The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) hosts Psoriasis Awareness Month every month of August. The NPF is a non-profit organization with a mission to push for a cure for psoriatic disease as it advocates for the improvement of the lives of those affected by it.
Throughout August, NPF will be sharing resources for treating and managing the disease so sufferers can take control of their health. Each week contains new ideas and challenges for people to test their knowledge and apply solutions to live a full, vibrant and active life. All challenge deadlines are in September, so don’t worry if you didn’t get to start on time.
Do you want to be one of NPF’s Psoriatic Psuperheroes?
You can help create awareness by spreading the news and tips and get involved in the movement, psoriasis isn’t contagious — awareness is!
Week 1: Get Informed
Take the five-question quiz and get a $5 gift card if you are among the first 100 to complete it. The questions help you gain awareness of how well you are managing your psoriatic disease. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be a daily challenge, so learn everything that you can about it to better cope with it and its side effects.
Week 2: Get Healthy
Are you motivated to be “Whole Body Healthy”? Tell your story on Facebook with the hashtag #wholebodyhealthy. The four most inspiring posts will win a basket of wellness goodies to help you achieve your goals. Gain knowledge about how your outlook and awareness of your lifestyle affects your wellness, and how small changes like eating right and using a hypoallergenic bamboo pillow can help you get healthy.
Week 3: Get Involved
Join NPF and help create awareness about psoriatic disease and be a Psoriatic Psuperhero for you and your loved ones. It can be difficult to access affordable health care and treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Help NPF make a difference in their advocacy with state and political offices to shape laws and policies. Get involved in research fundraisers and volunteer in whatever ways you can. Become a National Psoriasis Foundation Community Ambassador or sign up to participate in a Team NPF event. You can also register to host a Team NPF DIY event or attend a Be Joint Smart or More Than Skin Deep event or webcast.
Take a photo with the Psoriatic Psuperhero selfie-sign and post it on Facebook and Instagram with a comment about how you are getting involved. Tag the National Psoriasis Foundation and add the hashtag #psoriaticpsuperhero. 75 of the best ones will get a Psoriatic Psuperhero t-shirt.
Week 4: Get Connected
Psoriatic disease can be lonely, but you are not alone. There are millions of people who share your experience. TalkPsoriasis is the world’s largest international virtual support community. Connect with your doctor and start a treatment plan. Connect with NPF through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to connect you with others who face the same challenges you do and can offer advice and support. NPF can also match you with a mentor through their Psoriasis One to One program.
Join the Citizen Pscientist interactive research community to share your data, get input from others and get a chance to speak with world-renowned scientist Dr. Wilson Liao, who is working to develop a cure for psoriatic disease. Tag NPF on Facebook to let them know that you’ve participated and add a question that you want answered by Dr. Liao. The best question wins an hour with the doctor by phone or on Skype.
Week 5: Keep Going
Now that you are fully equipped with all the knowledge and resources you need to live a happier, healthier life, keep going. Don’t drop the good habits that you’ve learned this month.