National Psoriasis Foundation Launches Inaugural Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Action Week on May 1, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore., April 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In its 50th year, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is proud to launch its first-ever Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Action Week, a campaign that aims to provide concrete ways to better live, work and play with PsA while providing information about diagnosis and treatment options. The week will also help those living with psoriasis learn the symptoms of PsA and the steps to take to get help treating the disease.

More than 8 million Americans live with psoriatic disease, a chronic, immune-mediated disease that is treatable, yet has no cure. Approximately one in three people living with psoriasis may be at risk for developing PsA. NPF aims to ensure that all patients know the symptoms of PsA and how to best treat the disease to live full, active lives. Studies show that delaying the treatment of PsA for as little as six months could result in permanent joint damage.

PsA Action Week begins Monday, May 1, 2017, with the launch of www.psoriasis.org/psa-action-week, a website providing resources for people living with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and information to help them know the risks of PsA and how to manage the disease. The website will include a screening tool for people living with psoriasis to see if they are at risk for developing PsA. The tool will provide them insight on what to do if they are at risk for developing the disease and how to monitor for symptoms if their risk is low. Additionally, the website will offer a questionnaire for those living with PsA about how the disease impacts their daily life. Those who submit the questionnaire will receive a personalized electronic tool kit for managing their disease and be offered to speak with someone from the Patient Navigation Center to learn more about their disease.

NPF will also host two live events on Facebook during the week. On Wednesday May 3, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. EST/12:30 p.m. PST, NPF will go live featuring an individual with psoriatic arthritis who will speak about working with the Patient Navigation Center to manage their disease. Stress and its effects on psoriatic disease will be a major focus, as well as personal tips to help de-stress, relax and unwind. On Friday, May 5, 2017, at 4 p.m. EST/1 p.m. PST, NPF will hold a second Facebook live event featuring rheumatologist R. Peter Bonafede, M.D., FACR of the Providence Arthritis Center at Providence Portland Medical Center. Dr. Bonafede will be interviewed by Patient Navigation Center Associate Director Kathleen Carter about various aspects of PsA and will share his insights about psoriatic arthritis symptoms, treatment and disease management.

On Thursday May 4, 2017, NPF will hold a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., focused on educating members of congress and staff about the serious nature of PsA. Information will be provided on the ways the federal government can support individuals living with psoriatic arthritis, clinicians and researchers working to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of PsA. Attendees will hear from an individual living with psoriatic arthritis, Randy Beranek, NPF president and CEO, and NPF Medical Board Member, Evan Siegel, M.D., FACR, Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, PC.

In recognition of PsA Action Week, NPF has published a supplement to its Psoriasis Advance Magazine, titled PsA Active Magazine. Dedicated to helping people understand the best ways to treat PsA, PsA Active Magazine features educational content for those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and is a guide for living your best life with PsA. Readers will receive expert advice on managing symptoms, learn about the latest scientific discoveries and gain valuable lifestyle tips for managing their disease at home, in the workplace and on the go. Throughout the week, the NPF Blog will be updated with stories featuring patients and experts providing helpful tips and information about living with PsA.

Over the last 50 years, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has become the world's leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization fighting for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. NPF leads this fight by driving efforts for a cure and improving the lives of the more than 8 million Americans affected by this chronic disease. To date, NPF has funded more than $15 million in research grants and fellowships, and to commemorate 50 years, NPF plans to raise an additional $2 million for early scientific career research programs in 2017 alone. Each year, NPF strives to support, educate and advocate on behalf of more individuals living with or caring for someone with the disease than ever before. As part of that effort, NPF established the Patient Navigation Center to offer personalized assistance to everyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Join our community today and help drive discovery and create community for all living with psoriatic disease.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation

Related Links

http://www.psoriasis.org