Almost everyone living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) would probably agree: there’s a need to increase public understanding about RA. The general public seems to have some serious misconceptions about what exactly RA is and what it’s really like to live with RA.

RDAM was launched just two years ago by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), to improve the public’s understanding of rheumatic diseases, like RA, and the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and health impacts of life with RA.

The theme of RDAM is “Hundreds of Diseases, One Voice.” This encourages us to work together, speak as one voice, and to help educate the public about the realities of rheumatic diseases and what it’s like to live with one. It’s an opportunity to advocate for health and well being, and to help advance healthcare policies that give access to safe, affordable, and effective healthcare.

So what can you do to help promote awareness during September? For starters, share this article with your friends and family members – or perhaps direct them to this article so they can learn about the difference between RA and OA. Contact your lawmaker to encourage them to acknowledge RDAM and fight for laws that provide us with better healthcare – the Simple Tasks website offers an easy to use form. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #RDAM.

If we truly act as one voice, we can encourage more understanding and compassion for people living with rheumatic diseases — which will improve the lives of millions of Americans!

Content pulled from https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/september-is-rheumatic-disease-awareness-month/