One week ago I drove to Philadelphia to experience “brotherly love”. This week I visited “bean town” or as they would say the “City of Champions”. You can’t help the feeling you get when you visit these cities. Both so diverse and rich with American History. As you walk the streets, you immediately notice the architecture of the brilliantly designed buildings. The food and culture is very similar too. People travel from all over the world to these food meccas, to indulge in the savory foods that were made famous by each city. While in Philadelphia, I found myself eating a Philly cheesesteak with two total strangers that traveled from Maryland. In Boston, I enjoyed probably the best New England clam chowder I ever tasted. You have to visit Quincy Market,where you can see live performances from local wannabes.

But this wasn’t the reason I visited these cities. You see, I was there to support our cause with the National Psoriasis Foundation .  Most cities now sponsor our walks for a cure with the NPF.  Saturday was Boston’s day to raise awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  I was most impressed with the lush landscape and the location of the event right on the beach.

While there at the closing ceremony, I was particularly impressed with this one individual that raised money for her sister who has both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  This individual’s name is Melissa Howard.  While talking to her, she explained how her sister asked her to walk for her.  She told me that her feeling was, “That it was the least that she could do.”  She contacted the NPF and made a plan.  She ended-up raising almost ten thousand dollars in just five weeks!
Melissa explained to me that her sister was picked on as a child due to her visible disease.   Her sister later on developed the psoriatic arthritis associated with the disease as well.  She knew she had to get involved!  Some of her concerns about her sister were the lack of effective treatments available.   I encouraged her to research some of the new treatments.  I’m looking forward to combining our efforts next spring at the ride event on Long Island.

I mentioned to Melissa about our support group Overcoming Psoriasis which has some of the most compassionate and helpful members.   Melissa is the type of person who has compassion for individuals who suffer with difficult diseases.  She explained her own situation; that she was hit by a car and had several corrective surgeries. Melissa is my Psuperhero for putting others first.  Thank you Melissa Howard, we need more people like you in the world!

Philadelphia Freedom was the song playing in my mind as I was walking through the Philly Zoo for the National Psoriasis Foundation .  What a great way to enjoy the Zoo and help fund research that may one day produce a cure.  After twenty four years of having psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis it’s so rewarding to see people come out and walk for our cause.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals raised the most money for this event.  Team Janssen has always been there to support the psoriasis community.  I appreciate their hard work and dedication to our disease state.  This company is so generous and pso compassionate about the people of the psoriasis community.
I remember reading an article in the psoriasis Advance Bulletin.  The article was discussing new products in the pipeline.  Janssen was conducting a trial on their new medication  (at the time) Stelara .   The medication was a biological medication that blocks interlukin 12 & 23.  Research showed that these were involved with the inflammation that causes the autoimmune system to overreact and produce skin cells 10 times faster then normal.  And that’s the visual effects of the disease.  The medication also prevents further damage to the joints and organs by stopping the inflammation that’s going on in the body.  I’m so grateful to Janssen and their employees because Stelara improved my quality of life for 5 years.  I was totally covered and pso miserable.  Everything hurt and there was no relief from anything I was trying at the time, until Stelara.

Stelara did the trick for me as you can see from the pictures.  This disease is nasty.
Janssen ( Johnson & Johnson )  also has a app for your phone to donate a picture.  From now until the end of the year they will donate one dollar for every photo submitted up to $25,000.00.  Www.donateaphoto.com everyday and take part in funding research.
Janssen is also in the process if developing a new Biological medication.  The medical name for the drug is Guselkumab .  I attached an article that explains the new drug, just click on the highlighted medical name. Janssen also has a website designed for patients.  It’s called Are You Serious.

I applaud Team Janssen for their continuous effort to improve patients quality of life.

#psoriasis #skin #spoonie #npf #health #beauty #psoriasisproblems #psa #janssenus #Stelara #psoriaticarthritis #psoriasisawareness #psoriasisproblems #cure #J&J #pharma #medication #il-12 #Wegohealth

Elaine Smith is a 39 year old single mom with psoriasis.  After researching and much work she is able to control her psoriasis by modifying her diet.  She belongs to our support group Overcoming Psoriasis.  Acknowledging her disease and finding fault in her own food choices is how she cleared her psoriasis.  Many have tried diet without success including me.

As you can see from the photo above I tried just about everything.  I fell short.  But that doesn’t mean you will.  I encourage everyone to try.  You have nothing to lose.  I’m glad I went this route because even though I failed, I was successful reversing my fatty liver disease and some kidney issues.  Plus I was able to shed some unwanted pounds.

Here is Elaine’s story,

“My diet is not as extreme as some people advocate as I believe in moderation.  I don’t eat gluten or dairy as I actually had tests to show that I was intolerant to them.  Besides the gluten and dairy, which is substitute with coconut/almond milk  I also eliminate nightshade vegetables, most processed foods and too much sugar.
I had originally cut out alcohol but I now indulge in a glass of wine here and there or when my friends are over, I think its nice to not let P take over your life
.
The nightshades was something I eliminated duet to discovering on FB that most people reacted to them and after reading Pagano’s book.
I don’t eat red meat but I eat lots of fish, oily fish mainly, Salmon, sardines  etc and chicken.

