On Saturday, May 22, 2010 the North Carolina/Raleigh Vasculitis Support Group, a chapter of the Vasculitis Foundation, met in Durham. There were 38 participants attending, including 21 vasculitis patients.
The meeting speaker was Dr. Mary Anne Dooley, Associate Professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology and one of the Vasculitis Foundation Medical Consultants. Dr. Dooley talked about “Health Promotion for People with Vasculitis.” She discussed a wide range of topics related to how we can be proactive about our health, including vaccination, avoiding infection, recommended health screenings, diet, exercise, sleep and mental health. It was empowering for us to hear outlined the steps each of us can and should take to promote our own health.
Following Dr. Dooley’s talk, Support Group member Dianne Shaw updated us on the Vasculitis Foundation’s planned Regional Patient Symposium to be held in Chapel Hill in May 2011. This will be in conjunction with the 15th International ANCA and Vasculitis Workshop for vasculitis researchers and clinicians also in Chapel Hill in May. Our Chapter will be providing support and assistance for the symposium.
We enjoyed talking with each other and sharing experiences. Our next meeting will be in fall 2010. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please feel free to contact Elaine Holmes, Chapter Leader: eholmes18@nc.rr.com