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National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12 is a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness about this chronic condition. This day was first established in 1998, and since then it has grown into an annual event that brings together individuals living with fibromyalgia, their families, friends and caregivers to create awareness for the illness. It's also a great opportunity for people to come together in solidarity and show support for those who are struggling with this painful disorder.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fibromyalgia Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The term fibromyalgia is first used in medical literature, replacing the older term "fibrositis" and acknowledging the condition as not being inflammatory nature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medical Acceptance of Fibromyalgia</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Medical Association officially recognizes fibromyalgia as a medical disorder, validating the pain and symptoms sufferers experience.</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'>Diagnostic Criteria Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American College of Rheumatology develops the first diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, providing clear guidance for medical professionals to diagnose the condition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is held on May 12, creating a platform for advocating and raising awareness about the condition.</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'>Lyrica (pregabalin) becomes the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Diagnostic Criteria</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American College of Rheumatology updates their diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, no longer requiring tender point examination for diagnosis.</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'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about fibromyalgia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the condition can help you better support those who live with it.</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'>Donate to a fibromyalgia charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose an organization that supports research into fibromyalgia and make a donation in honor of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.</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'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host an event such as a silent auction or bake sale to raise funds for a fibromyalgia charity.</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'>Send positive messages</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write encouraging cards or letters to people living with fibromyalgia, offering words of comfort and support.</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'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the color of international awareness for fibromyalgia. Wear something purple to show your support.</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'>It raises awareness of Fibromyalgia</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is an important day that helps to raise awareness about fibromyalgia and the impact it has on people’s lives. It can help bring visibility to a condition that affects millions of people around the world, but often goes unrecognised or misunderstood.</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'>It shows support for those living with Fibromyalgia</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Fibromyalgia can be an isolating condition due to its complexity and lack of understanding from others. That's why National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is so important - by showing our support we let those who are affected know that they are not alone and that we are here for them.</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'>It leads to better diagnosis & treatment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The more attention Fibromyalgia receives, the closer we get to finding an effective way to diagnose and treat it. By acknowledging this day, we can continue to push forward in finding improved treatments and management strategies so that those living with this condition can live happier, healthier lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is internationally recognized</h3><p class='facts-text'>Originating in California, USA, this day is now recognized and commemorated by Fibromyalgia associations all over the world, from Australia to Canada, emphasizing the global impact of this chronic health condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Lifting the Fog" is the theme of Fibromyalgia Awareness Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>The fog symbolizes the cognitive difficulties many people with fibromyalgia experience, often referred to as "fibro fog." The aim is to lift this fog through awareness and understanding.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fibromyalgia affects more women than men</h3><p class='facts-text'>Studies show that fibromyalgia affects nearly twice as many women as men, making it particularly important to raise awareness among women and their healthcare providers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fibromyalgia can result in work disability</h3><p class='facts-text'>Fibromyalgia can significantly impair a person's ability to work, with over 25% of fibromyalgia patients reporting being on disability benefits, underscoring the seriousness and potential life-altering impact of the condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's no specific test for fibromyalgia diagnosis</h3><p class='facts-text'>Diagnosing fibromyalgia is often a process of elimination as there are no specific lab tests available. It is usually diagnosed when other potential causes of the symptoms have been ruled out, highlighting the need for further research and understanding.</p></div></div>
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is celebrated on May 12 every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Sunday.
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