. In Lupus the body creates the antibodies that lead to the widespread inflammation as detailed here on the CDC website. 

Lupus is believed to be caused by a variety of factors including genetics and your interaction with the environment. Some common symptoms of Lupus include: 

• extreme fatigue
• headaches
• painful/swollen joints
• fever
• mouth or nose ulcers
• fingers turning white or blue when cold
• hair loss
• butterfly shaped rash across cheeks and nose
• pain in chest upon deep breathing

If you have any of these symptoms do not be alarmed until you go to the doctor and get a confirmed diagnosis because these symptoms occur in other illnesses too. Also, this disease primarily occurs in women and certain ethnic groups. Whether you have Lupus or are a friend of someone with lupus, you can help others by raising awareness of the disease. In addition you can donate to one of the Lupus organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America, participate in a walk or simply spread awareness. Purple is the color for Lupus Awareness and I will be wearing it on my nails all month!

This information was from the Lupus Foundation of America and you can find more information at that link. I found the butterfly image at https://www.pinterest.com/pin/439030663646810906/ 

-XOXO

Jerry Built Homegrown Burgers

A while ago I took a trip to Jerry Built Homegrown burgers here in Houston. I had seen it because it is on a main road and I pass it by often. Also, there is an outline of a cow that grabs your attention! I was talking to a friend who said that she always sees it, but had never been so we decided to check it out. We went around dinner time and when you walk in you get a very upscale feel, surprising for a burger place. It is very clean, they sell wine and have modern furniture that is a mixture of metals and wood with big windows where you can see the fresh produce. They also have modern lighting and greenery that runs along the walls. You walk up to the counter where you place your order and pay for your food then have a seat and it is delivered to you. I got a mushroom and swiss chicken “burger” with mac and cheese. I love that they give you the option of angus beef, chicken or a mushroom cap for your burger because I don’t eat beef. All they need now is an option for a turkey burger. The burger was good, but the mac and cheese wasn’t my favorite. I prefer a baked mac & cheese but this style was more of the boiled noodles and cheese. The restaurant had something going on where that was benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. You can tell that this place doesn’t just make burgers, which is why I will be going back!

-XOXO

One way tickets

I just graduated with my MPH, which is a Masters of Public Health. This time of transition makes me think back to when I initially moved to Texas three years ago. I grew up in South Carolina and went to school in North Carolina, so getting a one-way ticket to move to a new place was exciting and intimidating. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and move away from the familiar things that I already knew and had experienced (also one reason that I did not want to attend college in SC). A one-way ticket can be scary, but think of it as a chance to discover yourself in new surroundings. I have grown to love Houston. I believe that it is a good idea to move away to a new place at some point in your life because it is such an eye opening experience that helps you find out more about what you want in life. I have had friends who move away and hated it…BUT either way it serves as a learning experience. It can be nerve wrecking, but I look forward to finding out where my life will take me next. If you ever have doubts or fears, my advice is always to go. If it doesn’t work out you can always come back.

-XOXO

via GIPHY

Dealing with Stress

So sorry for not keeping up with my 4 posts per month goal the last couple of months, but I am about to graduate so that means I am stressed. Having exams, presentations and papers due along with deadlines for graduation paperwork & not to mention looking for a job = STRESS. These are some tips that I TRY to follow to keep stress at a minimum.

Switch it up

Generally I work on my laptop at home of in the school library, but this week I ventured out & found the cutest neighborhood library. It is colorful and the change of scenery helped me feel more refreshed. Go work outside or try a new form of exercise.

Relax

I know that you have a million things to do, but taking time out for a massage, yoga or even just watching your favorite TV show can go a long way. This is the perfect time for hot tea!

Talk it out

Call up one of your friends or family members & have a girls chat. Not only will talking about it help to release the burden, you could receive valuable insight & a pick me up from their encouragement and understanding.

Let me know how these tips work for you and I will try to be more in touch in the coming month!

-XOXO