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>
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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