Today Is World Arthritis Day

Today Is World Arthritis Day.

This is a day meant to raise awareness of individuals suffering from rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) as well as to give such sufferers support and an opportunity to voice their opinions, hopes, and frustrations.

World Arthritis Day was established in 1996 by the organization Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI). Having this day set aside creates an “ideal focus” for organizations to “raise awareness of issues affecting people with RMDs and for individuals to support campaigns,” writes the foundation’s website.

Goals of World Arthritis Day are to not only raise awareness of RMDs within the medical community and the general public, but to also influence public policy by informing “decision-makers” of the burdens individuals with RMDs suffer. By being fully informed, such influential people in a community can hopefully take steps that may ease the struggles of individuals with RMDs.

A final goal is to reinforce the fact that a large and handy support system is easily accessible to all RMD sufferers and their caretakers.

The World Arthritis Day website, which was created in the year 2003, is supported and managed by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). It is the center of campaign activities, information, and vital material for any organization seeking to represent patients with RMDs.

As this is an international event, all of the materials listed on the website are adaptable to different countries and languages, so any organization worldwide may participate.

Every one to two years, EULAR chooses a new theme for World Arthritis Day. This year’s theme is “Move to Improve,” which encourages movement among sufferers of RMDs.

As further encouragement, the website held an “Action Shot” competition for individuals with RMDs and has posted the winners on the main page. The competition required the participants to take pictures while taking part in an activity requiring movement, such as Tai Chi Qigong (a form of martial arts) as one winner—Yan Yishu—shows himself doing.

On winning the competition, Yishu writes, “I think this honor is not just for me, but for all people who do physical activities to fight against RMDs. I hope more people will benefit from practicing Tai Chi Qigong, an ancient Chinese art which is effective, economical and convenient."

Previous themes from prior years are also listed.

The World Arthritis Day map of activities shows each region and country where organizations have set up events; the nations range from the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, South Africa, and many others.