Canadians who dont have their joint pains and aches examined by a doctor could be making the problem much worse, The Arthritis Society warns. This September is Arthritis Awareness Month and The Society has launched a website to help people determine whether or not they have osteoarthritis (OA).
You dont have to be old to have arthritis, and The Society is encouraging people especially women in their 40s to complete the short quiz at www.arthritisquiz.ca to help them understand if they have OA. And more importantly, what they should do about it. The site is filled with helpful information for those already living with this complex and painful disease - people like Mary Wilson.
For Wilson, her age had little to do with her arthritis. An active and athletic personal trainer, she thought she was the last person who would have arthritis. However, after two car accidents, she was diagnosed with having arthritis in her spine as well as OA. My initial reaction was one of confusion, disbelief and then discouragement and depression, says Wilson.
As a personal trainer she was required to do a lot of high intensity training, but Wilson found she was no longer able to exercise at the same level. It was devastating. I had to refocus my work and try to develop business in a new area when I was physically challenged myself, she explains. It took a couple of years to get where she is today, but Wilson has made the most of the situation and has faced arthritis head on.
Through educating myself on the disease, taking an active role in managing my arthritis and staying positive, Ive managed to not only regain my life, but help others regain theirs. Through her arthritis exercise classes, Wilson assists others and helps them manage their disease.
Her message is simple, Educate yourself, find a good medical provider, keep as fit as you can and dont wait forever to be diagnosed... take an active role in your health. Wilson turned to The Arthritis Society as her first resource and is encouraging people to do the same during Arthritis Awareness Month.
Joint pain is a daily reality for millions of Canadians, but unfortunately many ignore these symptoms, making it worse, says Joan Vyner, education manager for The Arthritis Society BC & Yukon Division. Learning more about what lies behind your joint pain is the key, and getting an early diagnosis is critical to the outcome of the disease. Various therapies and self management approaches work best when started as early as possible.
The Society offers the Arthritis Self-Management Program and Chronic Pain Management Workshop, programs that inform participants on how to handle pain and stress, eat healthy and exercise with arthritis. Go to www.arthritis.ca for more.
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Arthritis Education Events - Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Date: Thursday, Sept. 29
Time: 1 - 3 pm
Cost: Free
ARTHRITIS SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Date: Oct. 6 Nov. 10
(six consecutive Thursday afternoons)
Time: 1 3 pm
Cost: $25 (includes The Arthritis Helpbook)
Venue: Both events take place at Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch St., Vancouver. To register, call 604-714-5550.
