May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Many health departments, senior centers, and retirement communities plan activities to recognize the seriousness of this often debilitating condition and educate people about how to prevent and manage it.
5 Actionable Ways To Recognize Arthritis Awareness Month in Your Community
No matter your skill set or location, there are ways to get involved in Arthritis Awareness Month this year. Here are some simple suggestions for increasing awareness and recognition of arthritis in your community.
- Attend or Host Educational Events
There are usually several options for Arthritis educational events during May. Check community calendars or call senior or community centers to find one that appeals to you. If you have specialized knowledge about arthritis, consider sharing it with your community.
- Participate in Fundraising and Awareness Walks
There is a good chance you’ll find a Walk to Cure Arthritis event somewhere nearby. Don’t get discouraged if there isn’t a local event. Instead, make plans to start your own.
A local Arthritis Awareness Month walk doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. Gather a group of people and start walking. If you choose to fundraise, pick an arthritis-based cause to donate the proceeds to.
May is also a great time to look into organized walking programs. Look for options designed for people with arthritis and other mobility-limiting conditions to promote inclusivity.
- Wear a Blue Ribbon To Raise Arthritis Awareness
Sometimes, it is the little things that matter. When you head out in the morning, clip a blue arthritis awareness ribbon to your outfit. Consider handing them out wherever you go to share the message with a wider audience.
Blue is traditionally the color of arthritis awareness. However, some ribbons use other colors. The rheumatoid arthritis ribbon is a deep indigo with gold edging.
- Share on Social Media
For all of the negative attention it gets, there are some pluses to using social media. It is an excellent way to get a message out to a large group of people. That’s why many organizations encourage you to consider sharing your experience with the condition on social media this Arthritis Awareness Month.
If you aren’t sure where to start, consider participating in an established social media campaign. For example, the Arthritis Foundation uses Green Heart Fridays to unite, empower, and mobilize the arthritis community. They provide simple pre-formatted posts you can use to show your support.
- Show Appreciation for Arthritis Caregivers
Arthritis Awareness Month is a great time to show appreciation for those providing daily care to people with arthritis. A few ideas to help you get started include:
- Organize a card drive and then distribute them to caregivers
- Stop in at a nursing home, assisted living community, or senior center with snacks or flowers
- Treat your caregiver with a gift certificate to their favorite lunch spot or a day spa
If you aren’t able to buy a gift, remember that a simple handwritten note goes a long way to showing how much someone’s help means to you.
Take Action This Year for Arthritis Awareness Month
This May, take action for Arthritis Awareness Month by learning more about the condition or sharing your story with others. Elder Care Alliance hosts programs that promote healthy living with arthritis. Contact us to learn how you can get involved.
