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Press release
"BE AWARE! BE ACTIVE!"
Top health and fitness organizations join National Fibromyalgia Association campaign for "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2005"
ORANGE, Calif---- Top health and fitness organizations, including International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), Curves International, Inc. and WalkStyles, Inc. will partner with the National Fibromyalgia Association to help promote and raise awareness of "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2005."
The theme of this year's annual campaign is "BE AWARE! BE ACTIVE!" Through Awareness Day, the NFA aims to raise awareness of the physically debilitating effects of fibromyalgia (FM) while promoting the benefits of moderate and gradual physical activity and exercise in improving symptoms,
"Much scientific evidence supports exercise as an important component of coping with fibromyalgia, but we understand that people suffering from this chronic pain illness may feel that exercise is difficult at times and can actually cause more pain," said Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association.
"Fibromyalgia affects everyone differently and exercise may not be appropriate or within the capability of everyone; however, with our informational campaign and with the help of our sponsors, we want to provide a variety of approaches to physical activity that takes into consideration each person's level of ability. We applaud the efforts of people with fibromyalgia and the strength they show while struggling with this illness."
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, held May 12 of each year, is a widely celebrated, high profile media event observed by the millions of Americans with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses. Since its inception in 1997, the National Fibromyalgia Association has led Awareness Day activities nationwide in an effort to increase awareness of fibromyalgia and related conditions.
As Awareness Day Partners, the International Council on Active Aging, Curves International, Inc., WalkStyles, Inc. and other partner organizations will encourage members to participate in National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day by helping disseminate information about fibromyalgia and its treatments. Participating fitness locations will also offer free classes and other services during the week of or on May 12 to commemorate Awareness Day.
For additional Awareness Day partnership opportunities with the NFA, or to learn how individuals can participate in the "BE AWARE! BE ACTIVE!" campaign, including how to purchase a commemorative NFA wristband and request the 2005 Awareness Day poster, please call 714.921.0150.
About the National Fibromyalgia Association
The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is a nonprofit [501 (c (3)] organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA concentrates on patient support and informational services, awareness outreach, physician continuing medical education and research. The NFA produces educational materials, sponsors CME and patient conferences, hosts a web site (www.FMaware.org), and publishes Fibromyalgia AWARE, the first and only consumer magazine for people with fibromyalgia, chronic pain and other invisible illnesses. As part of the NFA's patient support efforts, we provide information and assistance to over 1,500 Fibromyalgia Support Group Leaders and their members. It is estimated that the NFA reaches over 1,000,000 people with fibromyalgia annually.
About the International Council on Active Aging
The ICAA is the world's largest association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. It connects a community of like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging Baby Boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social). The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with this growing market.
The ICAA takes an active role in helping to change the way society perceives aging. The council is one of more than 50 of the most prominent health and aging organizations working to implement the National Blueprint on Aging. Contributors to the Blueprint's development include AARP, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Geriatrics Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Aging and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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For interviews or more information about the ICAA and aging-related issues, contact:
Colin Milner, CEO
International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466
Cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc
