Be Informed

World Psoriasis Day is every October. The day is celebrated by 56 countries that host activities geared to raising awareness about psoriasis. Think about it: 56 countries. What an amazing number! As we are all aware, there is certainly more awareness and knowledge that needs to be shared and raised about psoriasis.

While October has come and passed - the theme for 2021 was "Be Informed". It was such an important theme but also one we should carry with us throughout the year. In all areas of our psoriasis journeys, we should be informed.

What does being informed entail?

Being Informed can mean many different things to each of us. In my case, being informed is staying up-to-date on the new treatments that are coming out. For someone who is newly diagnosed, being informed can be learning everything about psoriasis.

I know that was me when I was first diagnosed. I wanted to learn everything I could about psoriasis especially since I knew no one with psoriasis. Being informed for others could mean learning about a new diagnosis that is associated with having psoriasis.

That was another big one for me being newly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. There is still so much that needs to come to light where psoriasis is concerned.

This practice applies to medical professionals as well

I know this is a touchy situation for most of us. We all have our own horror stories about doctors. I definitely could fill this article up with the misconceptions these doctors today have about psoriasis.

Part of being informed is the ask for doctors to be more informed as well. After all, how can they treat a psoriasis patient if they are not informed about the disease they are trying to treat? Better yet, an informed medical professional can give a newly diagnosed psoriasis patient the information needed to navigate this disease.

I sure can remember the thousand questions I had when I was newly diagnosed. An informed professional can help a psoriasis patient make an informed decision when it comes to treatment. We all could use that dealing with the doctors of today.

How will you stay informed?

Can you imagine a world where everyone knows what psoriasis is? However, when I think of the number of us that deal with psoriasis, if even half of us do something to stay informed and continue to raise awareness, there is no way something good cannot come from that. Putting this theme into practice throughout the year can be so beneficial.

How have you kept up with the theme of being informed?