Arthritis Awareness Week
Arthritis Awareness Week is Sun 21- Sat 27 March 2010
With a focus on increasing and maintaining public awareness and understanding of arthritis, we reach people throughout Australia.
Our community services and resources are developing continuously, and are available to the wider public and health professionals in metro and rural/remote areas.
Over the past few years, there have been significant developments in the treatment and management of arthritis.
These days, you don't have to put up with the frustration of daily pain and discomfort.
There are now some effective medications available, as well as lifestyle choices you can make to help manage your arthritis.
By calling our toll free number 1800 678 988 for your free arthritis information pack, you are taking the first step to managing your arthritis.
Find out more about individual state based activities throughout Arthritis Awareness Week. Download booklets and information sheets in English and five other languages. Get information on support services, medicines and resource links.
Following is information from Arthritis Awareness Week 2010:
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/index.php/news/140-media-release-15-mar-2010-rheumatoid-arthritis-champions-refuse-to-let-their-disease-get-the-better-of-them.pdf
Following is information from Arthritis Awareness Week 2009:
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/index.php/archive/128-arthritis-awareness-week-sunday-29-march-to-saturday-4-april.html
Arthritis Week 2009 - Release approved 24 February 2009
Wake up to that twinge
Don’t blame that morning stiffness or pain in your knee or wrist as a bit of ageing or from exercising too much
. “Consider the twinge in your knees, hands or hips, a wake-up call for your joints,” says Dr Mona Marabani, President of Arthritis Australia. “Recognise these aches or pains for what they could be, because there’s lots you can do and a few things you probably shouldn’t.” “Obviously not every pain is arthritis but people wrongly believe that joint problems are inevitable as we age, but they’re not,” claims Dr Marabani who’s a practising rheumatologist and joint specialist.
“There are several myths about arthritis that we particularly wanted to highlight during Arthritis Awareness Week – March 29-April 4, 2009.
“One is that it’s caused by exercise when in fact research from Tasmania’s Menzies Institute into knee arthritis has shown that people who exercise actually have fewer problems. Another myth is that arthritis is an old person’s disease - a normal, inevitable part of getting older. In fact, nearly two out of every three people with arthritis in Australia are of working age (15–64 years),” explains Dr Marabani.
“A third myth is that arthritis simply involves the joints wearing out. There are over 120 different kinds of arthritis. Some of those occur because the immune system malfunctions and causes joints to become inflamed. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of these, and often affects people in their 30s and 40s. By being joint aware we can get the right diagnosis from our doctors and do things to prevent joint damage.
Which brings me to the final myth,” says Dr Marabani. “Which is that there’s not much I can do about arthritis‟. While there are no cures at the moment for most forms of arthritis, there are lots of things you can do which will control symptoms and slow down further damage. Studies have shown – rather amazingly – that just having knowledge about your condition can make a big difference. Then you can control the arthritis rather than it controlling you. Part of this knowledge is understanding the various ways you can control pain. Pacing yourself while getting lots of exercise also helps as does not being overweight and if necessary seeking help if you’re feeling anxious or depressed.
“So don’t give up on your joints. Otherwise they might give up on you. Here are some “do’s and don’ts.”
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Do
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Don
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Take moderate weight bearing exercise five or six times a week i.e. enough to get your breathing and pulse up without feeling too stretched
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Give up on walking or cycling thinking it’s going to make your arthritis worse: the evidence is that it either makes it better or slows down the damage
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Do see your doctor and get an early and proper diagnosis
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DON’T ignore the signs
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DO stay active and keep as fit and strong as you can
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DON’T give up on activities you enjoy because you think it’s going to make your arthritis worse – the evidence is that regular, appropriate exercise is one of the best treatments for arthritis
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DO find new ways of managing daily tasks, e.g. using equipment such as specially designed cooking utensils
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DON’T cause unnecessary strain by attempting tasks that are difficult and cause pain
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DO learn pain management techniques – such as relaxation and using hot and cold packs
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DON’T let pain control your life
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DO take the medicines recommended by your doctor
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DON’T depend on friends, family or unreliable web-based sources for medicines information
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DO talk to friends and family about your arthritis so that they understand what you are experiencing
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DON’T keep your feelings to yourself and expect others to read your mind
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Facts and figures
It is estimated that 3.85 million Australians – almost one in five – have arthritis.
- Arthritis is a major cause of disability and the most prevalent of Australia’s National Health Priorities.
- Arthritis can affect people of all ages and walks of life – 60 per cent of sufferers are of working age.
- Arthritis costs the community $24 billion per year.
Arthritis Australia
As the peak body for arthritis, Arthritis Australia is responsible for promoting awareness, early diagnosis and early intervention to improve and preserve sufferers’ quality of life. In collaboration with its state and territory Affiliates it is providing a range of awareness, education and support services, as well as managing a national arthritis research program. However, gaps in service delivery have been identified and action is being sought to build capacity and reduce incidence and associated costs. Priorities include:
- Increasing awareness and education activities
- Increasing consumer knowledge of treatments available and improving access to allied health services
- Ensuring quality use of medicines as well as access to appropriate medications to retard joint damage
- Maintaining quality services by evaluating consumer needs and service delivery
Issued on behalf of Arthritis Australia.
Media Contact: Maggie Lanham Ph 02 9975 7569/0412 281 277.