Blurbal Perspective

On Thursday, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy signed an executive order, banning  state funded travel to North Carolina. The decision comes after NC governor McCrory passed an anti-LGBT law, allowing people and businesses to discriminate against those in the LGBT community. Connecticut joins New York State, Boston, MA, and San Francisco in banning travel to North Carolina. Malloy released a statement, saying: "When we see discrimination and injustice, we have to act. This law is not just wrong, it poses a public safety risk to Connecticut residents traveling through North Carolina.  That’s why I have signed an executive order banning state-funded travel to the state. Nearly two decades ago, Connecticut was among the first states to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination law concerning sexual orientation, and three years ago I proudly signed a law adding gender identity and expression to those statutes. We need to do what we can to stand up and act against laws that enc

The man's misogyny knows no bounds. On Wednesday, GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump gave his two cents on how he feels about abortion . While Trump was on MSNBC, he told Chris Matthews that he feels abortion should be banned. He also said that women who have abortions should be punished. Matthews asked for clarification on his feelings about banning abortion. Trump said the following: "Look, people in certain parts of the Republican Party, conservative Republicans, would say 'Yes, it should.'" Matthews pressed the topic further and Trump danced around the topic. He told Matthews that he is pro-life, and that their has to be some form of punishment for women who have abortions. My Two Cents If Trump gets elected, women will slowly lose their rights. We already know how he feels about us. He doesn't see us as being equal to men. The abortion topic is a very hot topic. In my opinion, women should have the right to make that choice. Banning ab

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, or MCTD, is a rare autoimmune disorder that is sometimes known as an overlap disease. Signs and symptoms of MCTD are similar to ones found in Lupus, Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Sjogren's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Raynaud's Phenomenon. With MCTD , symptoms of the above illnesses may not appear at the same time. They are shown to occur over a period of several years, which can make diagnosing the disease extremely complicated. What causes MCTD? The exact cause of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is still unknown. However, because the immune system in people with MCTD mistakenly battles against healthy cells, it is considered an autoimmune disorder. When it comes to connective tissue disorders like MCTD, the immune system attacks fibers that are responsible for framing and supporting your body. Researchers are still working to identify what specific proteins (in the immune system) are responsible for the symptoms of MCTD. Symptoms of MC

Season 22 of DWTS premiered with a bang last week. Many stars are showing that they have what it takes to make it to the finale, others have a long way to go. Stars like Ginger Zee, Marla Maples (can we talk about those legs please, OMG), Wanya Morris, Jodie Sweetin, Nyle DiMarco and Paige Van Zant have already blown the judges away with their dancing skills, along with their ability to take direction from the judges and their dance partners. Stars like Kim Fields, and the 3 football players are showing terrific promise. While I don't like the guy, Geraldo Rivera showed some promise (he was voted off on Monday's episode). The one person that I don't feel has what it takes is Mischa Barton. This disappoints me because I loved her on The O.C.. She doesn't seem to have the right attitude and she doesn't take constructive criticism well. She took what Len Goodman said to heart and reacted negatively to it. It's like she shut down after that first performance

Yesterday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a non-essential state travel ban to North Carolina, in protest of North Carolina's anti-LGBT law. The Executive Order from the Governor's office stated that all New York State agencies, departments, boards, and commissions should bar publicly funded travel to NC. The anti-LGBT law in NC bars trans individuals from using bathrooms according to their gender identity. The law also prohibits municipalities from extending protections to anyone in the LGBT community. Governor Cuomo said this in the Executive Order : "In New York, we believe that all people – regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation – deserve the same rights and protections under the law. From Stonewall to marriage equality, our state has been a beacon of hope and equality for the LGBT community, and we will not stand idly by as misguided legislation replicates the discrimination of the past. As long as there is a law in North Carolina

The Atlanta Journal Constitution stated this morning that GOP Governor Nathan Deal will veto the anti-LGBT 'religious liberty' bill that made headlines last week. Here is what the report said: "Gov. Nathan Deal said he will veto the 'religious liberty' bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders and presented him with one of the most consequential challenges he’s faced since his election to Georgia’s top office. The measure doesn’t reflect the character of our state or the character of its people." Gov Deal also mentioned to his fellow republicans that the world is changing around them, and that they need to take a deep breath. Deal had a lot of pressure from both sides of the fence. There was a threat from his fellow republicans of an override to the veto if he agreed to veto the bill. He was also pressured by business leaders and gay rights groups to veto the bill. As of right now, the anti-lgbt bill

