Center Valley, PA, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
International Hyperhidrosis Society Reminds Us: Sweat is on the Surface, but the Pain of Hyperhidrosis Runs Deep.
November is Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month. The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) wants the world to know that hyperhidrosis’ (Hh) uncontrollable, no-fault sweating can soak through clothing and water-damage electronics. This makes Hh awareness especially important at school and work where the condition can negatively impact functioning, connections, confidence, and advancement.
So, this November (and every November until there is a cure) IHhS is leading patient-centric, educational, supportive, and non-commercial efforts to champion the needs of Hh sufferers around the world.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. One Hh Story + Two Hh Voices + Professional Studio = Library of Congress Treasure, Forever: It's OPEN CALL for the #MyHhStory AUDIO Project in which one Hh story will be selected for LIVE recording in NYC and archived in the Library of Congress audio collection. With 365 million people directly affected by excessive sweating, the Hh story deserves to be honored, documented and shared. Hh sufferers can submit their Hh stories for consideration through #MyHhStory. Entries will become part of IHhS’ collection of real Hh voices with one special story being recorded for the largest library in the world. The lead storyteller will travel with a companion (transportation and accommodations provided) to record their lasting entry in a production studio. Deadline for entries is 11:59pm PST on Friday, November 30th, 2018.
2. Documentary Debut: First #MyHhStory Film Premieres November 14th: NEW IHhS documentaries will be available during Hh Awareness Month for viewing and – importantly – sharing. Each illustrates the perseverance and resilience of Hh sufferers; the significance, diversity and impact of Hh; and the work of IHhS as it campaigns for Hh understanding, compassion and awareness.
3. Hyperhidrosis Awareness in the Workplace -- AT&T Newscast: IHhS is teaming up with AT&T to educate the mega-company’s 230,000+ employees about Hh and appropriate workplace accommodations. This is both a sufferer- and employer-friendly initiative because 8.8% of people 18-39 years old (prime productive years!) have been shown to experience excessive sweating. This November, IHhS Executive Director, Lisa J. Pieretti, will join AT&T employees who are Hh advocates (and sufferers) for a newscast about excessive sweating. Other companies are encouraged to bring Hh accommodations and understanding to their workplaces for greater employee wellness, productivity and loyalty. In 2019, the IHhS will roll out a toolkit to help make this happen. Watch for updates and video links.
4. Hyperhidrosis Awareness 4 Pediatricians, School Nurses, Dermatologists: One of the most daunting barriers to satisfying Hh care is obtaining up-to-date, effective and empathetic attention from medical providers. Throughout November, IHhS will campaign for greater awareness and knowledge in clinical settings. Public service announcements and ads are running all month in professional publications for pediatricians, dermatologists, school nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more.
5. Gear Up for IHhS November Giveaways: Everyone can join the Hh conversation on social media for a chance to win weekly #KnowSweatGiftBox giveaways valued at over $500 each and courtesy of hyperhidrosis-friendly entrepreneurs, who innovate with the hyperhidrosis sufferer, and the condition’s many forms, in mind. Watch on Facebook for #iCanRelate challenges every Monday in November. Each week, the person with the most “relatable” Hh comment will win a #KnowSweatGiftBox. Prize-winners must be subscribed to the IHhS blog to qualify. Gift boxes will be mailed in December – just in time for the holidays!
Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month activities are taking place throughout November. Visit SweatHelp.org and IHhS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more and get involved.
For additional information contact Christine Fleckenstein at Christine@SweatHelp.org.
Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month is made possible by unrestricted grants from the makers of Certain Dri, from Dermira and from the makers of miraDry.
About Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that affects approximately 4.8% of the population. It results in extreme, uncontrollable sweating and:
- Is associated with much higher rates of anxiety & depression
- Has negative quality-of-life impacts equal to or greater than severe acne & psoriasis
- Increases risk of skin infections by 300%
- Is more common than peanut allergies
- Manifests unexpectedly and often with disabling symptoms that last for hours
- Is stigmatized while being under-recognized, under-diagnosed, under-treated
- Forces people to develop complicated, time-consuming and expensive routines of treatments, hiding, avoiding, drying, absorbing, and more – all in an attempt to live a “normal” daily life and to feel dry, “put together” and accepted
- Causes sweat to drip down elbows, off fingers, into the eyes, and more
- Leads to sufferers feeling cold, slippery, unattractive, insecure, and emotionally drained
- Drenches and damages shoes, clothes, papers, and mainstay tech tools like smartphones
Yet, only 1 in 4 hyperhidrosis sufferers is ever diagnosed, and far fewer are cared for effectively with best practices.
There is not yet a cure for hyperhidrosis, and current treatment options do not work for everyone or for every location of hyperhidrosis sweating. Additionally, many healthcare providers continue to be under-educated in effective strategies for hyperhidrosis diagnosis and care.
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
Founded in 2003 by an elite team of world-respected physicians in hyperhidrosis research and treatment along with dedicated advocates, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) is the only independent, non-profit, global organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. IHhS’ mission is to reduce the symptoms, anxiety and social stigma associated with excessive sweating by improving the information, support and treatments available to the millions of children, teens and adults affected by hyperhidrosis worldwide. Visit www.SweatHelp.org to learn more, to access a targeted Physician Finder, for useful downloads, and to stay up-to-date thanks to the hyperhidrosis news blog. Connect on Facebook via SweatingStopsHere, Twitter @WeKnowSweat and Instagram @WeKnowSweat. You can also find us on YouTube.