Get ready to raise awareness for Raynaud's Disease this February 1, as it marks the start of Raynaud's Awareness Month! This month-long campaign began in 2009 with the goal of educating people about this rare condition that affects millions worldwide. Named after French physician Maurice Raynaud, this disorder causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict in response to cold temperatures or stress, leading to numbness and discoloration. But don't let that dampen your spirits – there are plenty of ways to support those living with Raynaud's and spread some warmth and positivity during this month.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of Raynaud's</div><div class='timeline-text'>French doctor Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud discovers Raynaud's disease, a rare disorder of the blood vessels.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Clinical Definitions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Clinical definitions and specifications for diagnosing Raynaud's are established and outlined by the medical community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advance in Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Medications to treat Raynaud's, like calcium channel blockers, become more common in the 1970s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Awareness of Raynaud's disease increases, with more publications and information available to the public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Raynaud’s Association Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Raynaud’s Association is founded to provide support and education to individuals with the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Raynaud's Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Raynaud's Awareness Month is first observed in February to promote awareness and understanding of the disease.</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'>Spread the word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share information about Raynaud's Awareness Month on your social media platforms or with your friends and family. This will help raise awareness and educate others about this 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 blue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Blue is the official color of Raynaud's Awareness Month. Show your support by wearing something blue or creating a blue-themed outfit to bring attention to this important cause.</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'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraising event to support organizations that are dedicated to research and support for individuals with Raynaud's. This could be a charity walk, bake sale, or even an online donation campaign.</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'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about Raynaud's, its symptoms, and how it affects those who have it. This will not only help you understand the condition better, but also allow you to better support and advocate for those who are affected by it.</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'>Support local businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and support businesses that offer products or services that can help individuals with Raynaud's, such as heated clothing or hand warmers. This is a great way to show your support for both local businesses and those affected by Raynaud's.</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 for a little-known condition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, and other areas. By dedicating a whole month to it, we can bring more attention to this potentially debilitating condition and educate others about its symptoms and treatment.</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 supports those who suffer from Raynaud's</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Having Raynaud's can greatly impact one's daily life and activities. By promoting awareness, we can show support and understanding for those who may be struggling with this condition. This can also help reduce stigmatization and promote inclusion for individuals with Raynaud's.</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 encourages research and advances in treatment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By bringing more attention to Raynaud's, we hope to encourage further research into its causes and potential treatments. This can lead to better understanding of the condition and potentially improve the quality of life for individuals with Raynaud's. It also helps healthcare professionals to better identify and treat those with the condition.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raynaud's Disease Affects Circulation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raynaud's disease is a condition in which certain parts of the body - typically the fingers and toes - have reduced blood flow upon exposure to cold or stress, causing them to turn white and blue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Two Types of Raynaud's Disease</h3><p class='facts-content'>Primary Raynaud's, also known as Raynaud's disease, is the most common and tends to be less severe. Secondary Raynaud's, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is less common and is caused by an underlying disease or condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women are more likely to have Raynaud's Disease</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raynaud's disease appears to be more common in women than men. It also often begins earlier in life, typically between ages 15 and 30.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Certain Jobs can increase risk of secondary Raynaud's</h3><p class='facts-content'>Jobs that involve repetitive actions or expose you to certain chemicals or vibrations can increase your risk of developing secondary Raynaud's.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raynaud's Disease is usually managed, not cured</h3><p class='facts-content'>There is no cure for Raynaud's disease. However, it's symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, medications.</p></div></div>
Raynaud's Awareness Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Thursday.
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Feb 1
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