It looks like the most heinous attack on gay rights is FINALLY being challenged! A law school professor, a university worker, a student, and several civil liberties groups are challenging the law that was signed last week. The law would give people the right to discriminate against people who were LGBT. The law would also force trans individuals to use bathrooms assigned to their biological sex. Governor Pat McCrory signed the anti-LGBT law, which is scheduled to go into effect next month. The American Civil Liberties Union, Equality NC, and Lambda Legal, wasted no time filing a federal lawsuit against the anti-LGBT law. "By singling out LGBT people for disfavored treatment and explicitly writing discrimination against transgender people into state law, (the new law) violates the most basic guarantees of equal treatment and the U.S. Constitution." UNC-Chapel Hill worker Joaquin Carcano, and UNC-Greensboro student Payton Grey McGarry were born females, but identi

Evan's syndrome is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder. The immune system destroys the body's red blood cells, platelets, and/or white blood cells. Those who suffer from this illness may have the following: - Thrombocytopenia: Lack of platelets in the body. - Coombs' positive hemolytic anemia: premature destruction of the red blood cells. What causes Evan's syndrome? Exact causes are unknown, but researchers believe that the syndrome is a dysregulation of the immune system. What are the symptoms of Evan's syndrome? Symptoms vary from person to person, as with any disease. Symptoms may vary according to what blood cells may be affected. Some of the most common symptoms associated with this syndrome include: -Weakness -Paleness -Fatigue -Shortness of breath -Unexplained bruising -Prolonged bleeding from small cuts -Susceptibility to infections Individuals with Evan's syndrome may go through periods of remission, where the symptoms be

CREST syndrome is a subtype of Scleroderma (hardening of the skin). With CREST syndrome, skin changes happen in the lower arms and legs. In some cases, it may occur on the face and throat. This condition has also been known to affect the GI tract in some patients. While problems with CREST syndrome may be on the  mild side, in rare cases, the disease can damage the heart and lungs, causing life-threatening results. CREST syndrome is considered an autoimmune disorder, due to the fact that the immune system causes an overproduction of too much collagen. This can build up on the skin, and in some cases, internal organs, causing a disruption in normal functioning. What are the risk factors of CREST Syndrome? Women are more likely to have this condition than men. This condition is said to affect people of color more often than Caucasians. Individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or Hashimoto's disease, are at an increase

Balo's disease is a subtype of Multiple Sclerosis. Like MS, Balo's disease consists of myelin damage in the nervous system. As you might remember from my MS post , myelin is made up of fatty substances that envelope and protect nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. Myelin is essential for correct neurological functioning. What makes Balo's disease somewhat different from MS is that damage to the myelin is circular-shaped. Who is at risk for Balo's Disease? As with MS, Balo's disease is considered an autoimmune disorder. With Balo's disease, not only does the immune system attack healthy tissue, it also attacks healthy cells as well. While a lot is still unknown about Balo's disease, researchers do know that the following increase your risk for Balo's disease: -Being of Filipino or Asian descent. -Having a first generation relative with Balo's disease. -Having a family history of autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of Balo's Dis

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has banned non-essential publically funded trips to North Carolina, after NC Governor Pat McCrory passed a law allowing anti-LGBT discrimination in the state. The travel ban was issued on Friday, two days after the bill was signed into law. Mayor Ed Lee issued the following statement: "We are standing united as San Franciscans to condemn North Carolina's new discriminatory that turns back the clock on protecting the rights of all Americans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. With other states like Georgia on the verge of passing more discriminatory laws, let me be clear that San Francisco taxpayers will not subsidize legally-sanctioned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in any city or state. Last year, Mayor Lee banned city related travel to Indiana after the state passed a law allowing business owners to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation and gender

Republicans recently presented a bill to Georgia Governor Nathan Deal that would protect (christian) religious freedom. In this bill, faith-based organizations would have the option to deny services to individuals in the LGBT community. This bill has gotten the attention of Hollywood, and everyone else around the world. Many companies have expressed their disdain and disappointment in the bill. -The Weinstein Company is supposed to film a Richard Pryor biopic later this year. A statement released by the production company said that it would end its plans for filming if the bill is signed into law. It would instead relocate to another state. -Time Warner released a statement Thursday, asking for Governor Deal to exercise his veto of bill HB 757. -21st Century Fox also released a statement, urging Governor Deal to veto the bill. -Other companies, such as: Comcast, Discovery Communications, Sony Pictures, Starz, and Lionsgates also asked for a vetoing of the bill. Howe

