Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month
As part of its Simple Tasks campaign, the American College of Rheumatology launched Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) in September 2016 to raise awareness about the 100+ conditions under the umbrella of rheumatic disease such as Sjögren's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout. During this time, the ACR focused on increasing public understanding of the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, personal and economic impact, lifestyle, and healthcare challenges associated with rheumatic diseases. The Simple Tasks team has accomplished this through a variety of methods, including public service announcements, patient testimonials, and collateral pieces.
Past Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month Campaigns
In honor of this year’s Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) have curated expert-approved resources for patients to learn and practice exercise tips and strategies to help reduce symptoms of their rheumatic conditions.
This year's campaign, RheumMoves: Exercise for Individuals Living with Rheumatic Diseases, addresses the current knowledge gap by educating patients about the importance of physical activity and an exercise routine and encouraging them to collaborate actively with their rheumatology healthcare team and physical therapist to manage their rheumatic condition. By fostering this knowledge and partnership, we hope to empower patients to take a more proactive role in their treatment journey.
RDAM 2025 Campaign Toolkit
We are excited that you are participating in RDAM 2025. Explore resources, including videos, infographic, blog post and social media resources.
- Infographic: Top seven exercise tips >
- Blog Post: Read tips and best practices from leading PTs >
- Media: RDAM 2025 press release >
- ACR on Air Podcast: Drs. Adam Goode and Linda Li share the importance of movement and exercise >
- Self-Management Guide: Exercise and self-management tips for patients living with lupus >
- Exercise & Arthritis Fact Sheet: Information on the benefits of exercise, best types of exercise, when to exercise, and how to get started >
Videos
- Yoga: Reduce stress through focused relaxation >
- Strength Training: Simple at-home resistance exercises >
- Flexibility: Gentle instructor-led Pilates routine
- Balance: 5-minute balance workout at home for beginners >
- Stretching: Morning stretches for stiffness >
- Aerobic: At-home cardio workout class >
- Aerobic Chair: Instructor-led Zumba class >
Shareable Social Media Resources
You are invited to download these social media graphics to share with your social networks.
Download sample captions to accompany your social media posts >
- RheumMoves >
- Reduce Pain >
- Prioritize Low-Impact Activities >
- Warm Up and Cool Down Thoroughly >
- Break Up Prolonged Sitting or Lying Down >
- Listen to Your Body >
- Incorporate Strength Training >
- Include Flexibility Training >
- Consult a Specialist >
Downloading Shareable Social Media Graphics
- Click the link for the image you would like to share to open the image in a new tab.
- Right-click (or Ctrl + click on a Mac) on the image you want to save.
- Select the "Save image as" or similar option, then choose where to save the file on your computer/device.
In honor of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, the American College of Rheumatology has curated self-management strategies and resources to improve your quality of life—from stress management to lifestyle changes.
The 2024 campaign “Self-Management for Patients Living with Rheumatic Conditions” features a self-management toolkit including a whiteboard video and patient testimonial video, an infographic with five self-management tips and downloadable social media graphics.
RDAM 2024 Campaign Toolkit
In honor of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and our Simple Tasks public awareness campaign developed resources to help patients understand biosimilar medications and their effectiveness in treating rheumatic diseases.
The 2023 campaign “Biosimilars & You: A Guide for Patients with Rheumatic Disease” featured an educational whiteboard video narrated by Marcus Snow, MD, Chair of the ACR Committee on Rheumatologic Care and spokesperson for RDAM 2023.
Check out these other rheumatologist-approved resources to learn more about biosimilars and you: