September is the First Annual Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month

September is the first Annual Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM)

“Hundreds of diseases. One voice.”

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and its national public awareness campaign, Simple Tasks, have created Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month. ACR is the leading association representing rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. There are many, many conditions that fall under the rheumatic disease header, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and more than 100 lesser-known conditions.

RDAM seeks to increase public understanding and awareness of the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, personal and economic impact, and lifestyle and healthcare challenges associated with rheumatic diseases. September provides an opportunity for concerned individuals and groups to advocate for the health and wellbeing of those living with rheumatic disease (like me!) and to advance healthcare policies that help patients access safe, affordable, and effective healthcare.

As the “RA Science Experiment”, I am trying in my own small way to raise awareness about my rheumatic disease. Not many people fully understand RA symptoms and its complications, speaking together as one voice, we can change that during RDAM 2016.

Check out the ACR’s Simple Tasks website (www.SimpleTasks.org) and watch for the official RDAM 2016 hashtag, #RDAM. You can also link with the ACR on Facebook.  

Susan