Friday August 23 marks Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
We closed off with Julie Martin - Provincial branch and education
manager for the Arthritis Foundation of South African in the Western
Cape. She explained more Fibromyalgia which affects an estimated 3-6% of the world’s
population of which 10 million people are in America according to the
National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association. It’s most prevalent in
women but also occurs in men and children of all ethnic groups. The day aims to raise awareness as C.A.R.E. and make Fibromyalgia visible is
this year’s theme which encourages people to Contribute, Advocate,
participate in Research, and Educate others
about fibromyalgia by hosting community events such as picnics, dinners,
exhibit tables, walks, Zumbathons, and other creative ways to help other people
know about this invisible illness. Fibromyalgia is a chronic form of
arthritis whereby the primary symptom is widespread aching in addition to
pain on applying pressure to a range of identified tender points in the
body. Symptoms include chronic widespread body
pain, moderate to severe fatigue, sleep disorders and disturbances, problems
with cognitive functioning and memory and also psychological distress (anxiety
and depression), impaired functionality, sensitivity to light, sound, and odours,
stiffness upon awakening, and
sexual dysfunction.
For further information you can contact Julie
on (021) 425 4738 or send an email to julie@arthritis.org.za
alternatively visit www.arthritis.org.za
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