August 16, 1999
The August/September 1999 issue of The
Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients (TLfDP) explores alternative
and complementary therapies for treating lupus, scleroderma, and other
autoimmune diseases. Once uncommon, the incidence of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) has increased 4-to-15 fold over the last 60 years.
Common symptoms include a butterfly-shaped skin rash across the cheeks
and nose, anemia, joint inflammation (arthritis), kidney inflammation
(nephritis), abnormal antibodies in the blood, and noticeable fatigue.
SLE tends to flare up, then go into remission. SLE-related complications
often lead to death. Scleroderma is characterized by doughy swellings
in the skin that gradually merge and harden, making the skin hard and
tight. Mucous membranes may also become involved. These autoimmune diseases
are usually managed with corticosteroids, especially prednisone. Unfortunately,
high doses of cortisone lead to numerous adverse effects including premature
osteoporosis.
Because of the limited effectiveness
and safety of current treatment, Jonathan Collin, M.D., founding editor
of TLfDP, decided to devote an issue to alternative treatments
for autoimmune illness. Dr. Collin, a practicing physician, was one
of 25 physicians who participated in the formation of the Office of
Alternative Medicine within the National Institutes of Health in 1992.
TLfDP, based in Port Townsend,
Washington, has been an open forum for the exploration of alternative
medical therapies since its beginning as an 8-page newsletter in 1983.
As interest in complementary and alternative medicine has grown, so
has the magazine. Today, TLfDP averages over 120 pages in each
of its 10 issues per year. Alan Gaby, M.D.; Melvyn Werbach, M.D.; Anna
MacIntosh, Ph.D., N.D.; and Kerry Bone, FNIMH, FNHAA are among the regular
columnists. Many of the articles are written by practitioners, who share
data and observation regarding their experience with various techniques
or proprietary formulations. Usually, these observations and conclusions
have not been verified by an independent source. TLfDP is not
a scientific journal, though many of its articles are based on current,
accepted scientific medical knowledge. Rather, it encourages exploration
and dialogue about the many healing modalities that presently are ignored
by conventional Western medicine.
The current issue includes an excerpt
from the new book The Challenges of Lupus, Insights & Hope
by Henrietta Aladjem, who was diagnosed with lupus in 1953. Articles
and abstracts from a diverse range of practitioners look at the use
of nutritional supplements, diet, herbs, exercise, acupressure, chelation
therapy, sauna, and spiritual or meditation practice in the treatment
of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Various risk factors are also
discussed.
The August/September issue is available
for $7.95 plus $5.00 shipping & handling (each issue is sent priority
mail). Washington state residents add 7.9% sales tax. Authenticated
media organizations may receive a complimentary issue upon request by
mail only.
The Townsend Letter, 911 Tyler Street,
Port Townsend WA 98368; phone 360-385-6021; fax 360-385-0699; email:
info@townsendletter.com.
Press
Release Lupus and Autoimmune Disease
August/September
1999 Issue of Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
Literature
Review
Nutrition