People who are living with the chronic pain of arthritis may not know that there are things they can do to lessen its impact on their lives.
A free public forum will be held by the Arthritis Society on March 13 to help people understand the disease. There will be information about medications and treatments available to more than 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis.
Rheumatologist Dr. Avril Fitzgerald will lead the presentation and discuss medical options available to arthritis patients.
“Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of the elderly. It’s a disease that can strike at any age, from children as young as two to seniors in their retirement years,” said Fitzgerald.
It is the message that the society wants to send out as March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Fitzgerald said education is vital to people who live with the chronic disease.
“Another myth is that people think there’s nothing they can do about their arthritis, but there is and it starts with education,” she said. “People need to learn as much as they can about the type of arthritis they have and the treatment options and medications available to help. This presentation is a great place to start.”
Fitzgerald will be joined by Brendan Behan from the Chronic Disease Program with Vancouver Coastal Health in Powell River.
Arthritis varies in more than 100 different conditions. It includes mild forms of tendonitis to the crippling pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Others can be fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus, which involves the whole body.
Over 600,000 British Columbians live with arthritis. In the next 30 years it is anticipated that one in four or 1.49 million British Columbians will be living with it.
Joan Vyner, also with the society, said she has seen the difference this presentation makes.
“I know this presentation will help people. I’ve been to several and seen people walk away better informed to deal with this painful and complex disease. People need to understand that the more they know about the disease, the better their chances are of limiting its impact on their lives.”
The presentation will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 13 in the Elm Room at Powell River Recreation Complex. Readers can register for free by calling 1.866.414.7766.
