November is Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month
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 IHhS is leading patient-centric, educational, supportive, and non-commercial efforts to champion the needs of Hh sufferers around the world:
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: The first #MyHhStory Film Premieres November 14th. New IHhS documentaries will be available during Hh Awareness Month for viewing and 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 percent of people 18-39 years old have been shown to experience excessive sweating. 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. Information on all events is available online. Visit SweatHelp.org and IHhS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more and get involved.
Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month is made possible by unrestricted grants from the makers of Certain Dri, and from Dermira, and from the makers of miraDry.