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