At city hall on Thursday, Dr. John Pasternak, Mayor Linnsie Clark and Gino Iannatone observe the signing of a mayor proclamation, marking March as Amyloidosis Awareness Month.--NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The month of March has been declared Amyloidosis Awareness Month in the City of Medicine Hat, to encourage residents to educate themselves on this potentially fatal condition.
Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in organs. This buildup causes damage to the peripheral nerves, heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, soft tissue, muscle and digestive tract.
While there are treatments available, says Dr. John Pasternak, many people are completely unaware of the disease and may inadvertently allow a significant amount of damage to occur before they successfully receive a diagnosis. He adds he himself, as a family doctor for more than 40 years, only properly learned of the condition after receiving his own diagnosis.
Mayor Linnsie Clark declared the occasion on Thursday, acknowledging the effects of the disease and encouraging residents to be aware of potential symptoms.
“Amyloidosis often affects people who are older or middle aged, however younger people have been diagnosed with this disease,” said Clark. “Some of the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis can include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the ankles and legs, numbness of the hands and feet, carpal tunnel syndrome, bruising around the eyes and an enlarged tongue.”
Amyloidosis has multiple forms, some of which are hereditary, and for many, a positive outcome relies on early detection and treatment before serious damage has occurred.