On Thursday, the National Basketball Association threatened to pull its 2017 all-star game in Charlotte after NC governor Pat McCrory signed a LGBT discrimination law into effect. In a tweet from the NBA's Twitter account, the organization expressed concern that the "discriminatory law runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect." The association also stated that it is dedicated to "creating an inclusive environment to all who attend our games and events." There is no word on when the NBA will make an official decision about the 2017 NBA all-star game. My Two Cents I am so glad that the NBA is standing up for the LGBT community. I hope that the NBA makes the decision to relocate to a city that is more supportive of ALL walks of life.  Sound off: Do you support the NBA's threat to relocate the all-star games? Where should they relocate to?

Aplastic Anemia is a rare blood disorder in which the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells. When it comes to normal anemia, the individual does not produce enough red blood cells. With Aplastic Anemia , the individual does not make enough of all types of blood cells, this includes white blood cells and platelets. The life span of red blood cells is around 120 days. White blood cells live less than one day, and platelets live around 6 days. All of these blood cells must constantly reproduce and make new cells in order for the body to function as it should. When the body is unable to make new blood cells, several health problems could occur. What causes Aplastic Anemia? The cause can be either acquired or inherited. Individuals who acquire Aplastic Anemia may have done so by the following: -Cancer treatments -Infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis. -Autoimmune disorders, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus . -Toxins Who is 'at risk' fo

Sarcoidosis is a inflammatory condition that impacts the lungs and lymph nodes. However, it has been known to affect multiple organs in the human body. Individuals who have this disease exhibit abnormal masses, or granulomas. These granulomas are made up of inflamed tissues which have formed in various organs in the body. The granulomas may change the normal structure and functioning of these affected organs. The onset of Sarcoidosis is said to begin between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are often diagnosed more than men. What is the cause of Sarcoidosis? A root cause for Sarcoidosis is unknown. What is known is that it is an autoimmune disease. Researchers are still studying how this condition can move from one part of the body, to the other. Symptoms of Sarcoidosis -Reddish bumps or patches on the skin. -Swollen joints -Blurred vision -Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, neck, and armpit. -Enlarged lymph nodes around the lungs, and in the chest. -Kidney stone for

Autonomic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when nerves in charge of bodily functions are damaged. Areas affected include: digestion, bladder functioning, blood pressure, and sexual functioning. The damaged nerves interfere with messages being sent from the brain to other organs across the autonomic nervous system. Areas involved include sweat glands, heart, and blood vessels. Causes of Autonomic Neuropathy Diabetes is the most common cause of Autonomic neuropathy, but other illnesses can cause this condition as well. These illnesses include: -Chronic illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and dementia -Autoimmune diseases, such as: Sjogren's syndrome , Lupus , Rheumatoid Arthritis , and Celiac disease . Other causes of Autonomic Neuropathy include: -Nerve injury caused by radiation to the neck, or surgery. -Medication used to treat cancer. -Infectious diseases, such as: Lyme disease and HIV. Symptoms of Autonomic Neuropathy Sympt

Myositis is a term used to describe inflammation in the muscles. This condition may be caused by injury, infection, or autoimmune conditions. There are several categories of Myositis : 1. Inflammatory : A condition that causes inflammation throughout the body has the potential to affect the muscles, thus causing the inflammation. A majority of these involve autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune diseases describe an event where the body attacks its own tissues. Some of the autoimmune conditions that may cause myositis include: -Rheumatoid Arthritis -Scleroderma -Lupus 2. Infection: Viral infections are among the most common illnesses that can cause myositis. These viral infections include: flu, cold, and HIV. 3. Drugs: There are several medications and illicit drugs that can cause temporary damage to muscles. Some of these include: alcohol, plaquenil, statins, and cocaine. 4. Injury: Intense workouts can cause swelling and pain in the muscles. This can last anyw

According to TMZ, Shandling died at a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday. He was 66 years old. A source has said that Shandling appeared to be healthy mere hours prior to his reported death. A 911 call was made from Shandling's home before he went into the hospital. A cause of death has not been released to the public. Garry Shandling is best known for "The Larry Sanders Show," and 2000 movie "What Planet Are You From?" He is also known for his work behind-the-scenes on many shows throughout the years.  Story is still developing.

