Community Health Charities Florida August Newsletter 2012

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation, a member of Community Health Charities, sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public and dispelling myths about psoriasis.

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the United States, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals resulting in painful red, scaly patches on the skin that itch and bleed. Psoriasis is not contagious. Yet, many people with the disease face discrimination because others incorrectly fears it is.

In addition to the physical impact, psoriasis exacts an emotional toll. People with psoriasis are more likely to feel embarrassed and anxious. Studies show that nearly three-quarters of psoriasis patients say the disease impacts their overall emotional wellbeing.

Also, people with psoriasis are at increased risk for a number of other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, obesity and depression. Learn more about psoriasis at www.psoriasis.org.

For parents and children

Although psoriasis most frequently occurs between the ages of 15 and 25, it can appear at any time and affects children of all ages. Approximately one-third of those who get psoriasis are under 20 years old when the disease first surfaces.  National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) offers the following resources for parents and children with psoriasis:

·         www.PsoMe.org: The only website dedicated to kids with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Kids with psoriasis can connect with others kids through the Pen Pal program, download information to make presentations at their school, order books about psoriasis for their classroom and more.

·         http://www.psoriasis.org/parents: Offers information for parents to learn about the diseases and help their child cope.

·         www.TalkPsoriasis.org: The largest online message board community for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Join the parents thread on the message board and get advice from one parent to another.

·         Walk to Cure Psoriasis Youth Ambassadors: Youth are the face for local walks and help to raise awareness in their communities. NPF is always looking for fun kids to help tell their stories and raise awareness about the walk program.

·         Information for Parents regarding School: You can help your child be successful at school by educating them about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, discussing concerns, and sharing information with their teachers and other staff.

·         Information for Parents regarding Bullying: School can present unique challenges and concerns for young people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, whether they are in elementary, middle or high school. Learn the signs.

Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest

Picture this: If you have psoriasis or love someone who does, enter our Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest held during Psoriasis Awareness Month. This August, submit a photo that depicts your life with psoriasis – with its challenges, breakthroughs, frustrations and achievements.

We want to see life with psoriasis through your lens. The winner of the Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest will receive a Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera. Second and third place winners get cool prizes, too.

Deadline for submission is Friday, Aug. 31.

For more information and to enter, go to www.psoriasisawarenessmonth.org. 

Source: National Psoriasis Foundation

The Health Matters at Work employee engagement program developed by Community Health Charities brings employers and employees together, so both can benefit from the combined power of the nation’s most trusted health charities.

Follow us on Twitter @healthcharities and connect to credible health information, local volunteer opportunities and employee giving campaigns that make it easier to support the health causes most important to you and your family.