The Psoriasis Association of Singapore (PAS) organized the ‘Walk for Awareness’ event in conjunction with World Psoriasis Day on 24th October 2009. It started with a big fanfare at East Coast Parkway. Some 200 members, together with doctors, nurses and supporting staff were all donned in catchy red T-shirts and matching caps on this sunny morning.
The T-shirts had a highlighted slogan ‘Psoriasis is NOT contagious’, followed by the caption ‘spread the news…’. The message was both meaningful and signifi cant for public awareness; It conveyed the message effectively to the public!
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The skin is the largest organ in our body. It plays an important role in controlling our body temperature and serves as a barrier to infection. More than 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis, an affliction of the skin. The cause of psoriasis is unknown. Worst of all, psoriasis has long been misunderstood. People tend to stare at the lesions on the skin of psoriasis patients as the lesions are covered with flaky white scales. Many people think that the condition is contagious, but this is not the case!
In fact, psoriasis sufferers should ‘stop hiding’ and ‘start living’, urges Grammy award winner LeAnn Rimes. Today, members of PAS did just the same – ‘stop hiding’. The following accounts of the activities organized signify the other statement – ‘start living’.
At 0900hrs, all participants went out to the beach for the 2-km walk carrying with them colourful balloons written with the slogan – “Psoriasis is not contagious”. As they met the joggers, campers and cyclists along the way, a balloon was given to each of them. Some members even explained the purpose of the campaign. The public is made aware of the message – psoriasis is not contagious!
At 1000hrs, President of PAS, Dr Colin Theng gave an educational talk on Psoriasis. He introduced several clinical types of psoriasis. He pointed out that although psoriasis has no single cause, it is important to recognise some aggravating factors such as stress, injury and infection. He also explained the aims and choice of the treatment in psoriasis in detail.
The gathering was not for the members alone. Family members were turned out in full force and participated in all activities. Our guest-of-honour was the television celebrity, Mr.Benedict Goh , who graced the occasion and mingled with all of us. I am certain that he knows and is aware that psoriasis is not contagious!
Several members shared their testimonials. Nurul was the brave girl for the day. She first sang a Malay song with her sweet voice and won a loud applause from us. The most interesting thing she shared was her experience in Primary School. She admitted that her classmates were uncomfortable with her presence, especially in the close setting of the classroom. She won them over with her friendship and hard work with the studies. She became more confident day by day and today she is evidently a confident lady!
More activities were presented during this campaign; there were motivational poems, lucky draw and free nail spa. Lastly, the buffet brunch was served at 1230 hours. The campaign ended with a success!
Door gifts sponsored by Ego Pharmaceuticals Singapore were distributed to all members at the end of the meeting.
