For people living with painful conditions, September is a time for their true stories of triumph to emerge. Helping to foster support and communication, National Pain Awareness Month allows people with painful conditions to educate others about their experiences, build connections and together fight their pain. Fibromyalgia has been a commonly misunderstood chronic pain disorder that is estimated to affect approximately 5 million Americans.(1) The disorder is characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tenderness for at least three months(2), and is frequently accompanied by fatigue, emotional changes and sleep problems.(2,3) Experts recommend that a combination of education, lifestyle changes and medication may be the key to helping people who have fibromyalgia feel better.(4)
Even though fibromyalgia has gained more public attention, efforts to drive awareness are still needed. That's why best-selling author and renowned life coach Martha Beck is championing the cause through the educational initiative Know Fibro. Through video sessions that are now posted on the initiative's Web site, www.KnowFibro.com, Martha shares details of her nearly 30-year battle with fibromyalgia, and shares tips that have helped her feel better. "I want people to know they're not alone," said Beck. "These videos not only provide an honest look into how the disorder has impacted every aspect of my life, but also how I've learned to get my fibromyalgia under control with a comprehensive care plan."
Know Fibro, sponsored by the National Fibromyalgia Association and Eli Lilly and Company, offers a wide range of useful information including resources from leading experts, a Web site with Martha's personal story, easy-to-use tips found in a downloadable book, and FibroGuide, a fibromyalgia self-management program.
About Martha Beck, Ph.D.
Martha Beck, Ph.D., has lived with fibromyalgia for almost 30 years and understands the challenges those with the disorder face. She has a bachelor's, a master's and a Ph.D. in sociology, all three from Harvard University, and has published books and articles on a variety of social science and business topics. She also is a columnist for O, the Oprah Magazine. Beck is sharing her story as the official spokesperson of Know Fibro.
About the National Fibromyalgia Association
The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is a nonprofit [501(c)(3)] organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA concentrates on patient support services, awareness outreach, physician education and research. The NFA produces informational materials, hosts a patient Web site (www.FMaware.org), and a health care provider Web site (www.fibromyalgiaHCP.org), and publishes the only consumer magazine, Fibromyalgia AWARE.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.
(1) Lawrence et al., "Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States." Arthritis Rheum 2008 vol 58 pp 26-35.
(2) Wolfe, F, et al. "The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia." Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1990; 33:160-172.
(3) Arnold, L, et al. "Comorbidity of Fibromyalgia and Psychiatric Disorders." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2006; 67:1219-1225.
(4) Leventhal, LJ. "Management of fibromyalgia." Annals of Internal Medicine. 1999; 131: 850-858.