As humans, we find staring to be rude and, at times, intimidating. In the cat world, it can mean something else. If you have ever been a cat parent, you've probably been the victim of a cat stare. Fear not, it does not mean that your furbaby is going to hurt you. In fact, a cat stare is friendly. It means that you are the center of their universe. It means that you are the most interesting being in their life. It is a symbol of love. It could also mean that their food dish is empty, but it is mainly a love stare. When you find your cat staring at you, give them a 'slow blink.' A slow blink is the equivalent of a cat kiss. Cats are very big on body language. Show your cat that you find them interesting as well. Smile at them, pet them, and talk to them. It will make their day, along with some quality playtime.

Republican governor Pat McCrory signed a bill on Wednesday night that will allow for LGBT discrimination throughout North Carolina. The bill also revokes the right for transgender individuals to use a bathroom based on gender identity. Lawmakers voted 83-25 on this bill. Democratic Senators staged a walkout while this bill was being discussed. The bill was voted on again, without any Democrats voting. The result was unanimously in favor of passing the bill, 32-0. This bill also mandates that state lawmakers can pass laws regarding employment discrimination, minimum wages, and using public accommodations (this goes against federal law). After word of this law was released, social media erupted in anger and opposition. Gov. McCrory stood by his bill, which will take effect immediately, on April 1. My Two Cents: As a member of the LGBT community, this bill saddens me. My brothers and sisters in this community now have no rights if they go to NC. Moreover, my transgender fri

It's the burn felt round the world: Elizabeth Warren posted a strongly worded message today, calling out Trump for his narcissism and hatred of women and people of color. She brought up his bankruptcies, and discussed how Trump is dangerous for America. Here is her post from earlier today: "Let’s be honest – Donald Trump is a loser. Count all his failed businesses. See how he kept his father’s empire afloat by cheating people with scams like Trump University and by using strategic corporate bankruptcy (excuse me, bankruptcies) to skip out on debt. Listen to the experts who’ve concluded he’s so bad at business that he might have more money today if he’d put his entire inheritance into an index fund and just left it alone.   Trump seems to know he’s a loser. His embarrassing insecurities are on parade: petty bullying, attacks on women, cheap racism, and flagrant narcissism. But just because Trump is a loser everywhere else doesn’t mean he’ll lose this election. People hav

Meniere's disease is an inner ear issue that can impact one's balance and hearing. It typically impacts one ear at a time. However, it can develop in the other ear over time. Individuals are usually diagnosed with Meniere's after age 40, but it can develop at any age. What causes Meniere's? As with many of the conditions that I've discussed this month, the cause of Meniere's is unknown. Experts believe that it might be related to fluid in the inner ear called endolymph. In people who have Meniere's, there is too much endolymph in the inner ear. This causes pressure in the inner ear, creating issues with balance. Experts have two theories as to why this happens: -The body mistakenly produces too much fluid. -Fluid isn't being drained from the inner ear properly. Is Meniere's disease autoimmune? While Meniere's itself isn't an autoimmune disease, those of us who suffer from autoimmune disease are at a higher than normal risk for M

Last Friday, ' Switched " creator Lizzy Weiss tweeted that the show will not be back until sometime in 2017. She implored fans to " wait for us ." This news comes shortly after the announcement of the show's cancellation. Weiss read the frustration from fans, and followed up with a tweet on Saturday: "It's a bummer but it is what it is. I was a fan of Mad Men and I waited forever for its final season. True fans will wait. It's worth it." The last "new" episode of SAB aired in October of 2015. My Two Cents: I read through some of the comments made on 'Switched At Birth's' Facebook fanpage, and fans are both pissed and confused. I completely understand the confusion. First an announcement is made that the show is canceled. Now, the final season is not coming back until sometime in 2017. I remember when this happened with Mad Men. While that show's demographic is older than 'Switched At Birth's' d

Living with chronic pain and/or chronic illness can be grueling. The simplest tasks that you once did without even thinking about it (getting ready for the day, brushing teeth, getting dressed, going up and down stairs, etc.), are now the energy equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. Each activity of daily living causes extreme pain and extreme exhaustion. People in your life have difficulty understanding what life is like being chronically ill and/or suffering from chronic pain. They say, "Well, this natural remedy worked wonders for my cousin's sister's daughter's co-worker's wife!" People may look at you and ask you when you will be done with being sick. Some may even question how sick you are by saying, " But you don't look sick ." These comments are ones that Christine Miserandino constantly heard. Christine Miserandino is a woman who suffers from Lupus. One day, she was sitting in a diner with her best friend and her friend aske

