There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about psoriasis.  Many people think it’s merely a cosmetic problem.  But this chronic, non-contagious condition is more than skin deep.    You may remember the tv commercial that called it the “heartbreak of psoriasis.”   And for some who suffer from this skin condition….it can be heart-breaking.    Psoriasis starts in the immune system and can put a significant physical and emotional burden on those with the disease….including psoriatic arthritis…an inflammatory arthritis.

The biggest buzz these days for treatment of psoriasis is in “biologics.”  Biologics are different from other medications because they’re designed to block both diseases…(psoriasis AND psoriatic arthritis) early in their development….in the immune system!

    Right now, there are five biolgoics on the market for these conditions: infliximab (brand name Remicade), adalimumab (brand name Humira), etancercept (brand name Enbrel), efalizumab (brand name Raptiva) and alefacept (brand name Amavive.)     While these medications are highly effective…even more biologics …as well as other treatments….are on the horizon.  Several are in clinical trials (visit www.psoriasis.org/research/pipeline/chart.php to see the research pipeline.)

    The other main treatments for psoriasis…topicals and light therapy…have also had some exciting approvals recently.  Taclonex Scalp….a solution of calcipotriene and a steroid…was recently approved for scalp posoriasis.  An ointment form is already on the market and the FDA is reviewing a gel form.  A new excimer laser is also available to treat psoriasis…and now the FDA has just approved the XTRAC Velocity laser system.

     A few words about the XTRAC.  This technology is exciting news for patients battling the cosmetic effects of psoriasis (and some other skin conditions.)   Most of us don’t realize the challenges involved when dealing with severe skin conditions.  The marks on patients’ bodies impact their dailiy lives….socially and professionally.    The PhotoMedex XTRAC laser system is the first system cleared by the FDA for therapeutic uses….not only for psoriasis…but for Vitiligo and other skin conditions.   San Diego dermatologist, Dr. Eugene Nowak says the XTRAC treatment is not only painless… it avoids the drawbacks typically associated with other skin treatments.   Some of those treatments can lead to premature skin aging, skin thinning or resistance to medication.   “Today, thousands of patients nationwide have benefitted from treatment with the XTRAC laser,” says Dr. Nowak.   The studies are encouraging….showing the dramatic difference the laser light can make in enhancing patient outcomes…reducing the size of diseased areas and improving quality of life.

    According to the National Institutes of Health…as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.  If you’d like to learn more…or just help raise awareness about the disease condition….sign up for the National Psoriasis Walk for Awareness–San Diego…..this Saturday, Oct. 4….9am…at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay.   Go to http://www.psoriasis.org/sandiegowalk for more information.    You can have fun, support your friends and neighbors with psoriasis and help raise much needed money for research that just could lead to a cure!

    A  couple of interesting reports on women’s health locally have  crossed my deskrecently.   I thought you might be interested. 

    Peg Ford….an ovarian cancer survivor from Coronado…just got the “green light” to launch a new program through UCSD.   But she needs help.  She need to recruit other survivors of ovarian cancer to implement what’s truly an innovative and progressive program in San Diego.

   It’s called “Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives.” an ovarian cancer education program…. for medical students!   The goal?  To help save women’s lives.

    Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cancer-related cause of death among women in the U.S.  Sadly… because it can be difficult to diagnose…. the cancer spreads and becomes impossible to treat.  Despite progress being made in the treatment of many other types of cancer….of the nearly 20,000 American women diagnosed…more than 15,000 women die from ovarian cancer.

   So, to address the issue of early detection…. the “Survivors Teaching  Students” program is working to help medical students better understand ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors…iso they can diagnose and detect the cancer earlier when they begin practicing medicine.  The program is part of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance www.ovariancancer.org.

    According to Peg Ford,  ”Survivors Teaching Students” brings ovarian cancer survivors right into  the classroom to share their stories and key information about the disease.  At more than 64 other medical schools where the program has already been implemented…. presentations typically last an hour and include three women with diverse backgrounds….many of whom were diagnosed at an advanced stage.  The women tell their stories to help illustrate the difficulty of early dignosis and what happened to them as a result.   Basically, it puts a face and voice to the disease.   “Since 2002, survivors participating in the program have reached 6,000 new doctors,” says Ford. “We CAN make a difference.”    

     If you’re a survivor of ovarian cancer or know someone who’s beat the disease so far….contact Peg Ford at pegsioux2001@yahoo.com   or 619-437-8438. Maybe you can help make a difference, too!

