If your fingertips, toes or any other extremity become painful when exposed to cold temperatures, you might be suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon.
If holding an iced drink - or putting your hands in the freezer - causes your fingers to turn blue (or white), you could be one of an estimated 28 million people in the US who have Raynaud's phenomenon.
If air conditioning often triggers your fingers or toes to hurt, you might be experiencing a Raynaud's spasm.
Everyone has felt the discomfort associated with cold hands. But for individuals with Raynaud’s Disease, cold weather and/or stress can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to coldness, numbness, color change, throbbing and swelling of extremities including fingers and toes.
Biofeedback has been shown to be highly effective in treating Raynaud’s Disease. Research by members of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback demonstrates that thermal biofeedback is especially effective in the treatment of primary Raynaud’s Disease, with some reports indicating that 80-90% of patients report improved circulation and a reduced frequency of symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »
Attendees of the first Raynaud’s Education & Support Day, held July 31 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, learned how therapies such as acupuncture, massage, biofeedback and yoga can prevent or minimize Raynaud’s attacks; that “healing foods” such as avocados can boost the body’s defenses against disease; and how to guard against stressors that can trigger spasms.
The full-day program of lectures, workshops and product demonstrations was held in conjunction with the Scleroderma Foundation’s annual patient conference, whose attendees attended many of the Raynaud’s sessions. (Although few people with Raynaud’s have scleroderma, those with systemic scleroderma usually have Raynaud’s as a component of their disease.)
The agenda of Raynaud’s-specific talks included sessions about the medical aspects of the disease, nutrition, alternative therapies, advocacy, products that help to prevent Raynaud’s attacks and/or treat ulcers, and strategies Raynaud’s sufferers can use for coping with situations in the workplace, the marketplace and at home. Read the rest of this entry »
We’re happy to announce Gerbings’s Core Heat Products is the Raynaud’s Association’s new Site Sponsor. You may already know about the company’s rechargeable, battery-operated heated products and how they provide warmth to protect us Frosties against winter chills.
What you probably don’t know is that the company’s spokesperson Stephanie Rainey is a Raynaud’s sufferer. Hear Stephanie’s story:
Please vote for the Raynaud’s Association! Chase is donating a total of $5 million to 200 local charities. The Raynaud’s Association
helps the 5 to 10% of the population that suffers from Raynaud’s cope with this widespread but little known autoimmune condition. To get our share of the $5 million Chase is giving away, you must vote now! Please help us spread the word – tell your friends on Facebook.
The Raynaud’s Association is partnering with the Scleroderma Foundation in creating a special Raynaud’s Education & Support Day – our first National Conference!
Join us for a full day of informative and involving workshops:
Saturday, July 31st
Conference Workshops:
10:15 AM to 5:30 PM
Sheraton Hotel
Boston, MA
Register for $75 Now!
Here’s a simple and free way to Support the Raynaud’s Association:
GoodSearch will donate a $1 for every toolbar that is downloaded between April 6th at 9am EST and April 9th at 9am EST up to $5,000!! Please download the Raynaud’s Association toolbar starting April 6th by following this link - Raynaud’s Association ToolbarRead the rest of this entry »
The Arthritis Foundation understands how important the right healthcare professional is in the fight against arthritis. To show appreciation for their good work, the Arthritis Foundation is honoring the “docs that rock” at upcoming Arthritis Walk events across the country.Read the rest of this entry »
We’re working with the Scleroderma Foundation to add a separate RAYNAUD’S DAY to their National Patient Education Conference this year. Read the rest of this entry »
