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Mark your calendars for July 23 because it's time to raise awareness for a rare and often misunderstood condition on World Sjogren's Day! This day is dedicated to shining a light on Sjogren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's ability to produce moisture – resulting in dry eyes, mouth, and other symptoms. Despite being named after Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren who first identified the syndrome in 1933, it wasn't until 2016 that this day was officially recognized by the International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis (IFAA). Let's come together to educate and support those living with Sjogren's Syndrome and celebrate their strength and resilience.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sjogren's Syndrome Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren identifies the syndrome and describes its symptoms for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation is founded in the United States to fight the disease by raising funds for research and providing patient education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Health Organization Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes Sjogren's Syndrome as a serious, disabling autoimmune disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Sjogren's Conference</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first international Sjogren's conference is held to promote global research collaborations and increase awareness about the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Sjogren's Day Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis (IFAA) designates July 23 as World Sjogren's Day.</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 awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to educate others about Sjogren’s syndrome and its impact. Share personal stories, infographics, and resources to raise awareness.</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'>Host a fundraiser for Sjogren’s research</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a charity event or online fundraiser to support research for Sjogren’s syndrome. This can be a fun way to raise money and bring people together for a good 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'>Attend a support group meeting</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local support group for individuals with Sjogren’s and attend a meeting to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with this condition. You may even learn some new tips and tricks for managing symptoms.</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'>Create a Sjogren’s care package</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a care package filled with items that can help ease symptoms of Sjogren’s, such as eye drops, lip balm, and sugar-free gum. Give it to a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with the condition.</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'>Write a letter to a legislator</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use World Sjogren’s Day as an opportunity to advocate for better healthcare policies for individuals with chronic illnesses like Sjogren’s. Write a letter to your local legislator expressing your support for increased funding and resources for research and treatment options.</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'>Raising awareness for a lesser-known condition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Sjogren's Day is important because it helps to bring attention to a condition that many people may not be familiar with. By spreading awareness, we can help those suffering from Sjogren's syndrome to feel less isolated and alone.</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'>"Unite for better health"</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The theme of World Sjogren's Day is "Unite for better health", emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community to support those affected by this condition. It reminds us of the power of unity and working towards a common goal.</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'>Supporting research and finding a cure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing World Sjogren's Day, we can also support the ongoing research efforts to find better treatments and eventually a cure for this condition. Every bit of awareness and support helps in the fight against Sjogren's syndrome.</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'>Sjogren's Syndrome Affects Millions of People Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sjogren’s Syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, affecting as many as 4 million Americans. The actual number could be much higher, as it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.</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'>Women are Much More Likely to be Affected</h3><p class='facts-content'>Women are nine times more likely to be affected by Sjogren's Syndrome than men. The reason for this gender disparity is still being researched but it is thought to involve hormonal factors.</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'>It Can Take Years to Receive a Diagnosis</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to the complexity and wide range of symptoms, it can take an average of 6.5 years from the onset of symptoms for Sjogren's Syndrome to be correctly diagnosed.</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'>No Cure Exists Currently, But Symptoms Can be Managed</h3><p class='facts-content'>No cure currently exists for Sjogren's Syndrome, but treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. These include medications, lifestyle changes, and symptom-specific therapies.</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'>Sjogren's Syndrome Can Affect Various Parts of the Body</h3><p class='facts-content'>Besides the salivary and tear glands, which cause dry eyes and mouth, Sjogren's can also affect other organs like the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.</p></div></div>
World Sjogren's Day is celebrated on July 23 every year. In 2024 World Sjogren's Day will occur on a Tuesday.
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