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     Another issue regarding women’s health……  Women in San Diego now have access to a new risk-assessment tool for brast cancer.  Some doctors call the HALO Pap Test for the Breast a “revolutionary” approach to the fight against breast cancer….one that can save young women’s lives. 

HALO is a five-minute, non-invasive test conducted in the doctor’s office.  Like the cervical Pap test, HALO detects cellular changes in the breast at the earliest stages.  With that information, a woman and her doctor can then work out a strategy to take control of her breast health.

   Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between the ages of 20 and 59 in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to predict who will develop the disease.  Amazingly… of the nearly 200,000 American women who are diagnosed each year… 70 percent have no identifiable risk factors other than age.  Eight of nine have no family history of breast cancer.

    Since the introduction of the cervical Pap test 50 years ago…. cervical cancer deaths have dropped 80 percent.  Yet, mortality from breast cancer remains high…in part, because of the inability of traditional methods to detect cellular changes.

     For more on where in San Diego you can find the HALO technology….contact liz@dowlingdennis.net.   October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This might just be an ideal time to check out this new screening method to assess your breast cancer risk.

If you haven’t made any weekend plans, you might want to consider going for a walk this Sunday, Sept. 21!  But THIS walk will be more than a little exercise and fresh air.   The 2008 Walk for PKD at Spanish Landing will be raising money for a disease that affects millions….but surprisingly, gets very little attention.

12.5 million people worldwide have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)….including 600,00 Americans.   It’s one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases.  PKD causes cysts to grow in the kidneys…and eventually leads to kidney failure.  Dialysis or kidney transplant are the only treatment options for kidney failure.  There is no cure for PKD.

I learned about PKD when my husband’s cousin received her diagnosis.   As the cysts grew on her kidneys…..Donna’s abdomen grew larger.   For those who didn’t know Donna…. it looked as though she’d simply gained a lot of weight.   The effects of PKD on Donna were devastating.  Over time, the cysts grew and multiplied….causing her kidneys to dramatically increase in size.   Although a normal kidney is roughly the size of a human fist…PKD kidneys can grow to be the size of a football…or largers…and weigh as much as 38 pounds each.

Fortunately, Donna found a compatible donor and had a kidney transplant.  She now functions with one normal kidney.   But she still faces health problems and must take anti-rejection drugs the rest of her life.   And because PKD is genetic… both of Donna’s children face the possibility of developing the disease.  Until a cure is found, PKD will threaten the lives of every generation of every family living with the disease.   PKD equally affects men, women and children…regardless of age, race or ethnic origin.  It does not skip a generation.

That’s why hundrreds of San Diegans will gather this Sunday at Spanish Landing…..joining walkers in 60 cities nationwide in the fight against PKD.  If you can walk and would like to help…register for the Walk For PKD www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.  Check-in gets underway at 8:30  and the walk begins at 9:30.   You’ll enjoy a beautiful walk along the bay while raising money for research and awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease.

I just heard San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders is on board!  He’s proclaimed the entire week PKD Awareness Week in San Diego!   Way to go, Mayor!!  

   There’s no question our country…and community…..are facing some serious challenges when it comes to the needs of an aging population.   But at least one local organization is way ahead of the curve.  St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services…. located in the Banker’s Hill area of  San Diego near Balboa Park… has been addressing the need for decent, affordable retirement living for nearly 40 years!  

    I’ll be serving as Master of Ceremonies for St. Paul’s 25th Annual Fundraising Gala Saturday, September 20….so I visited their facilities to become better acquainted with the wonderful services they offer.  What an incredible resource…right in the heart of our community!

    Since 1960, St. Paul’s primary business has been senior retirement living.  But in recent years, they’ve branched out….offering an inter-generational program where pre-school-aged children interact with seniors with early to mild stages of dementia.   It’s a win-win situation!   The kids love hanging out with their more “mature” friends….and the seniors reap the physical and emotional benefits of talking, playing and just having fun with eager, active and inquisitive little ones.   Studies have shown the benefits of this kind of interaction…but to see it firsthand is pretty special.

   Keeping seniors healthy is top priority for St. Paul’s.  They’ve just begun a program of services for frail, low-income seniors in need of nursing home care….. called St. Paul’s PACE.    It’s fabulous!  Once they’re enrolled….there’s no out-of-pocket expense.  The folks at St. Paul’s pick up the seniors at their home and bring them to the PACE clinic downtown where they can visit with their doctor or nurse…meet with a physical therapist…. enjoy a good meal and socialize with others in the program.  In-home support services are available, too.  This first-of-its-kind program is not only meeting the needs of many San Diego seniors who are alone and ill…. it’s become a model for other communities around the country.

