National Fibromyalgia Association Launches New Awareness Campaign!

To raise public awareness, correct misperceptions and offer support to the millions of Americans suffering with fibromyalgia — the most common widespread, chronic pain condition in the US — the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is launching a new public awareness campaign, Facing Fibromyalgia, Finding Hope. The campaign will include a public service announcement and an interactive Web site where visitors can: Ģ Learn about the condition and find out where to go for help and support Ģ Read about the latest treatments and research Ģ Discover key questions to ask their physicians The NFA will also unveil the results of a new survey evaluating the publics awareness and perceptions about fibromyalgia, which shows that people have a lot to learn about the debilitating pain condition. Findings include: Ģ Nearly half (45%) of people surveyed have never heard of fibromyalgia, demonstrating more awareness is needed Ģ Survey respondents perceive fibromyalgia as having a strong or very strong impact on patients ability to work (62%), to care for family (54%) and on their personal relationships (47%) Ģ Of respondents who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a healthcare professional, 42% report waiting two or more years for the diagnosis, including 22% who report waiting five years or more For more information about fibromyalgia, please visit: http://www.fibrohope.org www.fibrohope.org Facts About Fibromyalgia: Ģ Fibromyalgia affects more than 6 million Americans, yet the condition is often misunderstood, confused with other conditions and can be difficult to diagnose Ģ Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain accompanied by poor sleep, stiffness and fatigue Ģ Between 80-90% of people with fibromyalgia are women, although men can also develop the condition More About Lynne Matallana and Dr. Peeke: Lynne Matallana, Founder and President of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995 after seeing 37 doctors. She can share her personal story including symptoms, diagnosis and management; discuss the importance of support and resources for patients and families; and share the NFAs efforts to increase public awareness. The NFA is the largest nonprofit organization for people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses. Dr. Pamela Peeke is a world-renowned physician and scientist, recognized by the National Institutes of Health as one of the leading women physicians in America . An internist, she holds the position of Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she is a Pew Foundation Scholar in Nutrition and Metabolism. Dr. Peeke can cover the importance of diagnosis, discuss treating and managing the condition, and share the debilitating impact of the condition on patients. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=33985