#FACTFRIDAY

#FACTFRIDAY

LUPUS

 Today I want to use Fierce Fitness Friday to discuss something very near and dear to my heart. The Lupus Foundation Of America and POP. I haven't spoken on the issue of lupus very much in the last 15 years for three main reasons. 1 Pain. 2 Sadness. 3 Grief. These endless cycling emotions each have a way of slowly silencing our voices but not our thoughts. Those exact thoughts have kept me up many of nights only leaving questions behind that fear consumed then tried to controll. Today I am ready to move forward and break free of my silence. To help those who feel the same way. To bring a certain level of awareness and understanding to such a misunderstood debilitating disease. To simply change the narrative to the untold story known as Lupus.

 Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that creates autoantibodies that attacks the healthy tissue, leaving ones body unable to fight off things such as viruses, bacteria or even germs. Over 5 million people are effected by Lupus around the world today. Its estimated that 1.5 million of those cases are from right here in the United States. With an average of 16,000 new cases a year. Researchers showing upwards of 90 percent effecting women between the ages of 15-44. Fact women with lupus are 50 times more likely to suffer a heart attack and almost half of all lupus patients suffer from lupus nephritis which is a type of kidney disease which unfortunately there is no cure for. This must be talked about and seriously.

 Alot of times lupus is triggered by a viral infection and can take years to pin point. The various symptoms and issues are what make it so difficult to diagnose. In most cases, if and when lupus is suspected an ANA blood test (antinuclear antibody) can rule out the disease and if found positive in those cases the patient's symptoms are then compared to a list of  the 11 criteria for lupus. If the patient experiences four or more of the listed criteria, usually they are diagnosed with lupus. There are two primarily different diagnosis SLE and CLR.
SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) which is the most common known lupus
CLR (cutaneous lupus erythematosus) which is a skin disease which can effect someone with or without SLE.

  The problem is so many people haven't even heard of lupus let alone understand it. A recent survey dated October 2018 from MedicalResearch.com found 41 percent of respondents did not understand the term " autoimmune disease" and 80 percent of respondents were not aware that there are over 100 different autoimmune diseases in existence. It is clear and evident that education plus awareness is key here. May is #LupusAwareness month and I encourage any and everyone to get involved. Show your support and learn what you can do to make a difference. You can simply POP (put on purple) because truthfully just sharing the information is a huge step in the right direction. Spread the word!!! Early diagnosis can make all the difference in treatment and quality of life for someone that is suffering.

 It does change life overnight though. It does effect everything and everyone it touches. It takes a toll on both the person and those that love them. It was 15 years ago that sadly a beautiful soul was lost to this awful disease. It robbed us of not only a sister but a daughter, wife and mother of three. The loss was devastating to my father especially and I'm not sure he ever made peace with it before his own passing a few years later. Michelle Lynn "Missy" had so much life in front of her. She had plans, ideas and goals. Removed from this earth to soon I selfishly wish she was here today to share a wonderful testimony with you all but it wasn't meant to be. That is the challenge I face. Finding the testimony in the loss itself. This being my first attempt I pray it means.

 It has been a long and tedious journey for my family overcoming the death of our loved ones but as the clouds lift and the sun begins to shine again there is a rainbow. POP and Lupus Foundation Of America are that rainbow for so many. This organization helps and guides so many through what many consider a death sentence. Please know that isn't the case anymore. Lupus doesn't have to be your ending. Mindset overall is your greatest weapon in survival. New and innovative drug trials are available more than ever. We know so much more about the disease and its symptoms compared to over a decade ago. But the most important part is you're not alone. There is an entire group and organization to make sure of that. To reach out clink the link below.

Link below:👇
https://www.lupus.org/lupus-awareness-month/put-on-purple

Thankfully,
RMB
💜🦋👭🏼

Viking Momma's Menu

Viking Momma's Menu

May's Feature 

Savory Shrimp & Grits 

with Double Pan Fried Eggs 

Ingredients:

• Half Pound of Med-Large Shrimp
• Grits, I use Quaker Instant
• Two Eggs, I use Egglands
• 6 Tbsp. of butter, I use Lakeland or you can substitute with coconut oil or high quality EVOO. (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• Parsley for topping, finely chopped 
• Two Tbsp. Of your favorite seasonings. (Old Bay, Slap Ya Mama or Swamp Dust are great options.) 

 First prepare instant grits per the box directions. Mix well. Set to the side.

 Next deshell and devein shrimp followed by washing them well and drying. Then make an aluminum pouch. Take shrimp and four Tbsp. of butter, your seasoning of choice and wrap well. You can grill these or put then in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

 The next step is to melt the remaining butter or substitute in a skillet and pan fry your eggs to your liking. I personally like over medium. 

 Lastly when plating you can choose your toppings weither you like parsley or not you can switch it up with bacon, shredded cheese, garlic salt, black or white pepper. Use your imagination. 

 Finally sit back and get ready to enjoy this simple delicious dish. Full of flavor and great for really any occasion. 

Thankfully,

RMB