Health advocate and Executive Director of the Oyeman Autoimmune Foundation, Emawell Helmina Parker Awl, popularly known as “Sweetness,” has called for increased public awareness of lupus, describing it as a condition in which the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking the body’s own healthy cells.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. Because its symptoms often resemble common illnesses such as malaria or typhoid, many patients are diagnosed late or remain undiagnosed.
Speaking in an interview, Sweetness said lupus disproportionately affects women, particularly Black women. She noted that stress, depression, and environmental factors may act as triggers, while also highlighting the frequent misdiagnosis of the condition due to its similarity to other common illnesses.
She explained that although there is currently no cure for lupus, it can be effectively managed with proper medical care.
“Lupus is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects women, especially Black women,” she said.
Sweetness stressed the importance of adhering to prescribed treatment plans and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices to help manage the condition.
She added that proper dietary management and self-care can help reduce flare-ups and control symptoms, enabling people living with lupus to lead productive lives.
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