     Foundation Director Todd Kaprielian showed me the pleasant accomodations of St. Paul’s Manor and Villa….affordable living for seniors needing an independent living retirement community.  And when the time is right…a skilled nursing facility is just across the street!

     After my tour, Cheryl Wilson, CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services shared with me the dilemma facing many seniors.  “Many resist the idea of leaving their homes and moving into a retirement community, Wilson told me.   “They feel it’s a  loss of freedom and choice.”  Fact is, many seniors become isolated as they age.  They no longer visit with friends or even get to the grocery store.  According to Wilson, “Little by little, they sacrifice their well-being for what they perceive to be a loss of independence.”

     In many cases, it’s these very seniors who…after making the decision to move into one of St. Paul’s communities…begin to feel better.  Freed from the burden of having to make their own meals (the dining room at St. Paul’s is lovely!),  clean the house or take care of the yard…these residents end up happier and healthier than they’ve been in years!   One resident says it’s like living on a cruise ship!  Without having to worry about cooking and housework, they have the time and energy to socialize and enjoy fun activities again!

     Thank God for those who care about those who often get forgotten in our fast-paced, youth-oriented world.   St. Paul’s is meeting an enormous need in our community.  If you’d like to help….join us for a wonderful fund-raising gala Saturday, September 20 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.   Todd and Justin have all the information you need.   Call 619-239-6900.   It’s going to be a great evening as we honor Mark Larson and Marie Tuthill for their work in our community.  All proceeds go to the wonderful work of St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services.  www.stpaulseniors.org  See you there!

Several years ago, I woke up and  the room looked “fuzzy” through my right eye.  I didn’t think much of it at the time….maybe it was just a little infection.   But days later…. when my vision still hadn’t cleared…..my opthalmologist confirmed I had developed a corneal condition called keratoconus.  There is no cure….but a hard contact lens allows me to see more clearly…..for now.   And I’m blessed because should the condition worsen in the future…. I could be a candidate for a corneal transplant…..a procedure that would restore my vision.

   But that best case scenario is not an option for tens of thousands of Americans who suffer from diseases of another part of the eye…the retina.   When she was 11 years old…. Erin Goodwin-Allen was diagnosed with a rare degenerative eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa.   The 37 year-old Imperial Beach teacher and mother of two has been slowly losing her peripheral vision for years.  She knows one day, she my go blind.  But today…. Erin is living in the here and now…enjoying life and working to increase awareness and research dollars in the fight against the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative disease.   She’s leading the fight locally with the local chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness….and she’d like all of us to get involved.

If you or someone you care about is affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome or any of a host of retinal diseases…..make a difference by joining Erin, myself and hundreds of other San Diegans Sunday, September 14th for San Diego’s first annual VisionWalk!  www.VisionWalk.org   We’ll meet at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay Park and join thousands across the country “pounding the pavement” to raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.  It’s a 5-K (3.1 mile) walk in support of cutting-edge research to find the preventions, treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases.   Our population is aging….and thousands of Americans are facing their senior years knowing they’re going blind.  But research is beginning to provide hope in the form of genetics, gene therapy, retinal cell transplantation, artificial retinal implants, stem cell therapy and pharmaceutical and nutritional therapies.   That research must continue.

     So make plans to join us at Mission Bay Sunday morning and meet Erin and her family as together…. we walk in the fight against blindness.  We’re hoping to raise $50,000.  Are you in??!

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One more thing.   Henry’s Farmers Market will be celebrating wellness and sustainability at its 12th Annual Wellness Fair Saturday, Sept. 13.  This is one of San Diego’s most popular health events and this year’s wellness fair will feature special appearances by “New York Times’ best-selling author, Sophie Uliano of “Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life” and celebrity chef Sam the Cooking Guy.

Henry’s Wellness Fair has always been a wealth of information on health and well-being.  But this year’s theme of “Sustainable Wellness” is all new.  The all- day event will focus on ways to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle that’s as healthy for your body as for the planet.   The Wellness Fair will also include more than 50 exhibits with free food tastings, natural product samplings, health screenings, fitness demonstrations and a children’s zone. 

The Fair is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9am to 3pm at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley.  The cost…including more than 10 speakers addressing a variety of health topics….is $10.   I highly recommend this event.   Henry’s does it right.   www.henrysmarkets.com/h/WellnessFair/