BeeHealthy
Timely Hints for a Healthy Lifestyle
April is Sjogren's

syndrome month

The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation will hold a support group meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 in the St. Joseph Hospital meeting room, 2605 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga.

The guest speaker for the event will be James J. Reisy of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University at Buffalo.

Because April is the foundation's Sjogren's Syndrome Month, the organization has provided some facts on Sjogren's.

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disease in which white blood cells attack and destroy the moisture-producing glands, causing decreased production of saliva and tears.

It is the second most prevalent autoimmune disorder, striking as many as four million Americans.

The symptoms of the disease are dry eyes and dry mouth.

Sjogren's also may cause dryness of other organs, affecting the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas and the central nervous system.

Nine of 10 Sjogren's patients are women. The average age of diagnosis is the late 40s, though it can occur in all age groups. Men, children and teenagers are also affected.

Sjogren's frequently is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is more than six years.

Sjogren's mimics other diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Sjogren's is treatable. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications and greatly improve the quality of life.

For more information about Sjogren's syndrome, call the foundation at (301) 718-0300 or visit www.sjogrens.org. What can you do about osteoarthritis? Every year, approximately 400,000 Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis undergo knee replacement surgery.

When all other options for treating severe osteoarthritis of the knee have been exhausted, artificial knee joints offer a solution with a high rate of success.

But how should people prepare for this major operation, and what can be done afterward to protect the new joint and keep it intact for years to come?

The American Arthritis Society has compiled some useful and practical tips for self-care, which are available on the society's Web site.

Developed with the help of some of the world's leading knee surgeons, each tip is easy to follow and can be helpful in preparing for the operation.

These and other suggestions are available on the Web site, www. americanarthritis. org. The Earth and Spirit Expo

at the Buffalo Airport

Lights and Bridges Magazine will host an Earth and Spirit Expo from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday April 14 in the Holiday Inn at the Buffalo Airport.

Forty local practitioners including energy workers, psychic healers, reflexologists, massage therapists and original artists will be on hand to answer questions and provide information for attendees.

The event is intended to benefit tree reforestation in Erie and Niagara counties.

The cost is $5 per person. For more information, call 380-4429 or visit www.lightbridges.org/events.