Program
Friday, Aug. 8, 2003
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2003
Workshop Descriptions
Pre-conference Sessions
Learning the Basics of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Newly diagnosed? Not sure what these diseases really are? This workshop provides basic knowledge and understanding about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, common triggers and frequently asked questions. This session will be led by National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Education and Support Specialists.
Online Community Meet-and-Greet
Curious about what your online friends look like? Eager for a face-to-face connection with those you've met in psoriasis chat rooms and on the message boards? Meet and talk with others who have been finding emotional and educational support from Internet communities.
Overcoming Discrimination and Insurance Challenges
Treated differently at work? Denied insurance reimbursement for a treatment you were prescribed? Hear strategies and tips for communicating about the seriousness of your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to help you get the treatment you deserve.
Connecting with Other Support Group Leaders
Want to know how other support groups are increasing attendance? Interested in starting a group in your area? This workshop will provide psoriasis support group leaders the opportunity to talk about and learn new tools for successful group development.
Becoming a Powerful Volunteer
Want to lend your voice to the cause? Interested in raising awareness about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and the Psoriasis Foundation? Learn how you can help advance the mission of the Foundation through volunteer activities such as physician outreach, community events and school presentations.
Conference Sessions
Parenting a Child with Psoriasis (for parents only)
Concerned about your child's future living with this disease? Motivated to learn what other parents are doing to get their children to keep up with their treatments? This workshop provides parents of children who have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis the opportunity to hear from a pediatric dermatologist, as well as share questions, concerns and tips with other parents.
Supporting the Patient You Care About (for those without psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis only)
Frustrated that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis impact your life so much, even though you don't have these diseases? Talk with others who understand and explore your role in assisting someone with these diseases.
Relationships and Intimacy (for people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis only)
Scared to get close enough to someone to tell them you have psoriasis? Is the disease negatively impacting your closest relationships? Share your questions, concerns and feelings with others who understand.
Psoriasis: How It Makes You Feel
Feeling like the emotional impact of psoriasis is worse than the physical symptoms? Feel like one day you can beat your disease and the next you can't take it anymore? Explore the stages associated with having a chronic disease and share with others how it makes you feel and how you cope.
Practical Advice: Biologic Therapies
Interested in learning what it's like to receive treatments by injection? Want to know which of these new medications could be right for you, given their benefits and risks? Hear from a dermatologist and ask your questions.
Practical Advice: Topical Treatments
Tired of not getting the results you'd like from creams, ointments and other topicals? Want to know how to get the most out of the product you are using on a regular basis? A dermatologist will provide tips and answer questions.
Practical Advice: Phototherapy & Lasers
Can light treatment help with your psoriasis, and which kind might best fit your situation? Are new laser treatments an option for you? Advice and strategies will be offered by a dermatologist.
Practical Advice: Systemic Medications
Are you considering trying one of the potent medications for your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis? Or, if you have tried one, do you have questions about side effects or the results you are getting? A dermatologist offers insights and answers questions.
Tai Chi for Psoriatic Arthritis
Looking for natural ways to improve the stiffness in your joints? Interested in improving your overall health? Start your morning with an interactive Tai Chi session, designed specifically for people suffering from the painful symptoms of arthritis.
Pregnancy and Psoriasis
Do you have psoriasis and are expecting a baby? Are you and your spouse trying to start or considering starting a family? This workshop explores the important issues for treating psoriasis that are raised by these situations, and also the many ways psoriasis can react during pregnancy.
It Works for Me
Found something that has improved your psoriasis? Interested in knowing what has really worked (or hasn't) for other people? Come and share your practical homespun advice and hear from others who have tried a multitude of different treatments for psoriasis.
Being a Powerful Patient
Often find yourself frustrated after a visit to your doctor because your questions aren't answered? Want to know how to get the most out of this important relationship? In this session, you'll hear from a patient advocate about how to take control of your care and become your own best ally.
Art Therapy: Benefits for Psoriasis
Sometimes feel like your psoriasis has trapped emotions inside of you that are just waiting to get out? Interested in exploring your disease in a more creative way? Explore your artistic side while visually communicating feelings associated with your psoriasis.
Stress Management through Meditation
Do you find that your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis gets worse when you are stressed out? Would you like to learn some practical ways to increase the effectiveness of traditional treatments by incorporating meditative techniques? Participate in an interactive session that allows you to learn the benefits of meditation and explore your ability to better cope with the pressures of life.
Supporting Each Other: Couples' Discussion
Is psoriasis a challenging issue in your relationship? Are the physical symptoms and emotional challenges of this disease something you struggle to deal with on a regular basis? This session will provide an opportunity for couples to share what obstacles they confront and how they cope and overcome.
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