For grains I have quinoa, rice, sweet potato’s, gluten free pasta/bread etc..  I also eat a lot of pulses, chickpeas, lentils etc..  and I eat a bowl of porridge every morning, I’m fine with oats.  For snacks lots of oat cakes with nut butter and loads of nuts/seeds.  I think I lacked good fats and so have plenty now and dress my food with a good oil.

I have been actively looking at your groups now and there seems to be a lot of discussion around diet.
The thing is we are all so different and diet doesn’t work for everyone, as far as I am concerned I am in remission, I know that my P could come back at anytime and I see an odd tiny spot here and there in stressful periods.
I think its good to enhance our diet and keep as healthy as we can due to the other ailments we can end up with due to having P.
I love that some are interested in diet changes and appreciate that not everyone will find this works for them.
I am not extreme with supplements either, so I have a high strength fish oil, a good multivitamin and the probiotic, having seen yesterdays discussion I will get a higher strength next time.
And in a nut shell that’s it.  I believe that stress is a huge factor for psoriasis sufferers and this can also help with the symptoms.
As far as topical ointments I only use a cream called Cetraben, its very good, not sure if you have it in your Country?

If you want to know anything else or help with anything then please give me a shout, I’m happy to help where I can.”

I asked Elaine about exercise and here is what she said.

“Yes I do but again it’s everything in moderation!
I exercise at home in the morning!
Either 20 minutes on the exercise bike or a mixed session with a little skipping & light weights in between!
I occasionally fit in a yoga class but not very often due to having an active 2 1/2 year old!
Apart from that I am naturally active & walk a lot instead of taking the car or cycle!”

I also asked Elaine about her water consumption, this is what she added.

“I drink lots of water, never liked juice & I eat lots of vegetables too!
I have a cup of coffee everyday and use rice/coconut milk.”

So there you have it in a nutshell, I hope you find my blog helpful and resourceful.   I work hard on keeping it fresh and educational.   I do this cause I care and I speak from experience.   If you want to take a more active roll I encourage you to join the National Psoriasis Foundation This is the largest organization in the world that represents people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Article written by Todd Bello

#psoriasis #skin #health #spoonie #npf #skincare #beauty #chronicpain #chronicillness #chroniclife #awesome #psobloggers #Novartis #Cosentyx #psa #clearskin #CyndiLauper #FF #pain #rash #creekyjoints #psoriasisproblems #cure #kinkyboots #hair #scalppsoriasis #scalp #red #pain #rash #WEGOHealth @leannrimes @cyndilauper

Free event for those interested:

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis diseases are making headlines around the world.  Our disease state is finally getting the attention it deserves.  On October 29th, 2015 World Psoriasis Day, Leo Pharmaceuticals will be hosting an event in honor of psoriatic patients around the World.  The event will be happening right here in NYC.  Please take the time to register by clicking
>>>NYC EVENT REGISTRATION <<<

Article by Todd Bello
NPF Volunteer
Overcoming Psoriasis
Psoriasis Campaign for a Cure
National Psoriasis Foundation

#psoriasis #skin #health #spoonie #npf #skincare #beauty #chronicpain #chronicillness #chroniclife #awesome #psobloggers #psoriasissucks #findacure #psoriatic #psa #everydayhealth #FF #pain #rash #creekyjoints #psoriasisproblems #cure #hair #scalppsoriasis #scalp #red #pain #rash #happiness #overcomingpsoriasis #PSORIASISCampaignforaCure #baby #babysmoothskin #woman #men #arthritis

Educating yourself about our disease is your best defense.  Our disease is very expensive to treat.  Newly diagnosed patients need to do their homework in order to avoid so called “miracle treatments” that just drain your savings.  Even prescription medications can be very expensive if your not covered by insurance.  I highly suggest joining the National Psoriasis Foundation to avoid unnecessary expenses and loss of time.

This picture of my ankle was taken before I was prescribed a biological medication.   These new medications have been in use for just about 20 years.  With each new treatment they seem to be more effective and safer.  However the price tag is staggering.  Here is an article I read about the costs associated with the medications for our disease.

(HealthDay)—Most patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (MSPP) are prescribed medications, with six-month total direct costs of $11,291 per patient, according to a study published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

These medications also reduce the comorbidities that are associated with the disease.  Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis if left untreated can cause many more health issues for the patient.  This disease when treated has improved the life quality of many.  Patients are at a much better advantage today then they were just ten years ago.

I’m happy to say after many treatments my disease is controlled and my health seems to be improving.  My disposition on life is much better.  I’m actually participating in life rather then avoiding life.  I have a better outlook and my skin and joints are 100% better.

Support groups like Overcoming Psoriasis have helped me gain perspective about treatment options.  There is also a common bond between its members.  With over 2900 members and growing it’s one of the most ineractive groups I’ve seen.

Article written by Todd Bello
tvsoccerdad@yahoo.com

#psoriasis #skin #health #spoonie #npf #skincare #beauty #chronicpain #chronicillness #chroniclife #awesome #psobloggers #Novartis #Cosentyx #psa #clearskin #CyndiLauper #everydayhealth #FF #pain #rash #creekyjoints #psoriasisproblems #cure #kinkyboots #hair #scalppsoriasis #scalp #red #pain #rash #happiness #overcomingpsoriasis #PSORIASISCampaignforaCure #baby #babysmoothskin #woman #men #arthritis #psoriaticarthritis #wegohealth