This year marks the 11th Annual Dysautonomia Awareness Month since Dysautonomia International launched the first Dysautonomia Awareness Month campaign in October 2012.
Dysautonomia also called autonomic dysfunction or automatic neuropathy, is a common condition in the modern world.
Automatic neuropathy is a term used to describe a group of disorders that share a common problem that has an impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The ANS is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions including moderating the heart rate, breathing, digestion, sexual arousal, and body and skin temperature.
It also controls the hormonal function, pupil dilation and bladder functions
When the ANS doesn’t work properly, it can cause heart and blood pressure problems, breathing troubles and loss of bladder control.
Common signs of the condition include shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, sleeping problems and orthostatic intolerance which means that one can’t stand up for long without feeling dizzy.
The color turquoise has been attributed to the month of October. People therefore, wear turquoise ribbons on their clothing during this month as a way of showing support for dysautonomia.
The ribbons are also a great way of raising awareness .One can be sure that a lot of people will ask about them and this gives an opportunity for one to explain himself and raise awareness on the condition.
There are different ways of observing the Dysautonomia awareness month. People are encouraged to share posts on Dysautonomia on their social media pages. This is a good way of raising awareness as the modern world has turned to the social media.
You can also dedicate a portion of your day reading resources and books about the condition .Enhancing and sharing the knowledge that is acquired is another way of observing the awareness month.
Most of the billboard companies may also be willing to donate unused space to Dysautonomia International in October to help in raising awareness.
Reaching out to media outlets –television, print, online and radio is the most effective way of reaching out to the masses with the dysautonomia awareness message. Interviews with persons with dysautonomia are a great way for people to learn as they can familiarize themselves with the condition.
Additionally, one may observe dysautonomia month by attending international events that have been organized.
BY STACY ODHIAMBO