History, Importance, and Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.
Established on February 2 by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Foundation as an opportunity to raise funds for research and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day is dedicated to spreading awareness about this debilitating autoimmune disease and is observed annually.
It is celebrated on February 2 every year all over the world. The goal of RA Awareness Day is to educate people about the disease and its impact on those affected by it and to raise funds for research and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of people with RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other parts of the body. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage. RA is a progressive disease that can be disabling, painful, and shorten life expectancy.
A report by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Company (MDPI) suggests that approximately 10 million Indians may have RA in 2022, with women being approximately 5 times more likely to develop the condition compared to men. Individuals over 40 years of age have a higher incidence rate.
History of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA Awareness Day In 2011, a patient group and several organizations came together to form the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation.
The aim was to create a platform to shed light on this debilitating disease and spread awareness about it.
The foundation launched RA Awareness Day in 2013 with the aim of educating the public and dispelling common misconceptions about the disease.
After many years of waiting and many awareness campaigns, this day has received recognition from many organizations and medical institutions worldwide and has become a major event to raise awareness about Rheumatoid arthritis. The day highlights the impact of the disease on refugees and the available treatment options.
The Importance of RA
Observing RA Awareness Day helps spread awareness about the disease, reduce confusion, and increase understanding among the public. In addition to raising awareness, RA Awareness Day is also an opportunity to raise funds for research and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of people living with RA. Many organizations and advocacy groups work year-round to support people with RA, and they rely on the generosity of individuals and communities to fund their efforts. By participating in RA Awareness Day events, individuals and organizations can make a difference in the lives of people with RA.
Another important aspect of RA Awareness Day is that it is a good opportunity for people with RA to connect with others who share their experiences. Through online forums, support groups, and other resources, people with RA can connect with others and find comfort and support. This can be especially important for those who feel lonely, as RA can often be a very lonely and isolating experience.
Facts :
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.
- RA is a systemic disease, meaning it affects the entire body, not just the joints. It can cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, and weight loss to make you feel its effects.
- RA affects more women than men and usually develops between the ages of 40 and 60.
- The exact cause of RA is not yet fully known, but genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are considered to be causes.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of RA are essential to preventing joint damage and other complications. Treatments for RA include medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.