The patients who make up the Arthritis Warriors Association (AGA) propose a campaign to raise awareness about this disease and the importance of people going to health services to receive adequate care.
Let’s talk about Rheumatoid Arthritis is the name of the campaign that proposes to spread information about this autoimmune and systemic disease that mainly affects the small joints of the hands and feetalthough it can also harm large joints and extraarticular structures such as the eyes, skin, lungs, among others.
Spokesmen for the Arthritis Warriors Association highlighted that through the motto “Don’t let fear paralyze you, anticipate arthritis! Aní ne mo kirirí ko mba’asy” They will seek that more people can learn about the disease and know how to recognize the symptoms to access timely treatments.
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AR in Paraguay
According to AGA statistics, it is estimated that in Paraguay some 150,000 people of all ages suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Although the disease has no cure, the association’s spokesmen insist that, with proper diagnosis and treatment, quality of life can be improved and its effects on patients can be controlled.
According to doctor of traumatology Gabriel Elizaur, the disease “is caused by an alteration of the immune system, where there is an exaggerated and inadequate response to certain structures that are its own, that is why it is called autoimmune, for attacking something of its own,” he says. In its development, genetic factors are associated that predispose to suffering from the disease, to which are added environmental factors, mainly cigarette consumption and, to a lesser extent, infections or stress.
Healthy day for patients
Throughout the month of October, an agenda of content will be developed to be disseminated through the social networks (Facebook and Instagram) of the Arthritis Warriors Association, which will include guidelines on arthritis, including basic information, advice and care, to interactive content and patient testimonials.
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The importance of mental health
Regarding the collateral implications of rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Elizaur warns that This disease “can not only become physically invalidating and affect the quality of life from the physical point of view, in terms of the act of dressing, combing, brushing or even eating, but it can also affect or impact in the quality of life from the psychological point of view.
The professional maintains that rheumatoid arthritis typically affects people of childbearing age, who are actively working, and this situation has a psychological impact. “That’s why the support you can receive from the family is so important, mainly, whether it’s from your partner, your children or your parents,” says Elizaur.
About the campaign Let’s talk about Rheumatoid Arthritis
Let’s talk about AR is a regional campaign designed to inspire and empower patientscalling them to action along with their doctors, to persevere and reach their personal treatment goals and stop settling for options that are just good.
Amalia Cutillo, president of the Association of Arthritis Warriors, mentions that “in the country there are treatments and medication indicated by rheumatologists that contribute to ostensibly improve the quality of life of patients, so it is important to encourage them to access consultation without setbacks. Likewise, the head of the association emphasizes that rheumatoid arthritis patients can access various health centers that have the care of rheumatologists trained to treat this disease.