Say it isn't so, Chachi! The 55-year-old actor expressed his support for Trump during an interview with Fox News, saying : "It’s very simple. When he speaks, I understand him. He speaks like I speak." Baio also said that he likes that Trump relentlessly attacks Hillary Clinton in his campaign. He voiced his frustration with the Republican party, and he calls himself a "Conservative Independent." Trump wasn't Baio's first choice for our next President. Baio first endorsed Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. When Walker's campaign crashed and burned, Baio set his sights on Trump. Other celebrity Trump supporters include Kid Rock and Aaron Carter. My Two Cents: Oh, Chachi. What would Joanie say? In all seriousness though, I am regretting having your poster on my wall when I was a kid.

Kawasaki disease affects 4,000 children in the United States each year. Kawasaki disease is a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. This disease is known to affect only children. The disease was first discovered in Japan, and is diagnosed in boys more than girls. The onset of Kawasaki  disease occurs in children younger than 5 years of age. While the root cause of Kawasaki disease is not yet known, experts believe that it is an autoimmune disorder. Kawasaki disease is known to affect the lymph nodes, blood vessel walls, heart, and mucous membranes. Symptoms of Kawasaki disease -Fever of 102 degrees that lasts more than 5 days -Swollen hands and feet -Bloodshot eyes -Joint pain -Peeling skin on the hands, feet, and in the genital area -Swollen lymph nodes -Nausea -Coughing -Diarrhea -Runny nose Testing for Kawasaki disease Doctors will usually diagnose the symptoms the child is experiencing. Doctors may order tests for further e

...and the good news just keeps on comin'! Jacqueline Laurita of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" confirmed to social media followers that her 25-year-old daughter Ashlee Holmes is pregnant with her first child. "Yes, that’s right! I’m going to be a #Glamma! @ashleenicholexx @c3peteo #SOExcited!" Ashlee Holmes shared the news on Instagram on Friday, saying: "Had so much fun at @thelittlekernel launch party tonight!! @c3peteo and I are so happy to announce that we’re sprouting a little kernel of our own *coming this fall*!!!" Last month, Holmes confirmed her engagement to Pete Malleo. My Two Cents: I've been following RHONJ for some time, and I remember how immature and selfish Ashlee Holmes was when she was younger. It is heartwarming to see her so happy and so grown up. She has come a very long way. She should be very proud of how far she's come. Congrats to the entire family!

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the former Subway spokesmodel-turned-Maggot-eating-Monster was involved in a jailhouse scuffle. The family of the man who did what everyone in the world has been wanting to do since day one, spoke to the media about the brawl. The inmate, 60-year-old Steven Nigg, initiated the brawl. According to Nigg's brother Jimmy, Steven Nigg hates child molesters and intended on beating Fogle up. Fogle was left bruised and bloodied. Other things contributed to the brawl, including Fogle's money and celebrity status (apparently, Fogle was going around the prison yard flaunting his fame and fortune, trying to impress the bigger inmates). It was the fact that Fogle was a child molester that got him amped up. Nigg is in prison for a weapons charge. Because of the brawl, Nigg will spend 10 days in solitary confinement. My Two Cents: Steven Nigg, they should let you out for good behavior. On behalf of humans everywhere, thank you for what y

1 in every 300,000 children in the United States is affected by Juvenile Arthritis. Juvenile Arthritis is an "umbrella term" used to describe a variety of autoimmune conditions that affect children under the age of 16. The various types of Juvenile Arthritis share a wide variety of symptoms, such as joint swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. Some types of JA affect the musculoskeletal system. Others may affect the eyes, muscles, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Types of Juvenile Arthritis Types of JA include the following: -Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis -Juvenile Lupus -Juvenile Scleroderma -Fibromyalgia What causes Juvenile Arthritis? While a cause for Juvenile Arthritis is still unknown, some suggest genetics may play a key factor. How is JA diagnosed? The journey to being diagnosed can be quite lengthy, as doctors want to be absolutely certain in their diagnosis. Your child will undergo a physical exam and he or she will look at your child's medic

