The 12 Tips of Christmas

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Want Pain-Free Shopping Days at Christmas

A survey of women in the United Kingdom (U.K.) reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a severe emotional and physical impact on people living with the disease and their families. Feelings of detachment and isolation from those closest to them due to RA are especially prevalent at Christmas, which should be one of the happiest times of the year. The survey findings of 300 women with RA living in the U.K., suggest that 33% feel the disease impacts on their enjoyment of family events like Christmas which increases to 39% for women with moderate RA.

The survey, sponsored by biopharmaceutical company UCB, highlights that more than a quarter (26%) of women with RA find it always more painful to attend parties and celebrations or have stopped attending altogether; this increases to 67% for women with severe RA. Additionally, RA is impacting on personal relations with more than a quarter of women believing the condition affects their closest relationships for the worse, and 61% feeling that friends and family do not understand their pain.

In light of the 'Good Days' survey findings, UCB and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society have collaborated to develop the '12 Tips of Christmas' with information to help people with RA manage and enjoy the hectic holiday season.

Please click here to download the '12 Tips of Christmas' - a full guide that details ways to embrace and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.

For more information about the 'Good Days' survey findings, or if you have any questions about the '12 Tips of Christmas' please email 12Tips@fleishman.com