Connecting the Community:
First Local Meeting Informs and Educates
First posted April 17, 2003
On April 12, 2003, about 100 members of the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community in Portland, Ore., gathered to learn about treatments, to connect with others and meet with National Psoriasis Foundation representatives.
The event, titled "A New Era of Care: Understanding Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis," was the first in a series of Community Education Meetings being held this spring. The next meeting will be in Seattle, Wash., on April 26.
Register for upcoming events.
After opening remarks by Kelly Coates, director of patient services and member relations, the Psoriasis Foundation's president and CEO, Gail Zimmerman, gave an overview of the causes and symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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Diane Baker, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at Oregon Health Sciences University, then described new treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, including biologics.
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Following a short intermission, the seminar resumed with an informative Q&A session where attendees asked specific questions to the panel, which included Board of Trustees member Ben Isenberg, who also has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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"Just wanted to thank the NPF for the great presentation today in Portland. The panel of experts seemed to really know what they were talking about, and I got some good info from the Q&A session."
Kim—post on message board
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The questions covered the gamut—from research to treatment and emotional aspects. For example, one attendee questioned why psoriasis targets only certain skin cells, but not all. Dr. Baker answered that not all is known about the mechanics of psoriasis, but that previous injury to the skin could trigger the process that leads to psoriasis.
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"That information you gave today was fantastic. I REALLY respect an organization that can bring a VERY neutral view to my question. Giving both the pro's and con's without personal bias. I commend you, and THANK YOU"
Gail—via e-mail
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"Does the Willamette Valley dampness have a worse effect on psoriasis?" asked another attendee.
Some people might notice their psoriasis is worse in the winter when it is drier, Dr. Baker said. Conversely, you might notice your psoriasis improve in the summer because you are getting more exposure to ultraviolet rays, she said.
"A warm, humid climate is probably the best for people with psoriasis," Dr. Baker suggested.
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The meeting seemed to provide the connection people were seeking. Heading out into the sun after the meeting, Portlander Rachel Reckord, 27, said she learned a little bit from the meeting, but wished there was more information offered about alternative treatments.
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She said she had psoriasis since she was 12, and today, computer savvy, she finds most of the answers she is looking for on the Internet.
So what part of the meeting did she enjoy most? The Q&A session.
"You get to see other people and what they're interested in," she said. "That's what I look for, just to sit in the room and know you're not the only one who has it; it's a good reminder."
Look for more pictures from the Portland Community Education Meeting in the May/June 2003 Psoriasis Advance, available to members.
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