Lupus Awareness Month UK and How Simply Meds Online Can Help

Oct 09, 2023 Blood Health Tests

October marks an important month for the Lupus community in the United Kingdom – It's Lupus Awareness Month. This is a time to unite, educate, and advocate for those affected by this often misunderstood chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus affects millions of people worldwide therefore the more awareness that’s out there, the better. Here on the Simply Meds Online blog, we share information about various health and wellness issues in order to support our customers and website visitors.

In this blog post, we look at what Lupus is, why Lupus Awareness Month matters, and how Simply Meds Online can assist with NHS prescriptions, including medications like methotrexate, and more. We'll also provide information on prescription charges and offer some dietary tips to help manage Lupus symptoms.

 

Understanding Lupus

Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a complicated autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms and may affect multiple organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. Symptoms can vary from person to person, making Lupus a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. 90% of diagnosed Lupus cases are female but men and children can be affected too. 

Lupus can be triggered by numerous things such as puberty, childbirth, menopause, trauma, a viral infection, certain medications and more. Due to the way the symptoms present differently, Lupus can often be overlooked by health professionals initially. This can result in a delay in diagnosis resulting in a delay in support and treatments.

 

Why is Lupus Awareness Month So Important?

There are several ways that Lupus Awareness Month is important for those who have been diagnosed with Lupus, those with symptoms and for the future.

 

Raising Awareness of Lupus

One of the main goals of Lupus Awareness Month is to educate the public and healthcare professionals about what living with Lupus looks like on a daily basis. Making Lupus visible by building and championing increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and a better understanding of the disease, especially when it can affect people differently.  

 

Supporting Lupus Research

Research is the key to improving existing Lupus treatments, finding new treatments and ultimately a cure. Through Lupus Awareness Month initiatives, valuable funding is raised to support crucial research efforts.

 

Building a Supportive Lupus Community

Lupus patients often face unique challenges, both physically and emotionally. Lupus Awareness Month offers an opportunity for patients to connect, share their stories, and find support. 

 

Simply Meds Online and Lupus Management

At Simply Meds Online, we are dedicated to supporting Lupus patients in their journey. We understand the importance of speedy access to medications, especially those prescribed by the NHS, such as methotrexate. This is a medication that helps manage the overactive immune response in Lupus. 

We offer direct to your door or another nominated address NHS prescription delivery, supplements, over-the-counter remedies and more. Pain relief, for example, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is available through us, as are prescription treatments such as warfarin, heparin, aspirin and others. This Lupus UK article is a great feature which includes common and less common treatments.  All items from Simply Meds Online are securely and discreetly shipped with no mention of what is inside.

 

Prescription Charges for Lupus Management

Prescription charges can be a concern for many Lupus patients. In England, some people may qualify for free NHS prescriptions. This includes those with specific medical conditions or on low incomes. For others, prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) can be a more affordable solution. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescription charges also apply, but the systems vary, so it's important to check eligibility criteria. Your healthcare team will also be able to advise you on whether you can apply for a medical exemption from prescription fees.

 

Dietary Tips for Lupus Management

While diet alone cannot cure Lupus, it can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and promoting overall health. Here are some starter dietary tips for Lupus patients.

 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s that are found in fish oil can help reduce inflammation and may benefit those with Lupus. Proactively increasing these in your diet may be advantageous. 

 

• Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Many people who deal with Lupus incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish like salmon into their diet.

 

• Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated helps to flush out toxins and prevent common symptoms like fatigue and joint pain.

 

• Cut Back on Processed Foods

Processed and highly refined foods may contribute to inflammation, so minimising the amount of these featured in your diet is a good idea. 

 

Personalised Nutrition and Food Plans

Speak to a registered dietitian who can provide personalised dietary recommendations based on your specific Lupus symptoms and needs. While some people may find a multivitamin or other nutritional supplements useful in their health management it is essential to discuss this first with your doctor. Some supplements can react with other medications used in Lupus management, such as warfarin. 

 

Lupus Awareness Month and Simply Meds Online

Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity to come together, support one another, and raise awareness of Lupus for all. At Simply Meds Online, we assist Lupus patients by providing NHS prescriptions, including medications like methotrexate. Every person’s experience of Lupus is unique yet sharing information and methods of support is the best way for everyone to benefit.

Please visit Lupus UK for more information and if you have any concerns about your health, see your GP for testing where appropriate, and advice.