Do You Have a New Year's Resolution to Control Your Lupus? Start Here

Our multispecialty team at Allergy A.R.T.S. provides expert allergy, asthma, and rheumatology care from state-of-the-art facilities in Amarillo, Texas. We also offer the latest in diagnostic testing and treatment services with our on-site lab, imaging unit, infusion center, and other fully accredited departments.

If you’re living with lupus, setting a New Year’s resolution to improve your health is more than a hopeful gesture; it’s a powerful declaration that you’re ready to take charge.

While lupus can affect each person differently, specific core strategies can help nearly everyone living with the condition reduce flares, protect long-term health, and improve quality of life.

Here’s where to begin.

1. Understand the condition

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation in the skin, joints, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.

Symptoms can vary widely, including fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and fever, which often makes diagnosis challenging. Although there is no cure, early and consistent treatment is essential.

Without proper care, lupus can damage major organs and significantly impact quality of life. Medications and lifestyle management help control flare-ups, reduce inflammation, and protect long-term health, allowing many people with lupus to live active, fulfilling lives.

At Allergy A.R.T.S., we focus on educating our patients about how lupus affects long-term health and keeping them informed about the latest and most effective treatment strategies.

2. Recommit to routine follow-up care 

Consistent medical care is an essential component of successful lupus management. Schedule (or confirm) your routine follow-up appointments now so they’re already on your 2026 calendar.

These visits help your provider track disease activity, monitor your medications, and adjust your treatment plan as your needs change throughout the year. Don’t wait for a flare—proactive care is key.

3. Review and optimize your medications 

Whether you’re taking hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, or newer biologic treatments, medication adherence is critical for preventing flares and minimizing long-term organ damage.

Use the new year as an opportunity to review your prescriptions, set reminders for daily doses, and discuss any side effects you’ve been experiencing with your Allergy A.R.T.S. specialist. Minor adjustments can make a big difference.

4. Protect yourself from lupus flares 

Sun exposure, stress, colds, and other common infections are known triggers of lupus. On the other hand, healthy daily habits can help lower inflammation and support immune balance.

Preventing flares is often easier than managing them. Consider adding one, two, or more of these manageable goals to your resolution list:

• Follow a balanced anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and omega-3s 
• Stay active with low-impact, joint-friendly movement like walking, swimming, or yoga 
• Support restful sleep with a consistent bedtime and limiting screentime before bed
• Destress with focused relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily 
• Wash your hands regularly and avoid ill contacts when you can

These changes don’t have to be drastic. Incremental improvements can create long-lasting benefits.

5. Listen to your body and speak up 

Your symptoms matter. If you notice new fatigue, rashes, joint pain, swelling, or just don’t feel well, don’t wait until your next appointment. Early communication with your care team can prevent symptoms from escalating.

Ready for the new year? 

A New Year’s resolution to take control of lupus is achievable with the right plan, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Schedule an evaluation at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, today. Call the office or reach out online with questions.