Chronic illness is a condition that is persistent. Illnesses such as Lupus, Crohn's Disease, Depression, Anxiety, Celiac Disease, and more are life-long illnesses. With it being Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, I wanted to write about what it is like to live with chronic illness. While each of us have our own unique struggle, we share one common characteristic: life with a chronic illness is, indeed, a struggle. Imagine a war between your immune system and your body. While both are supposed to be on the same side, your immune system has gone rogue. Everything in the body: your skin, your organs, your cells, everything is the enemy and must be destroyed. In the meantime, the person suffers the wrath of this epic battle. This is a real-time picture of what happens to someone with a chronic illness, every minute of everyday. We may look as if we are in good shape, but inside, life is deplorable. We are tired. We are in pain. We are sick. Half the time, we don't know wh

It seems like anything can be connected to the internet these days. While that may have some convenience to it, it does put your electronics at risk for viruses. It can also put your good name at risk, since hackers are able to gather your personal information. Recently, a software firm called Trend Micro conducted a test on electronics to see how strong their safeguards are. At one point, Udo Schneider, a spokesman for Trend Micro, placed a large, pink vibrator on a desk in front of him. He put in a few codes on his laptop and was able to bring the vibrator to life. Of course, people watching the stunt giggled at the sight of a large pink sex toy on the table. However, it began to sink in that virtually anything that has internet capability can be hacked. Raimind Genes, a Chief Technology Officer at a Tokyo branch of Trend Micro said that while it was entertaining to see, a hacker could blackmail the programming system behind any device's interface. My Two Cents: Now

Only 1 in 100,000 individuals have this disease. Addison's Disease is a rare autoimmune condition that affects the adrenal glands. These glands play a pivotal role in regulating hormones in the body. When these glands don't produce enough hormones, Addison's Disease occurs. In this disease, the adrenal glands have made an insufficient amount of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is essential for everyday health due to the fact that it regulates the body's response to stress. Cortisol is also responsible for regulating your body's use of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It aids in regulating blood pressure and helps with cardiovascular function. There are two forms of Addison's Disease: Primary Adrenal Insufficiency : The issue rests solely on the adrenal glands (it started there and is contained there). Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency : The issue started elsewhere in the body, such as the pituitary gland. How is Addison's Disease considered au

Roughly 2% of the population has the following autoimmune condition. Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition in which white patches develop onto the skin. This condition can affect any area of the body. Individuals who have vitiligo have white patches in various areas of the body.  This condition is caused by a loss of pigment (melanin) in the skin. While the root cause is not known, doctors theorize that the cause may be autoimmune. They believe that the body's immune system destroys the pigment forming cells (melanocytes), thus causing the white patches on the skin. What are the risk factors for Vitiligo? The onset of this condition develops early in life, when the individual is between 10 and 30 years of age. It is believed that if a family member has this condition, others are at risk for developing vitiligo . Individuals who have other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's, are at risk for vitiligo. Symptoms of Vitiligo -Rapid loss of skin pigmentation on

It goes without saying that this election is pretty brutal on both sides. With candidates rallying for support, the last thing any candidate needs is bad press. Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton just received support from a very controversial and unlikely source: a grand dragon of the KKK. During an interview with The Telegraph , Will Quigg, a grand dragon of the California chapter for the KKK, said the following: “We want Hillary Clinton to win." Quigg believes that Clinton is making false promises to Americans, and once she becomes president, her agenda will shift and be more in line with what he believes. "Border policies are going to be put in place. Our second amendment rights that she’s saying she’s against now, she’s not against. She’s just our choice for the presidency." Quigg was asked how he knows about this so-called KKK-friendly agenda. He said: "I cannot reveal my sources. It’s my opinion – if you know what I mean, wink, wink. I don’t wan

Vasculitis refers to inflammation of blood vessels in the body. When these blood vessels experience inflammation, they weaken and stretch in size. Some may narrow or close entirely. There are some forms of vasculitis that affect the internal organs, examples being the brain, skin, and eyes. Other forms of vasculitis may affect many organs at one time. What causes Vasculitis and how is it considered autoimmune? The underlying cause of vasculitis is unknown. However, some believe that it can be triggered by particular viruses or allergies to medications. Vasculitis is known to develop when a virus has manifested and left. The viral infection triggers an abnormal response in the affected individual's immune system. This can cause the immune system to attack the blood vessels, causing damage. It is also believed that vasculitis is a possible complication of other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogrens Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Lupus. Vasculitis has the potential