What is World Arthritis Day?

World Arthritis Day is a global initiative bringing people together to raise awareness of issues affecting people with RMDs. WAD is recognised every year on 12 OCTOBER and is supported by a year-round global campaign.

RMDs encompass over 200 different diseases and the symptoms can have a serious impact on daily life.² RMDs can affect people of all ages including children and babies and if not treated appropriately, simple daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking, personal hygiene and working are affected – reducing quality of life and impacting on physical abilities.²

High 5 to EVERYONE affected by rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases. Who will you #WADHigh5 this World Arthritis Day? http://thndr.it/1VXuMpg #WADHigh5

In Europe alone, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) affect over 120 MILLION PEOPLE.¹ Almost EVERY FAMILY IS AFFECTED and RMDs impact on more individuals than any other disease group.¹

It’s time to show support for people with RMDs. Help us to raise awareness of RMDs and bring the RMD community – including people with RMDs, their families and friends, healthcare professionals, carers, researchers, policy-makers and patient organisations – and the wider public together through a common action that is universally recognised and grabs attention – THE HIGH 5.

‘HIGH 5 FOR WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY’ asks people to share virtual High 5s to raise awareness of RMDs and to encourage people to take visible action over RMDs. Our aim is to take social media by storm!

But how? In addition to joining the Thunderclap, there are other ways you can get involved:

•    Write a name on your hand and take a photo, share the virtual High 5 on social media using the hashtag #WADHigh5

•    Visit the World Arthritis Day website www.worldarthritisday.org  to find a World Arthritis Day event near you

 

References

1.        Questions and answers on rheumatic diseases fact sheet. EULAR. Available at: http://www.eular.org/myUploadData/files/Q-and-A-on-RMDs.pdf
2.        10 things you should know about rheumatic diseases fact sheet. EULAR. Available at: http://www.eular.org/myUploadData/files/10%20things%20on%20RD.pdf
3.        Physical activities and exercises for people with RMDs fact sheet. World Arthritis Day. Available at: http://www.worldarthritisday.org/xxx