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For many people with lupus, summer outdoor activities and gatherings can cause issues for their health. Sun exposure can lead to skin rashes and disease flares, while barbeques and parties can tank your diet.
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Enjoy a Flare-Free Summer
For many people with lupus, summer outdoor activities and gatherings can cause issues for their health. Sun exposure can lead to skin rashes and disease flares, while barbeques and parties can tank your diet.
Here are some tips to reduce the negative effects of sun exposure:

  • Avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm. At these times, a greater amount of UVB reaches the Earth. Eat lunch indoors or in the shade.
  • Even on cloudy days, we still are exposed to about 80% of the ultraviolet light present on a sunny day. Recreational activities near water require additional caution as water reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeve shirts. Tightly woven or dark fabric offers the best protection. Some companies specialize in high-UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing, hats, and umbrellas.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to bind to your skin. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating too much. Water resistant sunscreens can provide additional protection on wet skin for 40 or 80 minutes until it needs reapplication.
To learn more about how lupus impacts the skin watch Living Healthy with Lupus: Lupus & The Skin with dermatologist Dr. Henry Lee.
Barbecues, vacations and cocktails can throw you off and cause you to feel unwell. Here are some simple ideas to help you enjoy the season while keeping your nutritional needs on track:

  • Be mindful of your fruit intake
  • Eat locally
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
  • Set some general cookout rules
  • Try not to make food the focus
  • Before you travel, check out the local scene
Read more on how you can implement 6 Tips for Healthy Summer Eating from HSS registered dietitian Laura Gibofsky.
Lupus Awareness Month Webinars
If we missed you at our Lupus Awareness Month Events, feel free to watch our recordings to stay up to date.
New Staff Spotlight: Haley
Haley Slosberg is a Clinical Research Coordinator for Jane E. Salmon, MD. As a research coordinator, she is responsible for recruiting and following patients through Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome research studies.  
Haley is responsible for managing the Autoimmune Disease Registry. The aims of the Registry are to study the basis of Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome and streamline further research at HSS. She works closely with patients to collect data and ensure they have an optimal experience while participating in the study.
In May of 2023, Haley received a BA in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Wesleyan University. As an undergraduate, she conducted research on computationally-designed protein structure and dynamics. She is excited to bring her research skills into a clinical setting and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the inspiring and resilient lupus community.
Research Spotlight
Lupus During Pregnancy Carries Higher Maternal, Fetal Morbidity Risks
Medscape reports that women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had higher risks for maternal and fetal complications compared to those without the chronic autoimmune disorder, according to a nationwide analysis of U.S. data.

The 10-year study showed that patients with SLE had higher intrauterine growth restriction (small babies) versus people without SLE  and more frequent preterm delivery, reported researchers led by Bella Mehta, MD, rheumatologist at HSS.

"I don't want physicians to look at this study and counsel patients against pregnancies," Dr. Mehta said. "This is only to spark a conversation, saying these risks exist, but we need to manage these patients better and work in a multidisciplinary fashion so that we can just prevent this."

She said future research will look at the risk differences in patient subgroups and racial demographics, which were not assessed in the current study.

Read the full article
To learn more, view our clinical trials at HSS. For questions, please email Emily Wu, Clinical Research Coordinator or call 212.774.2967. For APS studies, please email JoAnn Vega, Research Coordinator or call (212) 774-2795. To learn more about our Pregnancy in APS study, please email Haley Slosberg, Clinical Research Coordinator or call 212.774.2223.
The Lupus and APS Center of Excellence at HSS is a multidisciplinary and innovative program, established by expert faculty with the goal of improving the lives of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). For more information please visit us online.
  • Fast Track Appointment Referral Service - If you are a lupus patient new to HSS in need of a fast appointment with one of our center’s physicians, please call us at 877.SLE.CURE (877.753.2873). For non-urgent requests or questions please email us.
  • View our HSS Lupus Patient Support Programs
 
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