Simple Tasks Launched by American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology has launched a public awareness campaign designed "to educate lawmakers, administration officials, think tanks, advocacy groups, physicians and physician groups about the value of rheumatology." Rheumatic diseases fall under the umbrella term "arthritis". The term has sometimes caused confusion because many people don't realize there are over 100 diseases and conditions under that umbrella, including over 30 inflammatory rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, spondylarthritides, polymyalgia rheumatica, and several forms of systemic vasculitis, to name a few. That's not to mention osteoarthritis which is the most common type of arthritis associated with the breakdown of cartilage rather than inflammation.

The statistics are striking. There are over 7 million American adults who have inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Despite the big numbers, too often, people do not associate rheumatic diseases with their consequences which can include chronic pain, deformity, disability, and sometimes life-threatening complications. Simple Tasks will emphasize the essential role of the rheumatologist in caring for people with rheumatic diseases, and specifically, the importance of obtaining early and appropriate treatment from a rheumatologist. There is what is referred to as a "window of opportunity" when treating rheumatic diseases. Early treatment (even within the first 12 weeks for some patients) can prevent joint damage, as well as damage to other organs, while improving the chance for a remission. Check out the important information about rheumatic diseases at SimpleTasks.org.

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