Video: Opening Keynote at 2015 National Conference with Cindy Coney

Cindy Coney, an internationally recognized speaker and former national board chair of the Lupus Foundation of America, was diagnosed with lupus in 1980. Cindy has since assisted thousands living with chronic illness in moving beyond “coping” with limitations to discovering their own unsinkable spirits.

Unleashing Your Unsinkable Spirit is a keynote from the 2015 Scleroderma Foundation National Patient Education Conference for patients with chronic illness and those who love and care for them. Drawing on Cindy’s personal zest for living and expertise in resiliency, this uplifting keynote address focuses on finding and strengthening the unsinkable spirit, which lies within each of us. Cindy teaches how to make the successful transition from a healthy “old life” to a fulfilling “new normal.”

Watch the video of the opening keynote on YouTube >>

Stay tuned to the weekly eLetter as we share more videos from this year's Conference!

Using Yoga to Fight Autoimmune Diseases

Yoga can be a powerful tool in the fight against autoimmune diseases. Patients have found relief and reduced their pain symptoms by practicing this type of exercise. Doctors recommend exploring complimentary therapies such as yoga because many autoimmune diseases cannot be cured.

Treatments for autoimmune disorders vary greatly, but they have a common theme. Most medications can only provide temporary relief and cannot eliminate all of the symptoms of the disease. This is why more patients are turning to alternative therapies and treatments such as exercise plans. Gentle exercise is often recommended by doctors as they attempt to treat a patient with an autoimmune disorder. The lack of cures means that doctors are left trying to reduce symptoms and make the patients feel more comfortable.

Read the entire article at EmaxHealth.com >>

Assisted Yoga for Scleroderma is a therapeutic program of yoga poses and breathing techniques selected for their benefit of those more severely affected with the symptoms of scleroderma, available on DVD in our online store >>

Coping with Chronic Illness

Having a chronic illness can disrupt your life in many ways. You may often be tired and in pain. Your illness might affect your appearance or your physical abilities and independence. You may not be able to work, causing financial problems. For children, chronic illnesses can be frightening, because they may not understand why this is happening to them.

These changes can cause stress, anxiety and anger. If they do, it is important to seek help. A trained counselor can help you develop strategies to regain a feeling of control. Support groups might help, too. You will find that you are not alone, and you may learn some new tips on how to cope.

Read more about coping with chronic illness at Medline Plus >>

Caregiver Guilt and Finding Balance

Are caregivers meeting their own needs? Caregivers often neglect their yearly check-ups although they would never skip one for their loved ones. Caregivers often put aside their own emotions as they devote their energy to their loved one. Caregivers put off buying themselves new clothes, or items needed because it is so hard to get to a store by yourself and for yourself. When attention is paid to caregiver needs, the caregiver often thinks “Am I doing enough for my loved one?” and this starts the guilt process.

Read the entire article at Caregiver.com >>