Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a painful and debilitating chronic condition that affects up to one million Americans, but this number may be even higher given that the disease is often misdiagnosed and underreported. In fact, the prevalence of Psoriatic Arthritis in the United States is higher than the number of people living with the more well-known, serious conditions, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) combined. Psoriatic Arthritis may impact mobility in patients’ daily lives; at the most basic level, some patients are unable to walk easily or climb stairs.

Be Counted! is a new educational initiative that unites advocates, experts, and patients to raise awareness of Psoriatic Arthritis and rally public support for those living with the disease. It aims to reinforce that PsA is a disease people should better understand not only because of its significant prevalence, but because of the distinct way it impacts the body in those living with it.

The Be Counted! initiative highlights different perspectives on the disease, including insights from PsA patients, advocates, and a rheumatologist on the profound impact of living with a misunderstood disease as well as the importance of community, treatment, and disease management. People are encouraged to show their support for the community by viewing the videos at PsACounts.com and sharing on their social channels, leveraging the power of their online network to increase awareness. The site also features a heatmap demonstrating how awareness is increasing across the country by counting video views.

Dr. Jason Faller from Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital in New York, as well as Psoriatic Arthritis patient Lisa H. joined me recently to provide insights into this misunderstood condition, and to share more details about the new Be Counted! initiative.

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Take a look at our discussion below.

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For more information and resources for living with Psoriatic Arthritis, please visit: www.PsACounts.com.

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Psoriatic Arthritis

Meet Our Guest:

 

Jason Faller, MD originates from Beaver Falls, PA. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for both his undergraduate and his medical school education. As an undergraduate, he completed an honors major in biochemistry and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In medical school, his first introduction to rheumatology was during an elective with one of the founders of the field, Dr Joseph Hollander. In Chicago, at Rush Presbyterian St Luke’s Medical Center, he completed a residency in internal medicine. During his fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Michigan, he was granted a fellowship to study purine metabolism from American Rheumatism Association. Dr Faller has a number of publications in the fields of gout, purine metabolism, and Lyme disease. He has been in private practice in New York City since 1982. He serves as Chief of the Arthritis Clinic at Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital. He also is on the staff at Beth Israel and Lenox Hill hospitals. 

Psoriatic Arthritis