Dr. Tarek Kudaimi, a member of the LFA, Indiana Chapter Medical Advisory Board, will answer questions about lupus and standard treatments from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dr. Kudaimi practices Internal Medicine and Rheumatology in Merrillville, Munster, and Portage. Dr. Kudaimi will refer patients with specific questions about their personal health situations to their personal physicians.

The chapter will unveil new publications for its lupus patient education series at the open house. Five new booklets and 11 fact sheets provide the latest medically sound information about lupus diagnosis and treatment.

The publications feature easy-to-read language within a simple layout to help people with lupus and others learn about the disease and its impact on individuals and families. Developed in consultation with the nation's leading lupus experts and people affected by lupus, the materials provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of living and coping with the disease.

Booklets and corresponding fact sheets are:

· Understanding Lupus

· Diagnosing Lupus

· Treating Lupus

· Living with Lupus

· Coping with Lupus

Additional fact sheets about specific organ involvement tell about Lupus and the cardiovascular system, the renal system, the skin, the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and the gastrointestinal system.

In addition, the LFA has developed a series of Quick Guides which provide information about the impact of lupus on specific population groups that are at greater risk for developing lupus n African Americans, Asians, Native Americans and Hispanics/Latinos.

Several books about lupus from the Chapter's library will be offered at a 50 percent discount during the open house.

The chapter office in Potage serves the entire state; call (800) 948-8806 toll-free or visit www.lupusnwichapter.org.

- For The Times