Global Healthy Living Foundation Launches New Patient Education Platform and Webinar to Address Gaps in Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Initiative expands PMR resources with new patient-focused website and expert-led webinar to improve understanding, diagnosis, and care

UPPER NYACK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) announced the launch of a new patient-centered educational website and the release of a companion webinar designed to improve awareness, understanding, and management of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Available at GHLF.org/livePMR, the new platform provides accessible, evidence-based resources, such as downloadable PDFs, articles, videos, and a link to a recent webinar that launched with the website on May 5^th.

This new platform complements LearnPMR, GHLF’s existing educational hub for healthcare professionals and public health audiences, which had originally launched in April 2025 and was recently updated with new resources. Together, these platforms create a comprehensive ecosystem of PMR education for both clinical and patient communities.

Addressing a Critical Knowledge Gap

PMR is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects adults over 50 and causes pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips. Despite affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans, PMR remains underrecognized and often can be difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms and limited awareness.

Both the patient website and webinar were developed with input from patients, clinicians, and researchers and are supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand PMR education and awareness.

At the new patient website, visitors can find the following support and resources:

• Educational information for patients and caregivers
• Evidence-based summaries in language that is clear and easy to understand
• Tools to support conversations with healthcare providers
• Practical strategies for managing daily life with PMR

GHLF also hosted a live webinar on May 5^th that featured rheumatologist Sebastian Sattui, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director Vasculitis/PMR Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Joining Dr. Sattui were patient advocate Mary Dunn, PhD, who lives with PMR, and moderator Shilpa Venkatachalam, PhD, GHLF’s Chief of Patient-Centered Research and Ethical Oversight Officer. The webinar provided expert insights on diagnosis, symptom management, and patient support, while elevating real-world patient perspectives.

The webinar drew strong engagement, with more than 120 registrants. A recording is now available on YouTube by clicking here.

Why It Matters

PMR is frequently misunderstood, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Improving awareness and access to reliable information is essential to helping patients receive timely care and better manage their condition.

“PMR has historically been underrecognized, leaving patients without clear answers or support,” Dr. Venkatachalam said.

“With these new materials, we are bringing together research, clinical expertise, and patient voices to close that gap and empower people with the knowledge they need to advocate for their care,” she added.

Educational Support

The initiative is designed to support the following roles:

• Patients and caregivers seeking clear, trustworthy information
• Health-care professionals looking to improve diagnostic accuracy and care strategies
• Researchers and policymakers working to improve their understanding of PMR and its impact on one’s overall health

By combining education with real-world insights, these resources reflect GHLF’s broader mission to empower people living with chronic illness through advocacy, education, and patient-centered research.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve outcomes in PMR. By equipping both patients and clinicians with better information, we can reduce diagnostic delays and ensure more effective, timely treatment,” said Dr. Sattui.

The webinar also highlighted patient perspectives:

“Living with PMR can be overwhelming, especially when you’re first trying to understand what’s happening in your body. Having access to trusted information and hearing from both experts and patients helps people feel more confident managing their condition and advocating for themselves,” said Dunn.

How to Access Resources

Patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates can find PMR resources by:

• Visiting the patient education website: GHLF.org/livePMR
• Exploring LearnPMR for healthcare professionals: https://ghlf.org/pmr
• Watching the webinar recording by clicking here
• Joining GHLF’s patient education and advocacy efforts and by signing up at GHLF.org

About the Global Healthy Living Foundation

The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with chronic illness through advocacy, education, and patient-centered research.