Just as National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day does in May, September offers an opportunity to share information on fibromyalgia with family, friends and members of our community: it is Pain Awareness Month.

We hope that you will join in the National Fibromyalgia Association’s efforts next month to help bring awareness to this life-altering, chronic pain disorder. Several items are available to assist you on our website and in our online store—and remember, NFA members receive a 10 percent discount. If you are not a member, click here to join. Members also receive a full year of Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine. As an added gift: New members who sign up before September 30, 2008 will receive a free Fibromyalgia Awareness Bracelet.

Here are some ideas for ways you can take part in Pain Awareness Month.

Learn and Share the Facts
Spend a moment reviewing the current facts about fibromyalgia. The NFA’s Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet includes brief statements on a variety of topics, including diagnosis, symptoms, causes and treatment. The handout is easy to email to family, friends and healthcare professionals in your area. Click here to download.

The NFA’s General Information on Fibromyalgia brochure, available in our online store, is another educational tool that can be given out to others. The standard tri-fold brochure format can be easily slipped into a handbag or pocket and is the perfect size for mailing.

Conversation Starters
The NFA’s online store offers a variety of items that you can wear during September—and throughout the year. These items have been proven to be great conversation openers about fibromyalgia—whether someone approaches you to ask a question about what you are wearing or if you use the item as a lead-in.

Pin the Pledge to Care button on a shirt, baseball cap, office bulletin board, purse or other visible object. Do the same with the NFA Fibromyalgia Pin, which was custom-made for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

The Pledge to Care T-shirt offers a larger version of the button that can be seen from farther away. It also has the pledge printed on the back.

The Fibromyalgia Awareness Bracelet comes in our signature cranberry color in packs of five. Keep one for yourself, and give away the others.

Invite People to take the Pledge to Care
The NFA’s Fibromyalgia Pledge to Care, launched on January 24, 2008 at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., is designed to encourage others to join the NFA in its national advocacy efforts. Click here for information on the pledge and how your family, friends and healthcare providers can get their names listed on our online “We Care” page.

The Family & Friends’ Pledge to Care poster is also available and can be displayed in your workplace, doctor’s office, local hospital, med spa, community college, etc.

Send an eCard
A new eCard has been specially designed for Pain Awareness Month. The free card is available on our website, and can be customized with a personal note to the recipient.

Thank you for taking an active part in this awareness opportunity. If you are a member of the NFA, be sure to “Login” in the upper-right side of our website to receive a discounted price on store items.