LUPUS MONTH -The Lupus of Grand Bahama Executive Members paid a courtesy call on Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Friday. Dr. Darville and the Executive Members talked about the need to increase awareness in our community which will work toward prevention, detection and reducing the cost of medication. Shown from left are: Letna Bain, PR officer; Nicole Bain, member; Caline Newton, member; Minister Darville; C. Tamika Rigby-Lightbourne, president; Tabitha Joffre, member; and Sharell Lockhart, member. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The executive members of Lupus Bahamas paid a courtesy call on Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Friday, May 1, to launch Lupus Month.

The Minister said, “it is a great privilege of mine to have the executive members of Lupus Bahamas with me at The Ministry for Grand Bahama as they launch Lupus Month on Grand Bahama. Lupus Bahamas is an organization to empower and encourage those living with Lupus, while placing priority on education and awareness throughout Grand Bahama.”

He continued, “as a physician who practiced medicine in the community for many years, I am fully aware of the devastating clinical effects of this chronic disease, which mostly affects young women."

In clinical practice, the body’s immune system which normally protects it against pathogens, viruses and bacteria loses the ability to differentiate body cells from pathogens and ultimately begins to attack itself.

Environmental factors play an important role in the cause of this autoimmune disease and to date there is no cure. The disease is not an infection and cannot be transmitted like an infectious disease. The symptoms vary but the classical symptoms are a butterfly rash on the face, joint pains, hair loss, fatigue and sensitivity to sun light.

Pledging his support to Lupus Bahamas, Minister Darville said there is a need for increased awareness in our community which will work towards prevention, detection and reducing the cost of medication.

"I invite all residents of Grand Bahama, especially those who are living with this chronic autoimmune disease to support the activities that Lupus Bahamas will put on during this month. The Minister asked residents to wear purple shirts each Friday in support of lupus Awareness.”

During their visit, the executive members of Lupus of Grand Bahama presented a purple shirt to the Minister. Among the activities scheduled for Grand Bahama, there will be a Walk for Lupus on Saturday, May 16^th beginning at 6:00 am at The Foster B. Pestina Centre, Christ the King. A Lupus Public Forum will be held at The Foster B. Pestina Centre, Christ the King on Friday, May 22^nd at 7:00 pm, which will feature Dr. Amit Golding, and this is free of charge.