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Join us this Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month to learn more about this chronic condition, support those affected, and spread awareness for better understanding.
Get ready to learn and spread awareness about a condition that affects millions of people worldwide – it's Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month! Every May 1, individuals and organizations come together to educate others about this chronic pain disorder, as well as raise funds for research and support services. Did you know that fibromyalgia affects mostly women, but can also occur in men and children? Despite its prevalence, many are still unaware of the symptoms and impact of this condition. So let's use this month to not only educate ourselves but also spread compassion and understanding towards those who may be suffering from fibromyalgia.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1821</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Documented Symptoms</div><div class='timeline-text'>William Balfour, a surgeon at the University of Edinburgh, describes the symptoms of what we now know as fibromyalgia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Term 'Fibromyalgia' Coined</div><div class='timeline-text'>The term "fibromyalgia" is first used by P.K. Hench to describe chronic, widespread pain and tender points on the body.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American College of Rheumatology establishes official diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, aiding in diagnosis and clinical studies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First FDA-Approved Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Lyrica for the treatment of fibromyalgia, the first medication approved specifically for the condition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Second Edition Diagnostic Criteria</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American College of Rheumatology publishes the second edition of the fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Fibromyalgia Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Fibromyalgia Association continues to empower and educate the fibromyalgia community, healthcare professionals, and the public about the disorder.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser for fibromyalgia research</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a charity event or fundraiser to raise money and awareness for fibromyalgia. This could be anything from a bake sale to a 5K run, and all proceeds can go towards supporting research and education about the condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple to show your support</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the official color for fibromyalgia awareness, so encourage others to wear purple throughout the month to show their support and help spark conversations about the condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share educational resources on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about fibromyalgia by sharing informative articles, videos, and infographics on your social media platforms. This will help educate others about the condition and its impact on those who live with it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a support group meeting</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Connect with others who have fibromyalgia by organizing a support group meeting in your community. This will provide a safe and understanding space for individuals to share their experiences and support one another.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a fibromyalgia awareness event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events or conferences dedicated to fibromyalgia education and awareness and attend them to learn more about the condition and connect with others in the community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spreading awareness and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month is an important time for spreading knowledge and understanding about this chronic pain disorder. Many people are still unaware of what fibromyalgia is, which can lead to judgment and misunderstanding towards those who suffer from it. By educating others, we can help break down these barriers and create a more supportive environment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encouraging self-care and support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During this month, there is a focus on promoting self-care practices for those living with fibromyalgia. This includes things like exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits. It also reminds us of the importance of providing support and understanding to our loved ones who may be struggling with this condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Advocating for research and treatment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness and education during this month, we also hope to encourage more research and funding for fibromyalgia treatments. There is still much to be learned about this condition, and by advocating for more resources, we can work towards finding better treatment options and ultimately improving the lives of those affected.</p></div></div>
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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